Korean Cinema Today

may 2011
Vol. 10

20
KOREAN
FILMS TO
LOOK OUT
FOR
SECOND HALF
OF 2011

34 Sector 7

REPORT
SPOTLIGHT
04 Box Office Report in the First Quarter of
50 HA Jung-woo in The Yellow Sea
2010-2011
06 KOFIC's New Location Incentive VIEW
08 The Current Trends in Korean Cinema 52 Small Nations
at the 12th JIFF HOT MOVIE
10 KOBIZ, The Gateway to Korean Films 54 Officer of the Year
11 Strategy of CJ E&M
12 Global Agency, United Asia Management NEW FILMS
56 Animal Town & Other Newly Released Films
INTERVIEW
14 KIM Eui-suk, New Chairperson of KOFIC PRODUCTION BOARD
66 New Korean Films in Production
FEATURE
22 The Kick , a Korean-Thai Co-production Film

cover : THE DAY HE ARRIVES

PUBLISHER KIM Eui-suk, Chairman of KOFIC EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Daniel D.H.PARK, HAN Sunhee MANAGER KIM Hong-chun EDITORIAL
ASSISTANT LEE Sejin COPY EDITOR Tae JO COntributing EDITORS Darcy PAQUET, Jean NOH TRANSLATORS SON Ju-hee, JUNG Yu Jin,
Hanna LEE, Thomas NAM, KIM Young-woo DESIGN & ART DIRECTION JUNG Kyoung-wook, ROH Hyoung-soo, LEE Seung-hyun, KO Jung-hee
PRINT SeoKang CONTACT | Tel +82 2 958 7591~9 Fax +82 2 958 7590 E-mail hckim@kofic.or.kr Website www.koreanfilm.or.kr Address 206-46, Cheongnyangni-dong,
Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea 130-010
KOREAN CINEMA TODAY is published bi-monthly by Korean Film Council(KOFIC). All articles represent views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect KOFIC
policy in any given area. ©Korean Film Council 2010, Designed by JR Design

MAY 2011 03
report

Audience Decreasing,
But Varied Platforms
Box Office Report in the First Quarter of 2010-2011

By LEE Hyong-suk replaced the home video market, has been a 6.5% drop, compared to 156.96 million
The Korean film industry has undergone revitalized with increasing profits from in 2009. The number of audiences in the
an overall recession and depression due new windows such as internet downloads, first quarter of 2011 has been 34.31 million
to the decreasing number of audience last IPTV and mobile service. The export of so far, which is a 10.2% drop, compared
year. Especially, if compared to the growth Korean films’ has remained steady, but CG, to the first quarter of 2010. However, the
of Japan and China film industries in 2010, special make-up and special effect services total theater sales in 2010 were 1.07 billion
the recession of the Korean film industry is have explosively expanded its businesses USD (1.15 trillion KRW) with a 5.1% increase
relatively prominent. The biggest hit film of into foreign countries. With industrial and compared to total theater sales last year.
2010 was The Man from Nowhere and the economic indexes, the most noticeable The increasing theater sales have been
box office result of the film was about 6.18 phenomenon last year was that popular possible due to an increased ticket price
million which was merely half compared genre and the contents of Korean film have as of July 2009 and an increasing number
to the No. 1 movie of 2009, Haeundae . changed. As represented by a controversy of 3D movies. The ticket prices of 3D films
In fact, the total number of the audience in ratings for I Saw the Devil , films, are nearly double, the number of 3D films
members in 2010 dropped to fewer than featured with sex and violence, have been released in 2010 were 26 and it drew 16.77
150 billion for the first time since 2005 relatively dominant last year. Meanwhile, in million audiences, which was a 11.4% of the
and it resulted in a 6.5% drop compared 2011, conventional genre films, such as soft total audience. The theater sales amount
to the previous year. However, due to action, comedy and drama, are currently from 3D films was 178 million USD (190
an increased ticket price and a recent taking over the Korean box office. billion KRW) with a 16.5% share in total
trend of 3D movies with a higher ticket sales. But, the number of audiences and
price, theater sales last year was a record Audience and Number theater sales in the first quarter of 2011
breaking year ever in the film industry. of Watching Films dropped at the same time. A decreasing
However, the Korean film industry has Decreasing number of audiences has created an
shown potentials and varied platforms in Among the industrial indexes, the steadily increasing rate of average admission fee
the last year. As production cost of Korean decreasing number of audiences has been and resulted in a 12.6 drop in total sales,
films has been streamlined, the rate of the most noticeable change in 2010 and compared to 2010. This indicates that the
return has improved and good return for in the first quarter of 2011. The number of phenomenon of an increasing sales amount
investors. In addition, the ancillary market, audiences in 2010 was 146.81 million with in 2010, led by the hit of Avatar , should be

1 2 3

Detective K The Last Godfather Glove

04 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

Top 10 Box Office 2010 Top 10 Box Office 1Q 2011
Jan ~ Dec 2010 Jan ~ March 2011
Rank Title Country Release Date Admissions Rank Title Country Release Date Admissions
1 Avatar US 12/17/2009 8,301,116 Nowhere DETECTIVE K : Secret of Virtuous Widow Korea 01/27/2011 4,785,148

2 The Man from Nowhere Korea 08/04/2010 6,182,772 2 The Last Godfather Korea 12/29/2010 1,998,059

3 Inception US 07/21/2010 5,832,610 3 GLove Korea 01/20/2011 1,887,940

4 Secret Reunion Korea 02/04/2010 5,419,450 4 Children… Korea 02/27/2011 1,864,261

5 Iron Man 2 US 04/29/2010 4,426,736 5 Gulliver's Travels US 01/27/2011 1,762,040

6 Jeon Woochi Korea 12/23/2009 3,612,920 6 Battlefield Heroes Korea 01/27/2011 1,717,566

7 Moss Korea 07/14/2010 3,353,897 7 Hello Ghost Korea 12/22/2010 1,663,339

8 71- Into the Fire Korea 06/16/2010 3,331,816 8 Black Swan US 02/24/2011 1,575,842

9 Harmony Korea 01/28/2010 3,019,702 9 Late Blossom Korea 02/17/2011 1,300,123

10 The Servant Korea 06/02/2010 2,986,807 10 World Invasion: Battle LA US 02/10/2011 1,209,046

considered as a temporary blip. Therefore, films dropped to 38.9%. fields were double at 28.63 million USD.
if there is no big hit film or another Maintaining a 50% of the market The service fields include CG, VFX, 3D
turning point, a phenomenon of decreasing share and an improved earning rate could converting, editing, special make-up,
number of audiences and theater sales is provide the Korean film industry with special effect, stunt and sound mixing.
expected to continue. In addition, another more opportunities to secure a stable
meaningful index for the film industry is a investment and production system. The Changes in Popular Genre
drop in the number of people watching film rate of return for Korean films in 2010 was and 2011 Outlook
per capita. The average number of people -8%, which improved from a -13.1% rate There has been a change found in what
watching film per capita was 2.92 in 2010 in 2009. Compared to the worst rate of audiences want and what genre is popular
which dropped to under 3.00 for the first -43.5% in 2008, the recent increased rates so it is expected to have a certain effect
time since 2005. of return for Korean films show that the on the economic and industrial sectors. In
Korean film industry has been revitalized. 2010, rated R movies featured with sex and
Improved Earning Rate With the replacement of the home video violence, such as The Man from Nowhere ,
and Services Expanding market in the mid-2000s, the VOD market Moss and The Servant, were dominant in
to Foreign Markets based on mobile and internet data is a the box office which resulted in an increase
The market share of Korean films was sign how the industry was revitalized. A of rated R movies from 26 in 2009, to 41
46.5% in 2010, which was similar to legal download service through internet in 2010. Meanwhile, in the first quarter of
Hollywood movies with 47.3%. With the portal sites, web storage service, and VOD 2011, action, romance and comedy films
success of Detective K , the Number 1 hit service using IPTV has emerged as a new took over the box office with such films
film in the first quarter of 2011 and other window in the secondary market. 10-15% as Detective K , Clash of the Families , Late
Korean films; the market share of Korean of download services through portal Blossom , and Glove . With the comeback
films was up to 56.3%, while American sites accounted for the entire online of soft genre in the market, a series of
VOD market. For example, Daum, had a Korean blockbuster movies, are to be
4 slow year in 2009 but a huge increase released during the summer this year and
in 2010 with an increase of nearly 600% the second half of this year, is expected to
in average monthly sales. The growth of bring in strong numbers into the Korean
IPTV is noticeable. Since the launched of box office. The box office results of the
VOD service in 2007, the size has been films, being made with a much higher
doubling every year. Meanwhile, the average cost of production of 9.4-18.7
export of Korean films has expanded to million USD (10 billion to 30 billion KRW),
the service fields. The export of Korean such as Sector 7 , Quick, Tower , My Way ,
films in 2010 was 13.58 million USD, which The Front Line , and The Professionals , will
was almost the same as the previous determine the future of the Korean film
Children...
year, but the sales figures of the service industry for next couple of years.

MAY 2011 05
report

KOFIC‘s New Incentive Program

for Filming in Korea
25% Cash Rebate on Production Costs

By KOFIC other economic benefits. It is also aimed be determined taking into account the
The Korean Film Council(KOFIC) has at encouraging the hosting of location remaining grant program budget on the
recently launched a location incentive, which shooting and post-production of foreign date of application.
supports part of the expenses of foreign audio-visual works and thereby enhancing Eligible works for this grant must be
feature film and television drama series shot the production capacities of Korean film feature films no shorter than 70 minutes
in Korea. Productions that choose to shoot industry and creating an international and television drama series produced
in Korea can enjoy signifiant cost savings production network around it. by a foreign production company, in
making their international production which foreign capital's participation in
budgets more competitive. Grant on Foreign Audio- the production cost exceeds 80%. First
The Money provided by this incentive Visual Works Production of all, they must receive approval of the
program is in its entirety drawn from the Expenditure Review Committee which shall evaluate the
Tourism Promotion and Development Fund KOFIC offers a 25% cash grant on foreign following three factors: (1) the degree to
and shall be used to support part of the audio-visual works production expenditure which the work creates tourism("tourism
expenses spent in Korea for producing incurred for goods and services in Korea, creation"); (2) the degree to which the
foreign audio-visual works, for the purpose with a cap of 3 billion KRW(approx 2.5 work contributes to Korean film industry's
of tourism promotion, job creation and million USD). The grant amount shall capacities ("capacities contribution); and

06 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

(3) the extent to which foreign capital Standard for Qualifying Production
participates in the work ("foreign producer Expenditure
participation). Secondly, must also spend
QPE is generally defined as the production expenditure spent by the applicants in the
no less than 1 billion KRW (approx 934,000
manner of corporate prepaid/credit card or wire transfer on the audio-visual works
USD) in Korea for production expenditure
production where that expenditure is incurred for, or is attributable to (1) goods and
as recognized by KOFIC(these production
services provided by a business in Korea (2) services provided by person who resided in
costs are known as 'Qualifying Production Korea for one year or more (3) the use of land or a good located in Korea.
Expenditure' or QPE) (for a television QPE is defined as expenditure incurred from pre-production stages to post-production
drama series, the production costs of all stages with respect to the audio-visual works production. For the expenditure spent in
the episodes can be aggregated). Finally, post-production stages should not exceed 50 percent of total QPE.
they must shoot more than 10 days in QPE is limited to expenditure that is incurred from no earlier than 3 months before the
Korea. start of principal photography to issuance date of audit report. The following expenditure
items are specifically noted as being included within QPE; (a) Pre-production Expenditure
The applicant must be a corporation
(b) Copyright Acquisition (c) Travel to Korea (d) Freight (e) External audit fee (f)
organized and registered as a business in
Depreciation expense (g) Remuneration for the cast and crew.
Korea. A company retained by a foreign
production company on a production
service agreement will be eligible for
the grant. It shall also provide services
necessary for in-Korea production for a
foreign audio-visual work and operates
and manages a relevant production cost
account. This company may be a Korean
subsidiary of or a Korean company
invested by a foreign audio-visual work
producer. Provided that, the aforesaid
foreign production company shall ot be
a Korean company's overseas branch
or owned more than 50% by a Korean
company or its foreign subsidiary or a
Korean person. Application period for 2011
program is no later than September 30.

