Peninsula
A soldier and his team battle hordes of post-apocalyptic zombies in the wastelands of the Korean Peninsula.
Despite a moderate budget of $17.0M, Peninsula became a commercial success, earning $42.7M worldwide—a 151% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Peninsula (2020) demonstrates precise narrative architecture, characteristic of Yeon Sang-ho's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 55 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Jung-seok and his brother-in-law Chul-min attempt to escape the zombie outbreak via ship. The chaotic evacuation establishes Jung-seok's survivor mentality - he prioritizes getting on the boat over helping others.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Hong Kong gangsters offer Jung-seok and Chul-min $2.5 million each to return to the peninsula and retrieve a truck containing $20 million in cash. The impossible mission represents a chance to escape their refugee existence.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 23% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Jung-seok and his team land on the peninsula shores and enter the abandoned cityscape of Incheon. They cross the bridge into hell - committing to the mission despite overwhelming danger. This is Jung-seok's active choice to return to the source of his trauma., moving from reaction to action.
At 55 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 48% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Jung-seok and his team successfully locate and secure the money truck (false victory), but are immediately ambushed by Unit 631. The team is captured, the money is taken, and Jung-seok is forced into death matches in Captain Seo's zombie arena. Stakes escalate dramatically - survival itself is now uncertain., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 84 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Chul-min betrays Jung-seok, choosing the money over loyalty. Min-jung's family is captured by Unit 631. Elder Hwang (Min-jung's father-in-law) sacrifices himself to save the children, deliberately drawing zombies to himself. This death mirrors Jung-seok's sister's death - another family member lost. Jung-seok hits rock bottom, having failed again to protect others., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 91 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Jung-seok makes the definitive choice: abandon the money and save Min-jung's family. He combines his military skills with the family's knowledge of the peninsula. He synthesizes his "old world" capabilities with his "new world" understanding - that humanity and redemption matter more than survival or wealth., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Peninsula's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Peninsula against these established plot points, we can identify how Yeon Sang-ho utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Peninsula within the horror genre.
Yeon Sang-ho's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Yeon Sang-ho films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Peninsula represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Yeon Sang-ho filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more Yeon Sang-ho analyses, see Train to Busan.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Jung-seok and his brother-in-law Chul-min attempt to escape the zombie outbreak via ship. The chaotic evacuation establishes Jung-seok's survivor mentality - he prioritizes getting on the boat over helping others.
Theme
Jung-seok's sister dies on the refugee ship after being denied entry despite being uninfected. Another survivor comments: "We're all trying to survive. Don't blame yourself." The theme of guilt, survival choices, and redemption is established.
Worldbuilding
Four years later in Hong Kong. Jung-seok lives as a marginalized refugee, drinking heavily and suffering PTSD. Flashbacks show his guilt over his sister's death. He's ostracized by the Korean refugee community. His relationship with Chul-min is strained by mutual blame.
Disruption
Hong Kong gangsters offer Jung-seok and Chul-min $2.5 million each to return to the peninsula and retrieve a truck containing $20 million in cash. The impossible mission represents a chance to escape their refugee existence.
Resistance
Jung-seok debates the suicide mission with Chul-min. They recruit a team and plan the operation. Briefings show the peninsula is now a lawless zombie wasteland. Jung-seok is reluctant but desperate for the money and a fresh start. The team prepares and travels by boat back to Korea.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Jung-seok and his team land on the peninsula shores and enter the abandoned cityscape of Incheon. They cross the bridge into hell - committing to the mission despite overwhelming danger. This is Jung-seok's active choice to return to the source of his trauma.
Mirror World
Jung-seok encounters Min-jung and her two daughters (Joon and Yu-jin) - survivors living in the peninsula. They rescue Jung-seok from zombies with their modified getaway car. This family represents what Jung-seok lost and abandoned - they are still human, still protecting each other.
Premise
The "promise of the premise" - zombie peninsula action. Jung-seok navigates the dangers: zombie hordes, the rogue militia Unit 631 led by Captain Seo who captures survivors for gladiatorial games, and the challenge of locating the money truck. Survival skills and action sequences dominate. Jung-seok reunites with Min-jung's family at their hideout.
Midpoint
Jung-seok and his team successfully locate and secure the money truck (false victory), but are immediately ambushed by Unit 631. The team is captured, the money is taken, and Jung-seok is forced into death matches in Captain Seo's zombie arena. Stakes escalate dramatically - survival itself is now uncertain.
Opposition
Jung-seok fights for his life in the arena while Captain Seo's militia tightens control. Min-jung's family attempts a rescue. Unit 631 discovers the hideout. The antagonist forces close in on all fronts. Jung-seok must choose between escaping with the money or helping the family. His selfishness is tested against growing connection to Min-jung and her daughters.
Collapse
Chul-min betrays Jung-seok, choosing the money over loyalty. Min-jung's family is captured by Unit 631. Elder Hwang (Min-jung's father-in-law) sacrifices himself to save the children, deliberately drawing zombies to himself. This death mirrors Jung-seok's sister's death - another family member lost. Jung-seok hits rock bottom, having failed again to protect others.
Crisis
Jung-seok processes the loss and confronts his guilt. He sees Hwang's sacrifice as redemptive - the old man chose to save the children. Jung-seok realizes he must do the same. He cannot outrun his past; he must face it by choosing others over himself. The dark night transforms into resolve.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Jung-seok makes the definitive choice: abandon the money and save Min-jung's family. He combines his military skills with the family's knowledge of the peninsula. He synthesizes his "old world" capabilities with his "new world" understanding - that humanity and redemption matter more than survival or wealth.
Synthesis
The finale: Jung-seok leads the rescue and escape. Explosive vehicle chases through zombie hordes. Confrontation with Captain Seo and Unit 631. Chul-min dies in the chaos. Jung-seok defeats Seo. The family races to the evacuation point at the harbor where a UN rescue ship waits. All story threads resolve - Jung-seok earns his redemption through sacrifice.
Transformation
Jung-seok, Min-jung, and the two girls board the UN ship to Hong Kong. Jung-seok cradles one of the sleeping children - a mirror of the opening where he failed to save his sister's family. Now he has become a protector rather than a guilty survivor. He has found redemption and a new family. His face shows peace rather than trauma.