A newly released South Korean documentary has put the spotlight back on the country’s first President Syngman Rhee — and on his hardline approach to North Korea still popular in conservative circles.

“The Birth of Korea” (건국전쟁) recounts Rhee’s life story and his leadership during the Korean War, winning praise from politicians on the right for honoring what they say are his forgotten achievements.

The documentary notably paints Rhee as the savior of South Korea, a strong leader whose unwavering commitment to liberal democratic values prevented the country from falling into communist hands.

However, the film has also received significant