2011 APPLICATION DEADLINE

Due September 30 evaluates the provisional application applicant. (2) Entering into an agreement:
Overall process for the grant includes the and decides on the eligibility and the KOFIC and the recipient enters into a
following steps: (1) Provisional application: provisional grant amount, if any. Fianlly, grant agreement. (3) Final application:
The applicant submits the provisional KOFIC, after deliberating upon the The recipient submits the final application,
application together with support Review Committee's evaluation results, the audited expenditure statement, and
documents. The Review Committee makes the final decision and notifies the other support documents, and the Review
Committee makes the final decision on the
eligibility and the final grant amount. (4)
Payment of grant: KOFIC deliberates on
the final evaluation results of the Review
Committe and makes the payment to the
applicant.
The total budget, application process and
other contents of this grant program may
be subject to change on an annual basis.
Further detailed guidelines can be found at
KOFIC's website www.koreanfilm.or.kr.

MAY 2011 07
report

New Experiments and

Aesthetics, Documentary
Films Standing Strong
The Current Trends in Korean Cinema
at the 12th Jeonju International Film Festival

nations or to be more specific, Korea’s

megalomania and its one-sided love for the
U.S. along with America’s arrogant stance
to proclaim itself as the No. 1 world power.
This documentary film almost elevates this
observation to a religious level, exposing
how overwhelming the irony between
the vast narrations and images are. A
significant aspect of the films selected in
this year’s Korean feature section is also
the strong line-up of documentary films.
Like the saying, “There is nothing new
underneath the sun” feature films are faced
with a shortage or probably an exhaustion
of film aesthetics and fictional imagination,
Anyang, Paradise City whereas documentaries hold unlimited
potential in its fundamental nature of
By MAENG Soo-jin (PROGRAMMER, JIFF) documentary, An Escalator in World being able to use the ever-so-dynamic
If there is phrase that seems to have Order . Documentary films are usually reality as its starting point. But the fact
been decorating various press coverage understood as ‘objective documentations’ that Korea’s current reality is dynamic
related to the 12 Jeonju International Film
th
of actual events and people, but there and dramatic enough to overwhelm any
Festival (JIFF) held from April 28th to May are also documentaries that create new fiction may as well have had a noteworthy
6th, it will be ‘leaps and bounds in Korean meanings by re-editing exiting visual impact on the quantitative and qualitative
Cinema.’ In fact, there never has been a documentations rather than using footage increase and strong presence of this year’s
year that the JIFF has taken particular shot for the film. These types of films Korean documentaries. The films that will
interest and care in the local film industry are called ‘compilation film (edited film)’ be showcased in this year’s Korean feature
as this year. And to prove that it truly has and it is this approach added by self- competition such as The Color of Pain , Out
taken leaps and bounds, 57 of the total shot footage of various images of Korea of the Cave , The Time of Lovelessness ,
of 190 films to be screened at this year’s that director KIM Kyung-man uses in this Anyang, Paradise City , and The True-Taste
festival are Korean films. highly-creative documentary. Throughout Show are some of the most innovative
The most outstanding point about this the film, An Escalator in World Order he and experimental Korean documentaries
year’s Korean film programming is that selects U.S.-Korea related footage from that have proven themselves to be at the
the ‘International Competition’ section official government archives and chooses forefront of aesthetical accomplishment.
introduces its first Korean film since to expose them to disclose the suspicious On the other hand, frankly speaking, the
its inception with KIM Kyung-man’s and secretive relationship of these two division between ‘Documentary vs. Feature’

08 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

films is questionable. For example, PARK PIFAN and BIFF, An Expansion of their
Chan-kyung’s Anyang, Paradise City is an Programs For The Industry
essay film that shifts between fiction and
documentary while AHN Kun-hyung’s Out
Film festivals that are to be held during the second half of this year are expected to
of the Cave can also be seen as an essay
focus on strengthening their screening programs as well as improving programs for
film. There is no need to rigidly define
the film industry. First of all, the 15th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
this film which starts from a reality-based (PIFAN) held from July 14-24th, LEE Young-jae has joined the festival as the new
problem between a family and their cat but programmer for the Asian film section. For this year especially, PIFAN has announced
then at one point stretches into a meta-film its plan to reinforce NAFF (Network of Asian Fantastic Films), its production,
which contemplates what film and images education and exchange network to promote Asian genre films. The genre film
are. As they shift between documentary market, ‘IT Project’ expanded its award categories to 7 (4 categories in Fund Awards
and fiction, these films which sensitively and 3 in Post-Production Awards) while quite a few number of the ‘IT Project’
alumni’s finished works will be showcased in the official program. Furthermore, the
respond and reflect upon content and
‘Fantastic Film School’ a specialized program dedicated to training in genre films for
format eventually show how they can exist
talented filmmakers launches the ‘Asia Producer‘s Lab’ inviting participants from all
as a significant movement. LEE Kang-
across the Asian region to whom they will provide New Media related seminars for
hyun’s The Color of Pain which observes producers in response to the surging interest in 3D production and Transmedia .
the nationwide reality of healthcare in The 16th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) held from October 6-14th opens
the industrial workplace attempts at an at the new Busan Cinema Center ‘Dureraum’. Embracing its first year with the new
in-depth reflection of the relationships Festival Director LEE Yong-kwan, PIFF has regrouped the festival identity with a new
between the world of traditional manual official title and website address. The Asian Film Market and BIFCOM also move to
labor, cyber network and leisure activities a new location at the Busan’s Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) while its
project market, Pusan Promotion Plan (PPP) changes its name to the ‘Asia Project
represented in the form of photography
Market.’ Moreover, this year’s BIFF improves its sponsorship for documentary
as a popular hobby by presenting a loose
film production through the Asia Film Fund created for the purpose of supporting
survey of them. The Color of Pain seems
independent filmmakers from the Asian region. In collaboration with the DMZ
to lean towards objective documentation, Documentary Film Festival (2011.9.22-28), the Asia Film Fund launches the ‘DMZ Fund’
but at one point shifts into a dreamlike to assist Asian documentaries made in conflict-ridden territories or subject matters
sensibility by employing a slight cacophony dealing with such areas in conflict. In addition, the number of films and budget to
between image and sound, and as a result support documentary post-production will increase with the full-fledged sponsorship
creates an ambiguous aura to the film. from the Busan Film Commission.
Meanwhile, Out of the Cave starts as a film
about a cat which becomes a hodgepodge story of a family and then in the end society. As the film continuously presents
evolves into a meta-criticism of image or the image of the director himself pointing
the act of reconstruction. As it compiles a gun to his head through a monitor, the
bits and pieces of observations and film refuses to find a specific answer,
stories, this film eventually displays its but defines itself as a subjective process
strength as a powerful work in structure which strives to find meaning through an
and development by giving new meaning endless trail of questions. Finally, KIM Jae-
to such stock information. KIM Hee-chul hwan’s The True-Taste Show boldly exposes
who at an earlier JIFF showcased The Gate the fabricated and deceptive reality of
of Truth , an investigation surrounding so-called ‘good taste’ diner and restaurant
The Color of Pain the truth behind a questionable death introductory broadcast shows. The director,
that occurred at the Joint Security Area a self-claimed whistle-blower well-aware of
(JSA) in 2004 returns with the sequel- the deceitful nature of Korean television
like The Time of Lovelessness . Six years broadcasting, he opens a diner himself and
have passed since the making of The Gate solicits a broadcast coverage in an attempt
of Truth and this film connects the death to disclose this reality. A provocative
of First Lieutenant KIM Hoon and the piece which adopts the exterior of a TV
late President ROH Mu-hyun under the documentary, the film exposes truth that
same context to constantly question the could never be revealed on broadcast TV
An Escalator in World Order issue of violence that permeates Korean by incorporating a proactive format.

MAY 2011 09
report

KOBIZ, the Gateway to

Korean Films
Latest Online System to Promote Korea's Film Industry

By Kim Hong-chun (KOFIC) users, anytime and anywhere. A monthly

In April 2011, KOFIC (Korean Film Council) magazine for IPad will soon be launched
launched KOBIZ (Korean Film Business in 2011, which will be an interactive multi-
Zone), an online system designed to help media source of information on Korean
Korean films gain more international movies, interviews and industry reports.
exposure. The purpose of KOBIZ’s English Online/Mobile Magazines: Currently,
website is to act as a gateway between KOFIC publishes ‘Korean Cinema Today’, a
Korean and International Film makers bi-monthly magazine, and updates latest
in order to globalize Korean movies. film news on the English website. These
Thefollowing contents are now available two contents will soon be integrated
online and published in the forms of an online
Films: The KOBIZ website is primarily a weekly newsletter, a monthly webzine, and
searchable online database of Korean films. a quarterly magazine. More information
Information and previews of all Korean on new Korean films, international
movies released after the year 2000 are co-production companies and people,
available on the website. This searchable and interviews will be added to better
database is also easily accessible using a support businesses interested in the local
smart phone application made for iOS and film market. What’s more, internationally-
Android smart phone platforms. recognized critics will be asked to write
Publication: Various English publications regular columns in the magazines.
by KOFIC are now available in PDF. In 2011, provides information on winners of each film Online Screening System: In the near
such publications will also be made into festival, thereby creating a virtual forum to future, an “online screening system” will
e-books, allowing easy access via smart promote major Korean film festivals and its be built to allow overseas film festival
phones and tablet PCs. winners to the international film community. programmers and buyers to preview Korean
Co-Production: Guidelines on KOBIZ SNS: Recently, various film festivals films online. To avoid violation of copyrights
International co-production with Korea and organizations have started exploiting due to indiscriminate streaming, after
and sources on filming locations are SNS (Social Network Services) to promote agreeing with the rightful copyright owner,
readily available online, such as the 'Korea their activities. KOBIZ has created accounts only authenticated users will be given
Shooting Guide', information on location in Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube (www. access to preview the film for a designated
incentives, and regional film commissions. youtube.com/koreanfilmbiz) and these period of time. Independent movies and
In addition, a searchable database of over channels will be used to share information short genre films that usually have difficulty
500 Korean directors, actors, producers, and updates on Korean movies, and also to participating in overseas sales will also be
and executive producers who have openly communicate with the international included in the online screening system.
experience in international co-production film community around the clock. Moving forward, KOBIZ will continue to
is also accessible on the website. KOBIZ Mobile: Information and news on update and improve its contents online for
Festival & Market: The site introduces Korean films are now searchable using KOBIZ to become a truly open forum to
major international film festivals in Korea hand-held devices such as smart phones. communicate with the international film
and instructions on how to submit film Data on films, film previews, people, and community and international buyers of
pieces to each event. Also, the website industry news are available to smart phone Korean films.

