Joint Security Area

Korean theatrical poster for Joint Security Area (2000).

Joint Security Area (Korean: Gongdong gyeongbi guyeok JSA / 공동경비구역 JSA) is a 2000 South Korean drama film directed by Park Chan-wook (Oldboy) and starring Lee Byung-hun (A Bittersweet Life), Song Kang-ho (Shiri), and Lee Young-ae. Set in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, the film follows the investigation of a fatal gunbattle between the two countries that becomes increasingly complicated as the motivations of the soldiers involved become clearer.

The following weapons were used in the film Joint Security Area:

Handguns

Beretta 92FS

ROKA Sergeant Lee Soo-hyeok (Lee Byung-hun) and Private Nam Sung-shik (Kim Tae-woo) carry Beretta 92FS pistols as their sidearms, as do other ROKA and US soldiers. In reality, ROKA forces use the Daewoo K5 as their standard sidearm. However, South Korean JSA security forces consisted of Korean Augmentation To the US Army (KATUSA) soldiers until 2004. KATUSA soldiers use the same weapon and uniforms as the US Army.

Beretta 92FS - 9x19mm

Sgt. Lee demonstrates the loading of a Beretta 92F for Major Sophie Jean (Lee Young-ae).

Sophie examines a jammed Beretta that contradicts the claims made by Sgt. Lee and Pvt. Nam.

Sgt. Lee fires a Beretta during shooting practice.

A Beretta is fired during the film's climax.

"Pre-B" CZ 75

KPA Sergeant Oh Kyeong-pil (Song Kang-ho) and Private Jeong Woo-jin (Shin Ha-kyun) carry "Pre-B" CZ-75 pistols as their standard sidearms. The CZ-75 is actually used by the North Korean military under the name Baek Du San.

"Pre-B" CZ 75 - 9x19mm

The "Pre-B" CZ 75, as seen in the film's climax.

Sgt. Oh attempts to intervene in a standoff between Sgt. Lee and a KPA officer.

The CZ 75 is pointed at Pvt. Nam.

Sgt. Oh fires his CZ 75.

Rifles

M16A1 (With M16A2 handguards)

ROKA soldiers patrolling the DMZ are mostly armed with the M16A1 with M16A2 handguards. ROKA forces throughout the movie are wearing US Army uniforms and equipment because they are KATUSAs.

M16A1 with A2 style handguards - 5.56x45mm

A soldier uses a M16A1 with a night-vision scope during a patrol along the DMZ.

Sgt. Lee holds a M16A1 during a winter patrol.

Lee hides behind a tree when his patrol spots approaching KPA troops.

AKM

KPA soldiers use the AKM rifle throughout the film, most prominently during the gun battle at the beginning of the film and a scene where North and South Korean soldiers meet during a winter patrol.

AKM, Stamped Steel Receiver w/ slant muzzle brake - 7.62x39mm

Sgt. Oh points an AKM at Pvt. Nam when he stumbles into their bunker.

KPA soldiers point AKMs at their South Korean counterparts.

A KPA officer holds an AKM as he exchanges cigarettes with a ROKA officer.

KPA soldiers fire AKMs.

Colt Model 653

A South Korean officer carries a Colt Model 653 carbine during a winter patrol.

Colt Model 653 Carbine 16" barrel - 5.56x45mm

The officer aims the Model 653.

The officer lowers his Model 653 to go meet his North Korean counterpart.

M4A1 Carbine

M4A1 carbines with C-More sights are used by ROKA soldiers during the gun battle at the border post.

M4A1 - 5.56x45mm

ROKA soldiers with M4A1 carbines take their positions.

A ROKA soldier exchanges fire with KPA troops at the opposite side of the DMZ.

Machine Guns

Daewoo K3 (Mocked up as M249 SAW)

Interestingly, South Korean soldiers fire a Daewoo K3 during the gun battle, which is modified with the addition of a heat shield and a different buttstock to resemble the M249 SAW. Mocking up the Daewoo K3 as an American weapon is strange as the Daewoo K3 is a South Korean weapon to begin with.

Daewoo K3 - 5.56x45mm NATO

M249-E2 SAW - upgraded M249 with heat shield and full synthetic Stock, equipped with a 200 round ammo drum - 5.56x45mm

A ROKA soldier fires a Daewoo K3 at the North Koreans.

The different gas block and front sight post arrangement on the K3 compared to the M249 is noticeable in this side shot. Also note the curved, rather than angular, charging handle.

Browning M1919A4

A Browning M1919A4 can be seen in archival footage about the Korean War.

Browning M1919A4 on an M31C pedestal mount - .30-06 Springfield

An American soldier mans a Browning M1919A4.

Other

M203 Grenade Launcher

M203 grenade launchers are mounted on some of the M16A1s used by ROKA soldiers.

M16A1 5.56x45mm with M203 grenade launcher 40mm

A soldier in the background holds a M16A1/M203.

M72 LAW

ROKA soldiers fire a M72 LAW at a North Korean position during the gun battle.

M72A2 LAW - 66mm

A ROKA soldier prepares to fire a M72 LAW.

The LAW is fired at a North Korean position.