Written by Emily Jisoo
Director Grant Hyun’s short film “Koreatown” is based on a true story about a male do-umi (Korean for escort) who works in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, one of the largest of its kind. With Korean-American films, you might expect stories of hardworking parents who build their lives on sacrifice, and second-generation kids who struggle with their cultural identity. Koreatown offers something very different, almost surreal, but very much grounded in its surroundings and approach.
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Set in 2007, the film follows Kyeong, a do-umi at a noraebang (Korean karaoke bar). He entertains his female clients, pouring them drinks and singing for them. Through a series of snapshots, his precarious life of excessive alcohol, violence, and emotional labour comes into focus. When an older Korean woman pays him extra to come to her house, he acquiesces and gives in to her disturbing request.
Director Grant Hyun’s short film “Koreatown” is based on a true story about a male do-umi (Korean for escort) who works in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, one of the largest of its kind. With Korean-American films, you might expect stories of hardworking parents who build their lives on sacrifice, and second-generation kids who struggle with their cultural identity. Koreatown offers something very different, almost surreal, but very much grounded in its surroundings and approach.
Follow our coverage of the deeper depths of Asian cinema
Set in 2007, the film follows Kyeong, a do-umi at a noraebang (Korean karaoke bar). He entertains his female clients, pouring them drinks and singing for them. Through a series of snapshots, his precarious life of excessive alcohol, violence, and emotional labour comes into focus. When an older Korean woman pays him extra to come to her house, he acquiesces and gives in to her disturbing request.
- 10/21/2023
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
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