10 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

A Big Media Conglomerate
Emerges
Strategy of CJ E&M to Advance into the Global Markets

By KIM Seong-hoon partnership with 1492 Pictures in Hollywood

As CJ E&M launches its business in led by Director Chris COLUMBUS and
saying they are “Korea’s only Integrated producer Michael BARNATHAN in May 2010.
Content Company”, the entire media Both companies are currently working
market of Korea is expected to face a on 3 projects, a family film, Killer Pizza
huge change. Comprised of 6 branch and Carpe Demon , and The Graveyard
subsidiary companies under CJ Groups Book based on a novel of Neil GAIMAN, all
such as CJ Entertainment (Film), CJ Media expected to be released by the end of 2011
(Broadcasting), On Media (Broadcasting), or in the Beginning of 2012. Katharine KIM,
Mnet Media (Music and Performance), CJ the President of CJ E&M, says, “We will go
Internet (Game) and O Media Holdings. to Hollywood in a format of cooperation. In
The Total Sales of these 6 companies is the long term of business, we will promote
estimated up to 1 billion USD (1.1 trillion not only our film segment, but also the
KRW). Due to the overlapping there was subsidiary markets of TV, Internet, and
a merger of the companies initiated to Game.”
reduce unnecessary processes and increase Why does CJ E&M Pictures focus on the
efficiency in its businesses.” CJ E&M is now global business? CHOI Min-soo of CJ E&M
divided into 4 segments: Film, TV, Music/ explains, “The Korean film market has
Performance and Game Industry. reached its saturation point. The current
Due to the merger of these companies, market share of CJ E&M is about 30%,
developing and using their own contents which are the main marketplace. To but we believe that we can hardly go over
in a way of One Source Multi Use became do so, CJ E&M Pictures established CJ 50% in reality. So we need to turn our eyes
easier. A variety program called ‘Super Star Entertainment Japan in association with to the international market to expand the
K’ is under development as an online game T-Joy, a picture company under Japan’s size of our film business, and one of the
and a drama series titled ‘Rude Miss Young- Toei Groups, in April 2010. In June 2010, it answers is the Asian market.” And he adds,
Ae’ is being turned into an original musical. made a strategic partnership with Polybona “CJ’s Global Strategy is not just for the
Furthermore, beyond making films for the Films, one of China’s biggest private major film business, but becomes the model for
theaters only, there are films created for studios. CHOI Min-soo, a manager of the the entire group as well. The ultimate goal
their own cable channel, ‘Channel CGV’, Marketing Department of CJ E&M, stated, of the film business is to become the top
which is in the works. “CJ Entertainment has partially participated company in Asia.” The company plans to
The Company’s main goal is to grow into in the joint-productions so far, but now run the film business at the current status
the global market with a Global Business we are involved with every phase of film and currently built a strong pipeline for
Strategy, especially focusing on the Film production, from planning and developing the post production process by taking over
Industry. CJ E&M Pictures plans to open to distribution, through globalization. And I competitive CG companies, and combined
strategic positions in Asia to target the can’t reveal the specific details yet, but we them with CJ’s own CG company, CJ Power
global market and participate in the have a couple of projects in development in Cast. CJ E&M plans to achieve 2.9 billion
entire making process, from Planning and Japan and China.” USD (3.10 trillion KRW) in 2015 and earn
Production to Investment and Distribution, CJ E&M secured a presence in the 870 million USD (930 billion KRW), a 30%
of locally made films in Japan and China, North American market by establishing a of the total sales, from the global market.

MAY 2011 11
report

Global Star Agency,

United Asia Management
To go beyond the Korean Wave and create an ‘Asian Wave.’

JANG Dong-kun BAE Yong-joon JUNG Ji-hoon

By Lee Hwa-jung establishing an efficient talent database. to Korea but spreads out to Asia. Creating
This April, six major Korean talent Most of the talents managed by the an efficient system is fundamental to
management agencies joined forces to six agencies and members of UAM have achieve this.” He adds that UAM can “Pave
launch the Asian management agency, successfully become a significant force the way for other major Asian talent
UAM (United Asia Management). With in the Asian market, making their mark agencies not only from the US but also
‘Hanryu’ or better known as the ‘Korean as key figures of the Korean Wave. To from other Asian regions including China,
Wave’ becoming a significant factor in name a few: AM Entertainment’s JANG Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.”
Asia’s Entertainment businesses such Dong-kun; KEYEAST’s BAE Yong-joon, KIM On the other hand, some have
as KEYEAST, AM Entertainment, Star J Hyeon-jung, CHOI Kang-hee, E Ji-ah; SM expressed concern that this ‘mega-scaled’
Entertainment, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment’s TVXQ, Girls’ Generation, collaboration among local major talent
Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment Super Junior; YG Entertainment’s Big agencies might only put more pressure on
all came together to create a joint Bang, 2NE1, Se7en; JYP Entertainment’s broadcasting companies and distributors
investment corporation called “UAM”, JUNG Ji-hoon (aka RAIN), Wonder Girls, in Korea. However, UAM disagrees as
an international talent agency with the 2PM. UAM is opening its doors to all they emphasize their intention to reduce
purpose of strengthening the foundations artists Korean or non-Korean who are the various shortcomings they have
of ‘Hanryu,’ promoting collaborative currently active or willing to enter the come to recognize through substantial
exchange and establishing an efficient Asian entertainment market with a vision experience in the international market
casting system. The main operations to go beyond the Korean Wave and create and systematize their activities. In this
will focus on overseeing the portrait an ‘Asian Wave.’ CEO of UAM and Star J light, UAM’s part in entering the massive
rights of all talents managed by the six Entertainment, JEONG Young-bum states Chinese market especially carries great
agencies and intellectual rights as well as the role of UAM, “Our goal is not limited weight. In the case of the Chinese market,

12 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 Kofic news
which lacks an organized entertainment
business, the reality is that there are
no unified channels to respond to
the overflowing demands for Korean
entertainment talents or contents. Mentoring Program for China
More favorable gestures to embrace not KOFIC launches the 2011 China-Korea
only Korean directors and actors and co-production program to help Korean films to
actresses but also artists in other fields grow in the Chinese market. The program will
such as photographers, TV commercial be held in Shanghai and Beijing. The Shanghai
directors, hair and makeup artists and program will be held from Jun 13 to Jun 15
stylists are additional points that address as one of the film market events at Shanghai
International Film Festival. Kwonbeop , Watch
the necessity for an organized system.
Leaper and Legend Hero of Three Kingdoms will present a pitch and hold a
We also need to assess the impact
business meeting with Chinese investment companies. The Beijing program plans
UAM will have on the film industry. With to be held at the end of July and 5 films will be participating, including Youtube .
the recent trend of talent agencies
starting to develop their own film
contents, one can carefully anticipate 6 Key Tasks for the Film Industry
UAM’s active participating in producing KOFIC recently reported ‘6 key tasks for the Film Industry Development’ to
various contents including film and TV CHOUNG Byoung-gug, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism on April
dramas with international market appeal. 26. The tasks are; creating sustainable growing engines by increasing the
The local film industry is optimistic global competitiveness; improving the industry and creating a fair competition
environment; building an industrial safety system through improving the working
towards the system UAM will create as
condition of staffs; accomplishing cultural welfare by expanding the public service;
it will open more opportunities for local
improving the operating process of KOFIC and expanding the communication
talents to venture outside of Korea. channel with the film industry; building the fundament for the industry toward
Local film production companies and the future. Above all, KOFIC revitalizes “supporting program for international
investors have already been faced with co-production” and plans to make an agreement for joint production with China
numerous difficulties in their attempts in order to reinforce the global competitiveness of Korean film. And KOFIC will
to enter the international market. As announce a proposal for “standard screening contract” to improve the long lasting
one film producer and investor states, unfair market practice in the field in May, and attract Hollywood movies to Korea
“For actors and directors to step out with a new reimbursement system.
into the international market, it is not
up to an individual’s talent or abilities Korean Audience Prefers Action Genre
but a collective effort or influence in
KOFIC announced 2010 Film Consumer Report of Korea. According to a nationwide
order to be effective. If there is an
report to ages 15-49, the Korean audience prefers action genre the most. People
organization that can and is willing to who watched films last year answered that they watched Action movies more often
work at accomplishing this, who wouldn’t (41.9%), followed by sci-fi/fantasy/martial arts (16.3%), and romantic comedy (16%).
welcome them?” But he expressed Above all, the audience’s preference on action genre rose from 19.2% in 2009
concern by stressing, “What’s important to 30.4% in 2010, while drama, thriller and comedy genres decreased. The most
though is that they should not linger favorite country of film was Korea (47.1%) and the second was USA (38.1%). And
on the format but the execution. This the percentage of people who watched 3D films was 56.1%, threefold compared to
19.6% in 2009.
attempt holds no meaning if a specific
system to support realistic activities is
nonexistent.” It will perhaps take UAM six KOFIC Theater for Independent Film
months to two years to see any concrete
KOFIC opened Indieplus for independent films, a designated theater directly
results. As it is only the beginning it run by KOFIC for the first time, in Seoul on March 10. KOFIC has entrusted the
would only be fair to wait and see how operation of the designated theater for independent films to other theaters, but
UAM will grow and flourish. But it is clear KOFIC recently decides to run a theater directly, at Broadway Cinema, to avoid an
that UAM’s role is more than necessary unnecessary controversy about the fairness. Opening with The Journal of Musan
at this time when the Korean Wave has by Director PARK Jung-bum, RE-encounter by MIN Yong-geun and Bleak Night by
reached its peak. YOON Sung-hyun were screened to celebrate its opening.

MAY 2011 13
Interview

“Mandatory Steps
to the Overseas Market”
KIM Eui-suk, New Chairperson of Korean Film Council

Photo by Lee joon-Koo

14 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 By Han Sunhee I had worked at KOFIC as Vice Chairperson since last July
You have previously been to Cannes as a director, when your and as acting Chair when former Chairman stepped down in
film Sword in the Moon was invited to ‘Un Certain Regard’ November. It feels somewhat strange to do desk job at the
section. Your shoulders must feel much heavier returning to Council after being a film director. On the other hand, it also
Cannes this time. feels different in a sense that this is a challenge for a new
Going to the Cannes for Sword in the Moon in 2003 was field. Of various duties, I am very much interested in expansion
my first time at the festival, and this will be my second of foreign markets. Projects for domestic filmmakers are
visit. It’s been about 8 years and it is still the best to be at another field I am paying much attention to.
a film festival as a director. Back then Korean cinema was
on the rise with Old Boy and Woman is the Future of Man When was it that foreign market development caught your full
competing, so I was relatively out of the spotlight. As a attention?
director I had nothing to worry about, but since I am going Last year. As vice chairperson, I had the opportunity to visit
as a different position it feels quite different. In all, I must China last September. I also went to filming sites to meet
introduce Korean cinema and make many formal exchanges directors like KANG Je-gyu, KIM Yong-hwa and YOUN JK.
with the industry people from around the world. They were all busy shooting their films. And by doing so, my
thoughts became clear. We are at a turning point. Number
Your debut film The Marriage Life is considered the starting of multiplex cinemas increased for the last 2 decades. Along
point of modern Korean cinema renaissance. As someone with them number of audiences rose consistently but now it
who used to make films yourself, how does it feel to become is stagnant. Average production cost has soared up to US$3.7
the chairperson of Korean Film Council? million (4 billion KRW) and has fallen. In the end, we came to
I was born in 1957, and a new era for Korean films begun a state where growth is not possible anymore as the domestic
when many of us baby boomers entered the movie business. market is limited in its size. Stepping out to the overseas
Many of them were active members of college film clubs or market is not an option, but a mandatory step.
even majored in film. As this generation moved into the film
circle the atmosphere of Korean cinema began to change What made you become more interested in the Chinese
and its spectrum became broader. For the next 2 decades, market?
Korean cinema continued to grow and now is the time for a Koreans are excellent in making films and expanding number
new turning point. For over a month since I took the position of theaters, movie viewers and capital is increasing at a fast
I have really been meeting with many filmmakers and speed in China. Yet China lacks films and human resources in
listening to what their needs are. relative numbers. It is a market in need of contents, actors,
directors, writers, and production crew. In other words, they
KOFIC has many tasks to carry out. Which of them are you lack human resources who are trained and creative. An event
interested in personally? called ‘Beijing Ko-Production’ was held last year where Korean

“We are at a turning point. In the end, we came to a state

where growth is not possible anymore as the domestic
market is limited in its size. Stepping out to the overseas
market is not an option, but a mandatory step.”

MAY 2011 15
Interview

“A variety of experiments have been made so far to

expand foreign markets. There had been many failures
in the process, but despite it all, I believe trying is what’s
most important. What’s most important is to create an
environment where new people can emerge continuously.”

and Chinese filmmakers gathered to each present their starting completely over from scratch, trying to find what the
projects. Surprisingly enough, many of them were very eager American market wants to work on with a cheap price here
to work with Korean films. In addition, many Korean directors and seek ways to re-export it. He has employed American
and staffs are working in China already. I would want to actors to shoot Temple Stay in Korea, trying to make it in a
nurture them in a more aggressive way. To do so each Indiana Jones meets Museum is Alive movie. When American
filmmaker has his or her own mission in the private sector producers hear YOUN say he can make a film of such familiar
but there are also problems to be solved in each country. genre with such low budget, they must become interested
Thus I believe that more exchange is required. and show positive reaction. In the US, they too need to raise
profit per film with the rising cost of production, and with
There are still many restrictions in the Chinese film market. outstanding production skills, Korean cinema may find a new
How would you approach them? breakthrough here.
China is one of the countries that still has an official
limitation on the number of films imported, but this is Production-wise, we can first think of two ways to enter
expected to be demolished by the WTO. Also talks are foreign market. You can either directly export human
happening on a national level with China regarding MOU resources, or work together in the format of international
concerning cooperation on co-production projects, therefore co-production.
in the future we can seek ways to avoid quota or limits in A variety of experiments have been made so far to expand
number of films. There are many ways to do this, such as foreign markets. There had been many failures in the
having China recognize co-production films with Taiwan process, but despite it all, I believe trying is what’s most
as their domestic film. That is why we need to try out important. There are many routes to do this; participate in
experiments in many ways. Whether it be investment, foreign productions as actor or staff, cooperate with the
production or export of human resources, there is a need to overseas in the form of co-production or investment, or
improve various systems to protect copyrights and such by simply directly export film made in Korea. Various attempts
making active exchanges. are needed at this point of time. In fact the market and the
stream of time is changing so fast it is not easy to define
What are your plans with the US or other countries? which method is better than another. For a while there had
For instance, it seems director YOUN JK’s way of been many international co-production projects but many of
approaching the US market is different from before. In the its shortcomings have been pointed out too. Some analysis
past, people tried to enter US market directly based on one’s assessed it is difficult to carry out commercially successful
own talent. YOUN is considering himself as someone who is projects as the market itself is ambiguously extended over

16 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 Photo by Lee joon-Koo
two sides. It seems such stage is behind us now. More recently, to see more of these directors coming from the Academy in the
the trend in international co-production has changed to decide future.
on one location as the main market then proceed.
In the end, what do you think is development for Korean
What are your thoughts on direct export of Korean cinema? cinema?
For sometime many films were exported to Japan but not so I guess it would be encountering with more audiences and
much anymore. Even so consistency will still be important. consistent production of fine films. Looking back a few years
Apparently numbers have increased in regards to income when many Korean films were introduced overseas, there
made by production related human resources such as those were many different films made by renowned producers and
working on the scene or CG and post-production directly going directors with minor production companies. Also, there is a
overseas, or by bringing foreign projects into Korea. Of course need to refrain from leaning onto only big companies but have
it will be even better if we can export completed films, but I medium sized investment production companies of various
believe manpower export is important too. Korean filmmakers forms become active. The system needs to move in a direction
have excellent technical skills and yet have a relatively low where there are stimulation and competition while each can
personnel costs. keep their own character. What’s most important is to create an
environment where new people can emerge continuously.
Bringing up manpower is really a critical issue.
Before coming to KOFIC I was at Korean Academy of Film Arts It seems you emphasize diversity in all sides. What kind of
(KAFA) for 7 years as professor of directing. I myself am a movies do you like to watch personally?
graduate of KAFA. As you can see in recent works like Bleak I truly love Korean cinema and meanwhile many of those that
Night , these students too have outstanding filmmaking skills. appealed to the public have touched my heart too. For instance,
Yet personally I had hoped film students would make movies I like Old Boy and Man From Nowhere and films by BONG Joon-
that have a more commercial approach. It seems themes and ho and KANG Woo-suk.
subjects of recent student works focus more on reserved,
personal and peripheral stories. It won’t be easy to have them What is your current goal?
change their taste entirely but in the end cinema is all about Chairperson of KOFIC is a position I've just taken, and since
communicating with random audiences, thus to do so it is it is a new job for me I intend to do my best. I do have a near
important to find a story that can be shared with them. KAFA 30-year experience in making films, and I hope to feel gratifying
has produced directors who have quality and marketability in when my term finishes. At least I would want to be able to say I
the past such as CHOI Dong-hoon and BONG Joon-ho. I hope am not ashamed of myself at the end of the day.

MAY 2011 17
Marching Forward,
in Broader and
Deeper Steps
The New Trends
in Korean Documentary
Production and
Distribution

Old Partner The Road

By KIM ilRhan viewers in ticket sales in an environment where an average

Korean independent documentary films are right at the documentary ticket barely makes 3,000. In only two years,
center of change in 2011. And to prove this point, the Indie Old Partner replaced the record that KIM Myung-jun’s 2007
Documentary Festival in its 10th Anniversary named this hit Our School achieved and attracted 100 times more in
year’s slogan as “Documentary, Redevelopment.” In 2009, a ticket sales. Such success raised some expectations toward
Korean construction company and the Korean government the profit potential of documentary theatrical releases.
joined forces to start urban redevelopment which caused However the fact of the matter is that Old Partner is
the death of five squatters and a police officer in the middle an exception and to use this example for optimistically
of Seoul and ever since, construction redevelopment has estimating the potential of future documentary films can only
continued to be enforced in great numbers. Accordingly, the be an exaggeration. Regardless, it is true that Old Partner
slogan “Documentary, Redevelopment” not only emphasizes has marked a significant point in Korean documentary by
the significance of making documentaries that take the raising various political, cultural and film-related debates.
camera right into the middle of the redevelopment drive
but also the search for creating a new visual documentary Old Partner, Kicking Off the
language that can more aggressively speak to the audience. Documentary Project with Hope
After 2000 attempts to find different screening and The Korean Film Council has implemented a policy to provide
distribution environments that has changed the nature and P&A funds for the theatrical release of independent films
expectations of the audience. What is also noteworthy is the and with this year expecting more theatrical releases than
emergence of distributors who seriously contemplate how any other year, several distributors who will benefit from this
documentaries should reach the audience. LEE Choong- program have joined forces to create a collective distribution
ryul’s 2008 Old Partner which opened the first half of 2009 network that will effectively attract more ticket sales within
became the hottest issue in recent Korean independent the boundaries of respecting each others independence.
documentary history. A tale of friendship between an old In January of 2009, it was Old Partner that kicked off
man and his age-old cow, this film had an amazing 3 million ‘Documentary Project with Hope,’ which subsequently

18 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 My Heart is Not Broken Yet

Our School Miracle on Jongno Street Calling

released five more documentaries each following month. changing, the commercial success of Old Partner should not
Old Partner generated diverse debate surrounding Korean be exaggerated nor should it be used as a unilinear example
independent documentaries. The first addresses the question for judging the distribution and reception of independent
of what defines the identity of an independent documentary. documentaries within the same context as commercial films.
Historically it has been the attitude of the producer and Case in point is the result of the five subsequent theatrical
whether a film supported a ‘political correctness’ as a key releases the ‘Documentary Project with Hope’ came to face.
philosophy. Accordingly it was mandatory for documentaries AHN Hae-ryong’s first-person narrated My Heart is Not
to be responsible for standing on the side of the marginalized Broken Yet which covered the ten year court fight between
others, fight against all forms of injustice and exercise the Korean comfort women under Japanese imperialism and the
will for change. However Old Partner , unlike its predecessors Japanese government had its theatrical premiere in Japan
who embraced a political, moral and social stance chose first and then its Korean release with a new voice-over by a
a totally different strategy. In addition, by incorporating famous actress. The interesting point though is that while it
techniques of manipulating sound and image, this film not received a raving response from the Japanese audience, it
only tackled the question of how a documentary should only sold 3,000 tickets in Korea.
be and in what manner it should be edited but eventually The following release Grandmother’s Flower directed
challenged the Korean independent documentary tradition of by MUN Jeong-hyeon explores Korea’s contemporary
political realism. history through his own maternal grandmother and family.
On the other hand, the issue of ‘well-made documentaries’ As director, narrator and a family member in the film, he
acquiring popular appeal triggered biting remarks from succeeds in presenting heartwarming and intimate historical
the commercial mainstream industry aimed at the support testimonies that a third person could never capture.
policy for documentary films. The second point of debate Furthermore, as a male director, the sensitive point-of-view
responds to this controversy surrounding the effectiveness towards women who survived the times of political turmoil is
of State policies to support independent documentaries. more than impressive. Although the film received accolades
Regardless, with the conditions of the industry rapidly including the Woonpa Award at the Pusan International Film

may 2011 19
Marching Forward, in Broader and Deeper Steps

Tears of the Arctic Don’t Cry for Me Sudan

Festival, Wide Angle Competition and was invited to the gender by organizing a ‘toilet exhibition’ in the male-female
Berlin International Film Festival, it too did not see much divided toilets at theaters screening the film. Despite such
success in the local box office. efforts, it fell short of pulling in the audience.
LEE Gang-gil’s To Live-Save Our Saemankum and KIM Subsequently, apart from Old Partner , the considerable
Jun-ho’s The Road were the next runners up for theatrical difficulty ‘Documentary Project with Hope’ experienced in
release. These two films are fully dedicated to the social finding an audience has shed light for the Korean independent
role that Korean independent documentaries have generally documentary scene not only on the issue of creating meaning
taken. To Live-Save Our Saemankum depicts the Kyehwado for social participation but also finding a proper distribution
residents’ fight against the government and the land system that will help them effectively reach the audience.
developers to protect their livelihood, and the foreshores
until the State issued the world’s largest scale land New Strategies for TV Documentary
reclamation project in Saemankum. The Road also tells the Niche Markets and Independent
heartbreaking story of the Daechoori farmers of Pyongtaek Political Documentaries
city, who were forced to evacuate from their land that they Recently new trends have occurred in the documentary film
have lived on for generations due to the expansion of the sphere. The emergence of documentaries covering religious
US Army base. These two films provoked public involvement aspects, and the release of TV documentaries on the big
with the different angles they took toward such social issues. screen. The 2009 film Calling which shows a missionary
Yet it was not enough along with bad timing to attract the couple’s quest to teach the indigenous Amazonian Banawa
audience’s interest. people reading, writing and culture created quite a sensation
The last film to be released was my own film 3xFTM a when it was released, and has now reached its third part
documentary about three female to male transsexuals and as a series. The 2010 Don’t Cry for Me Sudan , a moving
how they deal with life and the issue of identity. As this film documentation of the late Catholic priest LEE Tae-suk who
was possible only because the three characters decided dedicated his life to a small village in Sudan unexpectedly took
to ‘come out’ on film, it was our mission to exercise the the public by storm and attracted 400,000 in ticket sales.
‘symbolic’ meaning of theatrically releasing a documentary Likewise, such documentaries with religious subject matters
on this subject matter for the first time also in the cultural have created a new documentary market with their specific
sphere of documentary spectatorship. For example, we target audience potential, dramatic subject matter dealing
attempted to create a break in the stereotypical image of with overcoming all obstacles and hardship and their ability to

20 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 To Live-Save Our Saemankum

Grandmother’s Flower

The Border City 2 3xFTM

participate in various religious events. Furthermore, there as a 4-part omnibus film exploring each character, and by
has been a growing number of TV documentaries re-edited presenting various issues surrounding sexual minorities, the
for theatrical release such as the Korean Broadcasting film cleverly structures the film for the audience to easily
System (KBS)’s Asian Corridor in Heaven and Noodle Road , understand key issues of living as gay men. This may serve
Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC)’s Tears of the Arctic the purpose of raising public awareness towards gays as
and Tears of the Amazon , Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS)’s sexual minorities but also acting as an effective strategy to
The Last Tundra . Their strengths in project development, employ popular storytelling as a means to acquire theatrical
systematic production environment, large scaled budget distribution. As the fear of ‘outing’ have driven gays away
capacity, stable distribution system has enabled major from watching gay films, more public screenings of such
broadcasting companies to generate a steady flow of films films have become necessary to turn things around. Such
clearly different from independent documentaries. attempts can be seen as another way of interpreting ‘political
Within a situation like this, what kind of strategy should correctness’ that the existing independent documentary
independent documentaries aiming for theatrical release go scene has been supporting so far.
for? I personally would like to search for new possibilities in Ultimately, it will be the documentary film producer’s
HONG Hyung-sook’s The Border City 2 and LEE Hyuk-sang’s specific goal and purpose that will be the determining factor
Miracle on Jongno Street both released in 2010. Border City for distribution or finding the audience. It is then crucial that
2 examines Korea’s Red complex through the truth behind a documentary film producer has a clear vision to achieve
allegations claiming German-based philosopher Prof. SONG the results that he or she wants to achieve. In other words,
Du-yul to be a North Korean spy. Although the film deals it has become more difficult for documentaries to avoid
with an extremely serious and difficult subject matter, it abandoning their stance to be socially responsible or ignore
succeeded in attracting 10,000 ticket sales proving that the allures of capitalism and maintain awareness towards the
political documentaries do not necessarily have to water- constantly changing social and cultural terrains. But the most
down their storylines or focus on easy subjects to have an important thing is that documentaries must continue their
upper hand in distribution. quest to challenge all odds.
Miracle on Jongno Street which received the Sonje Award
at the Pusan International Film Festival’s documentary KIM ilRhan is the director of 3xFTM and producer of Miracle
competition last year is a film about four gay men as well as on Jongno Street . She dedicates most of her time to
the director who come out of the closet. This film proceeds documentary filmmaking and producing.

may 2011 21
Tae
kwon
do,
Over the Screen and
Out to the World
By JU Sung-chul in which they only did on-location shoots in
“Taekwondo martial-arts films,’ a genre that was once considered to Thailand. The Kick Company Limited from
be extinct is now waiting to be introduced to the public once again. Korea and Bangkok Film Studio from Thailand
The film is The Kick , with Taekwondo and K-Pop as its concepts, with have participated in this film as co-producing
the participation by Ong Bak action choreographing team, which partners, with world sales/distribution being
is responsible for providing fresh, astonishment to the global film handled by Sahamonkol, Thailand’s largest
community, bringing further curiosity to the film itself. Prachya PINKAEW, production/distribution company. Total
the Director of Ong Bak (2003) and The Protector (2005) is the director, production cost was about US$3.5 million,
while JeeJa YANIN, a heroine from another action film, Chocolate , with Korea’s CJ Venture Investment putting
appears as the supporting actress. A co-production between Korea and 75% and Bangkok Film Studio placing 25%
Thailand featuring the teamwork of male and female leads from Korea, of their investments, respectively. 80% of
excelling in Taekwondo and with Thai Action Choreograph Team, this is a the film uses Korean dialogue with the rest in
complete different type of co-production then the previous Korean films, Thai language.

22 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 of becoming an idol star like Nichkhun of Korean boy band, 2PM, while the
daughter Taemi (played by KIM Kyung-sook) wants to utilize her exceptional
kicking skill to become a soccer player. Mother Yoon (played by YEH Ji-won)
is also an expert in Taekwondo. One day, the Taekwon family encounters
Seok-du clan, who was running with a stolen mystic sword ‘chris’ on their
possession. The family captures the clan and becomes heroes overnight and
even receives money as an award which is used to remodel the restaurant.
Seeking revenge, the Seok-du clan attacks Taekwon family’s house and turns
it upside down, forcing the family to retreat deep into the forest, where the
home of MUM, MOON’s best friend, is located. There, Taeyang is instantly
smitten by MUM’s adopted daughter Wawa (played by JeeJa YANIN) but
chickens out upon seeing her exquisite Muay Thai skills. Meanwhile, Seok-du
clan finds out Taekwon family’s hideout and plots for an attack.
KANG Sung-kyu, who is the CEO of The Kick Company, came up with the
idea for this film project. He says, “after the smashing worldwide success of
Ong Bak , I thought perhaps it’s possible to try Ong Bak like the film but with
The Kick, Taekwondo as the basis and started to contact people over in Thailand with
the idea.” There also existed the thought that, “unlike Ong Bak requiring
a Korean-Thai more adult-oriented contents and rather substantial violence as witnessed
co-production film based by its R-rating (restricted for those under 17) in North America, action
on Taekwondo, Korea’s films with Taekwondo could perhaps bring broader audiences.” In fact, the
popularity of Taekwondo among the youth in Thailand, the land of Muay
Traditional Form of Thai, is actually quite high. CHOI Young-seok, the manager of Thai National
Martial-Arts, has been Taekwondo Team, was instrumental in having Thailand win two gold medals
completed. at The Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, for the first time ever and is
hailed as ‘Hiddink of Thailand (named after Guus Hiddink, who led Korea to
Directed by Prachya
the semi-final round of The World Cup Games in 2002) with great popularity.
PINKAEW of Ong Bak In addition, the popularity of K-Pop centering on Korean Idol singers is quite
fame and starring actors immense that is beyond belief. The first main factor for the success of The
Kick is infusing the popularity of Korean Wave (“Hanryu”) into the existing
from both countries,
popular Muay Thai films by Prachya PINKAEW.
production process of The crucial thing to do was to find ideal actors. With the popularity of Ong
this ‘all-ages’ real action Bak series it was possible thanks to an actor/martial-arts performer named
film is revealed here. Tony JAA, who possessed almost god-like abilities. In midst of this, the
meeting of ‘K Tigers’ and KANG Sung-kyu was like a long awaited pouring
of rain during a drought. Formed in 1990, K Tigers were a private outfit of
Taekwondo performers displaying creative exhibitions with high-degree of
The Meeting of Thai Real difficulties to global acclaims. Their goal weren’t limited to exhibitions and
Action and Korean Wave education of Taekwondo, but also to the production of Taekwondo-related
The Kick is a story about Korean family films and dramas, real-time performances and concerts as well as performer
running a Taekwondo Academy in Bangkok. management, all in the full-scale entertainment of Taekwondo. Before The
After an extensive discussion, two producers Kick , K Tigers had already participated to a great acclaim on the production
agreed to make The Kick a family comedy/ of Hype Nation , which gathered notoriety with Jaebum, a former leader of
action drama similar to The Incredibles Korean boy band 2PM, starring in the film. By joining with K Tigers, The Kick
(2004). MOON (played by CHO Jae-hyun) signed an MOU with World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), an organization
has been running a Taekwondo academy in with over 80 million members from 190 countries, on the promotion and
Bangkok for two decades now. Thanks to production support of the film. Leading actor and actress were chosen by
his strict training regime, the entire family K Tigers’ Master AHN Chang-beom from the pool of team members who
is an expert in Taekwondo. Still, the oldest trained for several years, with the male lead being NA Tae-joo, born in 1990
son Taeyang (played by NA Tae-joo) dreams and studying Taekwondo at Kyunghee University, and female lead being KIM

may 2011 23
Taekwondo, Over the Screen and Out to the World

Kyung-sook, also born in 1990 and studying Taekwondo at Korea National being formed. According to KANG Sung-kyu,
Sport University. NA previously appeared as a supporting actor in Hero CEO of The Kick Company, “if basic flow and
by KIM Hong-ik, an official entry to 2010 Puchon International Fantastic attack/defense maneuvers were constituted
Film Festival (PiFan), while KIM was the gold medalist of the 2007 World using Taekwondo, then large-scale action
Taekwondo Games. With his brilliant display of unhindered acrobatic round scenes including the ones featuring elephants
maneuvers and kicks that were second to none, reminding the maneuvers are done following know-how’s of Thai action
by Tony JAA, NA brought out praises from the Thai staff, as in the case crew, including making a large-scale dummy
with KIM, who displayed straight kicks in almost 180 degree angle. Just by elephant.” There’s nothing more difficult
watching a short promo reel alone, we can tell their action performances in directing action sequences than ‘being
were something previously unheard of. The sense of self-confidence and in unison,’ yet thanks to such know-how’s
pride among the production team waiting for the completion of the film in from Thai crew, the work process was done
its entirety lies with such performances. smoothly.
Just as in Ong Bak series, no stunt double,
Targeting the World Market with no CG use and no wire action were used to
‘All Ages’ Rating create the ‘real action’ in this film and the
Upon finalizing the main casting on November of 2009, a full-scale action weather in Thailand was changing constantly.
designing process began, followed by the completion of the final version Even with such conditions, the production still
of the screenplay by the end of April, 2010 and the start of shooting in went smoothly. Without any over-spending or
October of the same year. The most crucial issue at the investment closing problems in schedules, 35 days of shooting
was the ‘co-production’ of action designing. Past Korean action films had during the 3 months period until December,
the experience with Hong Kong in ‘Korea-Hong Kong co-production,’ a long 2010 went according to the plan. Such was
running exchange not only in capital but also with directing and casting as possible as the director Prachya PINKAEW
well, yet such exchanges had been disconnected for a long time. Realistic was also an outstanding producer in addition
action designing process was done at K Tigers Demonstration Troop, with to being a great director, along with addition
Master AHN Chang-beom and leading actors flying personally to Thailand of actual know-how’s from Thai action team
to demonstrate the action sequences. Prachya PINKAEW and his martial- in place, which was based on an elaborate,
arts director Panna RITTIKRAI joined in the workshop with Master AHN and advanced action rehearsals. KANG stated
his K Tigers Demonstration Troop. Muay Thai and Taekwondo are different that key to a successful co-production were
in many aspects, yet basically, a consensus bond of sympathy on actions economic advantages in shooting on-location
showing on screen, in other words, huge agreement was made on the in Thailand, as well as having an elaborate
viewpoint of ‘martial-arts form on screen.’ Thus, during the credit, martial- preparation for the production. With JeeJa
arts director is Panna RITTIKRAI while Taekwondo choreographer is Master YANIN, Thailand’s top woman action star
AHN Chang-beom. With such an agreement on 50:50 ratios for film credits, making her appearance (it is expected
action designing was conducted smoothly within any different opinions her role will be expanded for Thai-release
version), along with direction by Prachya
PINKAEW and worldwide distribution by
Sahamonkol, the commercial success of
The Kick in Thailand is nothing but almost
guaranteed. However, there’s an underlying
limitations for the Thai film market. In
case of Kuan Mun Ho , a film that brought
attention for shooting its 95% in Korea and
became the all-time box-office champ in Thai
Cinema, still drew about 2 million audiences
at maximum. The reasons behind The Kick
looking beyond Thailand and Korea and into
the large Chinese and US markets are just
that and, according to KANG, it is feasible
to attain greater commercial success with it
being ‘an action film for all ages.’ He says, ‘we

24 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

decided to rate the film lower than Ong Bak . with Prachya PINKAEW on the helm. Still, the film is pre-sold to France so
I can say targeted the audiences in the mold we will wait for the responses after the screening.” The Kick will have an
of Jackie CHAN filmgoers, in order to bring extensive marketing campaign during this year’s Cannes Film Market with
in new audience levels. European buyers a world premiere scheduled at the Toronto International Film Festival in
wanted a bit stronger action film, especially September.

Global Projects by Korea’s ‘Big Three’ Directors

It seems the year of 2011 will be the first year of famous Korean has secured multi-national investments and will be completed
film directors making their Hollywood directorial debuts. as a US$30-40 million budget blockbuster, produced by Moho
Following actors JUNG Ji-hoon (aka RAIN) and LEE Byung- Film (PARK Chan-wook’s production company). The film will
hun, Directors PARK Chan-wook, BONG Joon-ho and KIM Jee- feature Korean stars SONG Kang-ho and WON Bin as well as
woon, along with KANG Jae-gyu, KWAK Jae-yong, JANG Jin Hollywood stars. What’s known so far about the project is that
and AHN Byung-gi, each of them having different personalities, it will closely follow the original graphic novel as ‘an intense
are all preparing for overseas projects and co-production film action film taking place solely within a train.’ It plans to start
works. PARK Chan-wook, BONG Joon-ho and KIM Jee-woon in shooting in 2011.
particular have projects that are fast developing as we speak. A recent recipient of Grand Prize at 29th Brussels International
Stoker, PARK’s Hollywood debut film, is rumored to Colin Fantastic Film Festival with his I Saw the Devil, KIM Jee-woon is
Firth, this year’s Best Actor Award recipient at the Academy, also concretizing his entry to Hollywood with The Last Stand.
along with Nicole Kidman and Mia Wasikowska. Stoker deals What’s more, Arnold Schwarzenegger ’s name came up in
with a sudden appearance of an uncle (to be played by Colin casting discussions to create a sensation, when Liam Neeson ,
Firth) to a family mourning the recent death of the father, who was originally going to be cast as the lead had to drop
with Kidman and Wasikowska playing mother and daughter, out due to his conflicting shooting schedule due to his earlier
respectively. The film is co-produced by Scott Free Productions commitments to Wrath of the Titans and an untitled Taken
(Ridley SCOTT’s production company) and Fox Searchlight with sequel. In one of his interviews, KIM stated this film will be like
plans to start shooting in 2011. ‘a combination of Die Hard and High Noon.’ The Last Stand is
BONG Joon-ho’s news of working overseas came before Stoker, an action-thriller about a faceoff between Mexican drug cartel
with his adaptation of French graphic novel Snow Piercer and U.S. Sheriff near U.S.-Mexican border, to be produced by
about to introduce him to the global film market. Snow Piercer Lionsgate with world-wide release planned for 2012.

may 2011 25
Korean
films
at can
201 1
26 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY
 The Day He Arrives

nes
Recent works of Korean directors, who were already invited to
Cannes once before, are selected to 2011 Cannes’s Un Certain
Regard. The lists are HONG Sangsoo’s new film The Day He
Arrives , a story based on a famous town, Bukchon, in Seoul; NA
Hong-jin’s The Yellow Sea , a more fiercely heated thriller film
than his previous film The Chaser ; and KIM Ki-duk’s documentary
Arirang , an introspective film on his life and films. A number of
Korean short films at Cannes are also worth watching. Short
films by young Korean talents are being invited to the Short
Film Competition, Cinéfondation and International Critics' Week.
Director BONG Joon-ho is appointed as Head of the Jury for the
Caméra d’Or Section and Director LEE Chang-dong takes on the
Jury President of International Critics' Week.

MAY 2011 27
SPECIAL 01

The Day he Arrives

Un Certain Regard Directed by HONG Sangsoo Cast YU Junsang, SONG Sunmi, KIM Sangjoong, KIM Bokyung

By Jean Noh translates to ‘in the direction of Bukchon’

One of the most anticipated Korean films of the year is director HONG Sangsoo’s or ‘Bukchon-bound’.
latest work The Day He Arrives . Characteristic of the auteur’s dramas, the film follows In the lead role of Seongjun, the film
a regional college professor and occasional filmmaker on a trip to Seoul, and proceeds stars YU Junsang, who first started
to show versions of what could have been a day or perhaps several different days. working with HONG on the 2008 film Like
The Day He Arrives has been invited to this year’s Cannes film festival’s Un Certain You Know It All and most notably also
Regard section where last year, HONG’s film Hahaha was the Closing Film and won the starred in HONG’s Hahaha .
top prize. With the face of an ultimately self-
As with most of his other idiosyncratic works, the film has a very Korean setting centered man who easily smiles to please
for almost subtle character interaction that makes for interesting viewing as well. The others and get his way, Seongjun arrives
Day He Arrives takes place mostly in the Bukchon district of Seoul, which is known in Seoul to see an old friend of his,
for its traditional Korean-style houses and artistic atmosphere which is filled with Youngho (KIM Sangjoong). While he waits
cafés, galleries and a public library. Near this district is the traditional antiques and to see him, he wanders around Bukchon,
gallery neighborhood of Insa-dong. The film’s Korean title BukchonBanghyang roughly running into an actress he used to know

28 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

and having a short conversation with Proust Questionnaire for
the eager woman. he walks down to director HONG Sangsoo
Insa-dong and has a drink by himself
when he is invited to join a trio of film Known as a director whose films appear ordinary
students who recognize him as a film on the surface but reveal complex and often
director. They are kind and respectful, uncomfortable truths about relationships between
but eventually he ditches them in a people, HONG Sangsoo was born in 1960 in Seoul.
paranoid fashion and heads to an old he studied film at Chungang Univervisty and later
flame’s apartment. received a BFA from the California College of Arts and
The next day, or maybe another – Crafts and an MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago,
we can’t be sure – Seongjun is still and spent a few months studying at the Cinematheque
wandering around Bukchon and again Francaise in Paris.
he runs into the actress he used It was with The Day The Pig Fell In The Well that he
to know. They talk again and part. made an award-winning debut in 1996. he returned
HONG Sangsoo
Seongjun finally meets up with his two years later with The Power Of Kangwon Province ,
friend Youngho, who has a previous another film with characters traveling and going over relationships, and established
engagement to see Boram (SONG himself as one of the most solid and notable Korean filmmakers of his time.
Sunmi), an attractive professor whom Despite low domestic attendance, his arthouse films have always travelled and sold well
he insists is just a good friend he cares abroad. With his own production company Jeonwonsa, HONG has been making films with
about a lot. They go to a bar called great regularity – at least one every two years and sometimes even twice a year. In 2010,
Novel. he is obviously very interested in which was such a year, Hahaha closed the Cannes Un Certain Regard section while Oki’s
Seongjun. The owner of the bar looks Movie , was the Closing Film for the Venice film festival’s Orrizonti section.
very much like Seongjun’s old flame At time of press a few weeks before Cannes, the quote-sensitive director HONG Sangsoo
Kyungjin (KIM Bokyung), and he plays prefers not to talk about The Day He Arrives before its premiere. But for those interested
the piano for her. to hear from the director of so many seemingly personal films, he was not averse to
And then the next day, or perhaps replying candidly to a “Proust Questionnaire” that Korean Cinema Today put to him.
another day altogether, Seongjun goes
to Jungdok Library with Young-ho. he What is happiness to you? Many.
tells the story of how he once followed Carelessness of heart. What do you most dislike?
a girl home from there for the first What are you most afraid of? A few [things]
time. In the evening, the two meet with When my mind is going crazy, being How would you describe your current
a former actor who has returned from enveloped by darkness. state of mind?
doing business in Vietnam. There is What are your most marked traits? Been clear for many days, today and
tension between the former actor and Many. yesterday a little foggy, but will be clear
the former director, but it is dispelled What are the traits you most hate in soon again.
for the time being and Boram joins others? What is the most miserable thing to you?
them. The four of them go to “a bar A few. Going alone, being crazy inside, not being
called Novel,” as Seongjun once again What is your greatest extravagance? able to talk about it.
narrates in a voiceover. After a few Maguro sashimi once a week when I can. What do you think is the best thing you
drinks, he kisses the bar owner. What is your greatest regret? have ever done?
It now seems like Seongjun may have Not having travelled enough with my All the important things in my life (if I can
been in Seoul with his friend Youngho daughter. ever pinpoint them), they're all brought to
for a few days now, or just one day so What is your favorite trip? me by chance. (I reacted to all of them with
far. he might have learned something 1) A compulsive one without any my best at the time, like anybody else.)
from the meeting with his old flame, or preparation period prior to If you hadn’t become a director, what
it might be that he has to meet again 2) Shooting period would you have done?
with this woman who looks like the old What are the traits in a man you most like? Don't know.
flame. As if he had only the one day, Many. How do you feel about returning to
Seongjun is left to face the day in spite What are the traits in a woman you most Cannes?
of everything. like? Hope it will be a pleasant trip.

MAY 2011 29
 The Yellow Sea
Un Certain Regard Directed by NA Hong-jin Cast HA Jung-woo, KIM Yun-seok, CHO Seong-ha

By Ju Sung-chul

The success of The Chaser has lingered in the aftermath for

a long time. Since the huge hit of The Chaser , a number of
thriller genre films, The Man from Nowhere , I Saw Devil and
The Unjust have been introduced and the desire of directors
and actors on making a firmer and stronger films has been
a trend in the Korean industry. And The Yellow Sea seems
to complete the trend and flow in the industry at peak done
by NA Hong-jin himself, who started the trend.
Gu-nam (HA Jung-woo) who drives a taxi in Yanbian,
China, living in a desperate situation with debts and a wife
who went to Korea 6 months ago to earn money. Meeting
Myun (KIM Yun-seok) at a gambling room, Gu-nam is offered
a job to kill a man in Korea which will pay off his debt. So
he decides to cross the Yellow Sea in hopes of finding his
wife and paying off his debt. From then on, the storyline
goes almost into real time as similar as NA did in his debut
film The Chaser . While Jung-ho runs through the city night-
long to stop a murder in The Chaser , The Yellow Sea follows
Gu-nam practicing several times for planning his hit and
chasing the traces of his wife at the same time almost in
real time. So, the tension increased by employing the real
time technique is one of the crucial elements making up
NA’s style.
The most different aspect between The Chaser and The
Yellow Sea or the most impressive virtue of The Yellow Sea
is a unfamiliarized viewpoint. Gu-nam has no longing to go
to Korea, no relatives or memories, and doesn’t even listen
to Korean music. No sense of belonging to his “Homeland”
and Korea is a just dirty land to him, where his innocent
Interview with
wife got lured and into having an affair.
NA Hong-jin
So, compelling violent scenes in the film are not
horrible moments, rather, the most horrible moment is You started to prepare the production
the bewildered feeling of desolation when he looks up a of The Yellow Sea right after The
map to find a way to Ulsan, a Southern city of korea in the Chaser .
mountain covered with snow as being chased by police. The I was thinking of having a rest for a while,
film follows how Gu-nam changes in a desperate situation but one of my seniors told me, “keep
and adapts to it to survive. Who else would treat their working, you are young.” So, I felt to do
characters with as much brutality? The Yellow Sea goes the something. But, I didn’t have a special
full distance. interest in the matter of Yanbian or the

30 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 sleeping in a train to Dalian, during the long travel,
I was able to feel something an overall mood or
emotion. And I was more surprised upon arriving
Yanbian, because I imagined something “yellowish”
like “the Yellow Sea”, but it was grayish all over the
city. But it seemed to make me more interesting. I
begun to listen to ordinary people there, they looked
to me at the first time, as we met more often and
drink together, they begun to open and told me many
stories.
How was the production in China?
NA Hong-jin
In fact, the portion of the scenes shot in Yanbian is not
that much in the film. Due to an unexpected situation,
we moved to Qiqihar, 2 hours from Harbin, to shoot the most of the scenes. There are
many ethnic Koreans living in the city too, the city has more decorations and a more
cinematic feeling like noir than Yanbian.
While preparing The Yellow Sea , were there any images or instant strong
impressions you felt or that captured you?
I was captivated by the eating scenes. I think all basic instincts come from a matter
of eating after all. For example, the scene while long waiting for the crucial moment,
Gu-nam goes to a convenient store to eat a cup noodle, the scene when he devours
kimchi from the refrigerator after starving a couple of days, and the scene where Myun
and his team eat beef. Those eating scenes still remain fresh in my mind.
How Gu-nam ended up in the Southern city of Korea, Ulsan, from China remains
unexplained?
People usually assume that the illegal immigrants might end up in Inchon, or Gunsan, the
western cities of Korea. But that wasn’t true. Due to too many coast guards in the west,
many illegal immigrants usually go around to the south. Also, there is an intention not to
inform the illegal immigrants of their destination. They have to stay about 10 days stuck
in a fish room (a storage room for fish caught) from China to Ulsan. I heard once that all
illegal immigrants died from suffocation due to the fish room window being mistakenly
closed.
From the scene Myun steps into the hotel room naked, with a violent expression.
I wanted to make that scene something odd by combining a viewpoint shot with a third
point of view. I wanted to change the entire tone of the film from that scene, like a
flash moment that changes the track, and replaces it with another emotion by getting
removing reality from the film. It looks a little too excessive, but I must have the scene
to explain the nature of Myun character. I wanted to make the scene like one from an old
samurai film or yakuza film. I was told the scene reminds people of 2001: Space Odyssey
ethnic Koreans. Using A Murderer as its when Myun picks up a bone, instead of an axe.
working title and as a research process It looks like there were many different styles in the action sequences?
went on, I realized the atmosphere and I worked with YOO Sang-sub, a martial art director from the Seoul Action School,
reality of the society over there. once again after The Chaser . his contribution to The Yellow Sea was huge, so a third
What was your first impression on component of this film was YOO’s.
Yanbian? How did you research about While working on The Yellow Sea , did you ever think you would do what you didn’t do
the ethnic Koreans? or finish from The Chaser ?
I just picked up a backpack and went to Never, it’s like an already finished game. I rather thought that I’d never repeat what I did
Yanbian by train. And then I lived there in The Chaser . The actors are the same, HA Jung-woo, KIM Yun-seok, but I thought there
for 2 months. I had to sit long in a stifle was no similarity between the two movies. And I thought that I only needed to focus on
train to get there, like the scene Gu-nam The Yellow Sea itself.

MAY 2011 31
 Arirang
Un Certain Regard Directed by KIM Ki-duk

By KIM Ki-duk It is still hiding deep within my heart, testing my sense of

Arirang is compassion.
about KIM Ki-duk If I didn’t give my heart, the wicked would be erased from my
playing 3 roles in 1. memories, but if I gave my heart, I wouldn’t forget them until the
Through Arirang I can climb over any obstacles in life. day I die.
Through Arirang I can understand human beings, be Ah…
thankful of nature, and acknowledge my life as it is now. Arirang
Alright
We are now… Let’s
in the terrestrial world lurking with desires, Mercilessly kill each other in our hearts till we die.
in the ghostly world lurking with sorrow,
in the imaginary world lurking with dreams, Even today
with no beginning nor end, I hold back as I get angry
slowly going crazy. I laugh as I get jealous
I love as I despise
What is the affection that still remains all around me And forgive as I quiver with the urge to kill.
decaying? Wait
It is still stuck to the crown of my head, testing my I will kill
emotions. myself, because of those who I remember.

32 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 staff that summarizes the direction of
the film. It read ‘Bizarre-Subtle-Vague’.
As so Ghost features grotesque looks,

GHOST mixing up foreign factors that refuse to

be put together. Once again the movie
is impossible to be defined as a unified
Short Competition Section Directed by Dahci MA character, just like her previous short
films that vetoed consistent style, so
much that some even questioned whether
they were all indeed made by the same
By Jang Byung-won the youngest director ever to receive the person. Sill montages of the slum that
LEE Jeong-jin (aka Dahci MA), director of award. fill up the prologue and epilogue paces
the movie “Ghost” has a peculiar talent of Ghost is a bizarre film that shows around the boundary of experimental and
making people confused. First she starts such features of LEE as well. The movie documentary films.
with her name, preferring to work as talks about slums that are about to be Although its characters or background
Dahci MA, instead of her real name LEE re-developed. But the slum from the are unrealistic, Ghost was inspired by
Jeong-jin. “School was never my thing and movie does not share common definition an actual event. Director LEE Jeong-
since grade school I had wanted to be out of ‘a place where new apartments will jin drafted the story from an experience
of there.” She got her wish and left school be built after old, out of date houses are of a “1 month trip to Busan in 2010 that
after finishing first year of junior high. broken down.’ Rape murder case occurs was all about redeveloping slums” and
As she “had no intention of going back at the teardown site. While its residents a rape-murder case that occurred in
contrary to the wishes of her family which and the police are obsessed with finding Busan. By shooting the film at an actual
wanted her to at least go to high school,” the one who did it, the criminal slips location where the crime took place,
she turned to the world of cinema, partly through the investigation and disappears. Ghost urges you to imagine the story
because she had to find something to On TV the news says the police have behind this horrible case. It is obvious
replace school. This is when she directed caught the guy, but crying voices of a girl much effort was put into using the sound
5 short films by putting together “movie- still echo on the streets. In Ghost we meet as its composition of audio-visual image is
like stuff I made fur fun”, and every single the phantoms: voices of those who lived indeed unusual, such as using superficial
one of them has a different style. Short there, voices of those who died there, sounds (for instance the opening
film “Nevertheless” (2005) she made and the faces of gloomy ghosts who still sequence of excavator making screeching
when she was 18 was invited to various reside there. like a monster), descriptive sounds that
film festivals and another short piece she Slums from Ghost are not spaces enforce the image, as well as collision and
made at 21, “The Mysteries of Nature” that can be converted into dynamics counterpoint of image and sounds.
(2008) was awarded with Jury Prize at of urban space or economic value. The The narrative of Ghost , where evident
New York’s Dance on Camera Festival as director gave out a piece of paper to the reality and grotesque surrealism
form the two sides of a coin, refuses
the conventional method of cinema
interpretation but little by little breaks
down the film from inside. “It is my
consistency to have no style, that
prevents people from predicting the next
style I’ll come up with,” says LEE and it
is quite likely that she will become an
artist of deviation who have no interest in
following other people’s footsteps. Above
all, her attitude that tries to converse with
the side beyond a section of life through
skillful weaving of multimedia images
raises expectations for a fast actions from
henceforth.

MAY 2011 33
 situation does not seem very different he needs is that kind of simple consolation
from other boys his age who have poor rather than unconditional scorn. At first the
living conditions. he gets upset when his homosexuality illustrated in Fly by Night
brother confiscates his mobile phone may seem degrading and wrong, but it still
because of unpaid bills, and gets scolded deserves to be analyzed in a fresh light.
when he is caught smoking. But the true
difference between the boy and his peers is
Fly by Night that he is a minor having sex with an older
Cinéfondation person of the same sex. The film focuses Finis Operis
Directed by SON Tae-gyum on the dual life of this young boy. The International Critics’ Week - Short
important thing is, SON does not try to set Directed by MOON Byung-Gon
By LEE Hwa-jung apart the boy's life from other typical boys
How is one’s sexual identity formed during his age. When the boy hesitates before By LEE Hwa-jung

puberty? The film Fly by Night questions saying something to the man, the viewers “If you are willing to survive, you will die.
the true meaning of sexual identity through would naturally expect him to ask for more But if you’re willing to die, you will survive.”
the eyes of a young boy experiencing a money so that he can cover his phone As captured in this Korean saying spoken
difficult adolescence. The young boy is bills. Instead, he asks “would it be strange by Admiral YI in the 16th century, life and
used to selling himself to older men. One if we dated?” Although their relationship death may not be destined to be a matter
client said he would pay more for having centers on money, the boy believes he of personal will. MOON captures this
sex without a condom. But after sex, can share his worries with the man by irony in a whimsical tone in the film “Finis
the man confesses that he doesn’t have asking him to be his boyfriend. But instead Operis”. The viewers are able to take a peek
enough cash. The client promises to pay of asking him keenly, he is more worried into an old man's day as he busily prepares
the boy the next day and sends him home. if this relationship would be considered for his death with firm determination. Tools
The next day, the boy evades his elder strange according to social norms. needed to aid his suicide, which he ordered
brother's eyes to meet the man who owes The film tries to take a look at how for himself, are delivered to his house. he
him money. Upon their second encounter, homosexuality, a special kind of sexual scrutinizes each item before jumping into
the young boy makes a suggestion. he asks identity, is perceived differently based on the tub for his very last bath. his master
if they can start a serious relationship, the environment or other external factors. plan is to hang himself in the living room.
instead of having to sell his body. For a poor boy, sympathy and comfort does The old man meticulously plans out each
The boy in Fly by Night is young. It can not require big favors. A simple stick of step in his head.
be assumed that he probably lost his lip balm lent by the man can be all that it Does he succeed? Unfortunately, at the
mother recently, and is living a poor life takes to feel understood. During confused pinnacle of his suicide attempt, he comes
with his only brother. From a distance, his times and a difficult adolescence, what face-to-face with a basic human desire -
the uncontrollable libido. his penis pops
out through the zippers of his dress pants,
Fly by Night
and he is struck with utter surprise. And at
that very moment, the well-fastened hook
in the ceiling dismantles and he is given a
new life.
The scene could have been a tragic
moment leading to the only character’s
death. But his failed attempt at ending his
life triggers laughter instead. This laugh
is probably closer to a bitter smirk at the
irony of life than a burst of hysterical
laughter. The humor created solely by
the irony of the situation, and no words,
almost resembles the humor code common
in characters of Aki KAURISMAKI’s films.
MOON does not reveal why the old man

34 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 hee after they quarrel. Hyung-joo’s doubts
are soon outrun by a sense of shock when
he sees that Yeon-hee is headed to a place
that he least expected. The girl he has
been shadowing stops when he arrives
home at a run-down shelter in the middle
of a shanty town.
For many, the title In Front of the
House may carry romantic connotations,
as the location often relates to kisses
goodbye after memorable dates. But in
the capitalist world that we live in, one’s
front porch symbolizes more than just rosy
“butterflies-in-the-stomach” emotions.
Finis Operis
In fact, where you live can indirectly
represent your wealth and social status.
What Hyung-joo witnessed was not simply
wishes to end his life. But when looking allow the viewers to look life in retrospect. Yeon-hee's house but also his poor living
at the way he carefully prepares and Another interesting point about this movie standards, unimaginably poor to a middle
executes his plan to die, one could hope is that it was filmed in a small indoor class apartment dweller like himself.
that the old man may overcome whatever space with minimal shooting. Canon DSLR Suddenly for Hyung-joo, pure love for
agony in life if he were to pour the same 7D, a camera that is commonly chosen to Yeon-hee seems not enough to fill the
level of effort into life itself. Finis Operis shoot movies more recently was used to social wealth gap that he did not know
may be short, but it has enough power to film the piece. existed between them. After Hyung-joo’s
secret discovery, he can no longer bring
himself to face Yeon-hee the same way.
And that is where the movie ends. The last

In Front Of to win his heart. A typical romance genre

film may have ushered Yeon-hee to fall
scene shows Hyung-joo staring blankly
at his flashy apartment in the distance
The House in love with another man. But In Front of while standing next to the run-down slums
International Critics’ Week - Short the House is more than just a typical love - a symbolic snapshot that captures the
Directed by LEE Tae-ho story. The plot twist kicks in when the wealth gap still evident in the capitalist era
suspicious Hyung-joo quietly follows Yeon- of the 21st century.
By LEE Hwa-jung

The film starts off like any other romantic

movie about two inseparable love birds in In Front Of The House
their twenties. Hyung-joo puts together
a home-made lunchbox for his girlfriend
Yeon-hee. Before closing the lid, he
completes the lunchbox by drawing a
heart with ketchup sauce on the grilled
sausages he has happily prepared for
his loving other-half. But to Hyung-
joo's disappointment, Yeon-hee is not
impressed. he even pulls out pricey
entrance tickets to a theme park, but he
boldly rejects his presents and says he
has other commitments.
The viewers will naturally wonder why
Yeon-hee turns down Hyung-joo's efforts

MAY 2011 35
Korean
Cinema
Leaping 20
Korean Films
to Look Out
Higher for
Second Half of

Into
2011

a Wider World
Genre films on various subjects and comeback of big names will make Korean films
shine more than ever during the second half of 2011. This year, well-made commercial
films targeting audiences on a wider range of age are expected to lead the scene. Their
genres include 3D action, aerial blockbuster and crime fighting action as well as legal,
war, historic dramas, tearful melodrama and theater animations, covering almost all
existing genres. New works of global stars such as SONG Kang-ho, JEON Do-youn,
SONG Hye-kyo, JUNG Ji-hoon await to be released.

36 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

The First Trial
for Korean 3D Cinema

SECTOR 7
Directed by KIM Ji-hoon

By BAIK Seung Chan Host had proved monster movies can make a hit in Korea as
Originally scheduled to be premiered in mid or late July, well. With Sector 7 too, design of the monster is expected
Korea’s biggest cinema season, Sector 7 yielded this to be the key to making the film a box office hit. According
golden period to Quick , a film also produced by JK Film, to the producer YOUN JK, Sector 7 ’s monster will be half
and postponed its release to early August. It was because translucent, luminous, and blind but uses its tentacles to
Sector 7 is a 3D film. Seriously examining the possibility of detect objects. YOUN says “the aim was to create a beast
3D cinema in Korea, Sector 7 has made a strategic choice, never seen in any monster movie, anywhere on earth.”
avoiding a war against Hollywood 3D films over 3D screens, The monster from The Host was completed with the help
as Transformer 3 opens in June and Harry Potter and the from New Zealand’s Weta Workshop. Meanwhile Sector 7 ’s
Deathly Hallows Part 2 in July. monster was born at MOFAC, special effect studio of Korea.
Lead by YOUN JK, director of My Boss, My Hero and The 3D technology is from Korea too. “It was impossible to do
Haeundae , JK Film is one of the best filmmakers of 100% converting and 100% 3D filming due to quality issues
recent years in Korea. JK Film is also maintaining a close and cost respectively,” said YOUN. “70% of the film was
relationship with CJ E&M Cinema Business Sector that shot 3D and 30% converted.” Such ratio was the supposed
ranks number one in sales among Korean investors and “tangent point in the context of cost against effect” that
distributors. The first major scaled 3D film in Korea produced Korean cinema industry can handle. Total production cost of
by JK Film and distributed by CJ; with these 3 facts alone Sector 7 is in the range of US$13.
show the possibility for a record setting number of ticket JK Film and CJ are also having high hopes for overseas
sales for a Korean film this year. sales of Sector 7 . Already US$1.1 million worth of pre-sale has
Sector 7 is about a fierce struggle between men and a been made. When the film is featured in full scale starting
deep ocean monster located at an oil prospecting ship named from Cannes Film Festival Markets, it is expected to easily
‘Eclipse’. The film is directed by KIM Ji-hoon, director of May earn more than US$2 million. Unlike Haeundae that had
18 that drew 7.3 million viewers to the theaters. The leading strong local colors, it is JK Film’s judgment that Sector 7
role is a warrior-like character who is the only female on the has the ‘the look and attitude’ that will work in the overseas
ship, played by HA Ji-won. HA had appeared regularly in films market too.
made by JK and has scored high in all shows she appeared “Korean cinema storytelling is at the highest level in the
in, on TV and screen including the recent big hit TV drama world, but as for technology it is only learning how to walk
Secret Garden . Others on the cast list includes national actor compared to Hollywood,” explained YOUN, adding “We’ve
AHN Sung-ki who always has a sense of stability in Korean’s acquired special effects technology in Haeundae . Based
eyes and OH Ji-ho who has been very popular in TV dramas. on that, we wish to make endless challenges against film
Keeping its place at the top of Korean box office, The technology, starting from Sector 7 and Quick .”

may 2011 37
20 Korean Films to Look Out for Second Half of 2011

By BAIK Seung Chan the Korean War. As the negotiations came to a deadlock,
2010 was the 60th Anniversary of start of the Korean War, the South and North engaged in a fierce battle to occupy as
and numerous war films were planned to commemorate the much land as possible. Aerok Hills, a fictional location from
event. However as it is with war films, tremendous funding the movie, was one of these places in battle that the South
was needed and only a few were actually materialized into and North fiercely fought on. The South Korean Army and
films. Followed by last year’s 71-Into the Fire , and a small the People’s Army of the North Korea fought with their lives
piece In Love and the War is already released this year, but to reclaim this Hill, with the victor changing by the day.
the ones that are heating up the scene is blockbuster The In his previous two works, JANG did an excellent job in
Front Line and My Way . depicting friendship and duel between two men. In Rough
The Front Line is the third movie by JANG Hoon. Starting Cut it had been an actor and a thug, while in Secret Reunion
his career as KIM Ki-duk’s assistant director, he made his it had been a National Intelligent Service agent and a
first debut in the spotlight with Rough Cut (2008), its spy. This time it’s soldiers of the South and the North. In
screenplay was written by KIM Ki-duk. With his next movie a bigger picture, confrontation of ‘two men’ has become
Secret Reunion (2010), a commercial film completely out of confrontation of ‘two countries’. SHIN Ha-kyun and KIM
KIM Ki-duk’s circle of influence, JANG succeeded to draw 5.4 Ok-bin from Thirst , GOH Soo from White Night as well as LEE
million audiences to the theaters, becoming a star director. David whose name is just beginning to be known for his role
A film that started from a suggestion made by distributor as the grandson in LEE Chang-dong’s Poem are main casts of
Showbox, who also distributed Secret Reunion , The Front the film. Screenplay was written by PARK Seong-yeon, who
Line will be a film testing JANG who successfully entered gained fame as the original writer of PARK Chan-wook film
the world of commercial films, to see whether he can handle JSA: Joint Security Area and writer of popular TV drama
this US$10 million blockbuster steadily. If he does pull it ‘Seondeok Yeowang’.
off, it is highly likely his name will always come up when Coincidentally, in 2010 while The Front Line was in the
discussing Korean commercial films. The Front Line was set middle of its shooting, actual war clouds covered the Korean
in 1953, when a ceasefire negotiation was in progress during Peninsula. A Korean naval ship, the Cheonan sunk after
being attacked by North Korea and Yeonpyeongdo, a small
island in the western shore was bombed resulting in civilian
casualty. Director JANG is hush on the details of The Front
Defend the Land, Line . Nevertheless, he made it clear that “the message the
but War is an Empty Dream film gives is simple. War should not occur, and it should not

THE FRONT LINE be an option.” He also added “I sure did think about whether
it was right to make a war movie while a potential war could
have started at any time. Yet this movie was the only thing
Directed by JANG Hoon
we could do. I decided to do my best in making it.”
A large portion of The Front Line was filmed at Baekam
Mountain in Hamyang, Gyeongsangnamdo, a place that
became barren after fire burnt down the trees in the spring
of 2009. JANG explains there were no such thing as routes
for staffs and actors to climb at first but a new path was
made after months of shooting the crew walking back and
forth. The desolate image of the burnt-down hills gives us
some idea of what kind of color The Front Line will be. It is
one of the film’s goals to show the ‘Korean’ colors of the
earth and sky, nothing like the monotones we saw in the film
Saving Private Ryan .
The Front Line is already pre-sold to Germany, UK and
Thailand. A film where soldiers of the North and South
become entangled, bullets, grenades, bombs and American
bomber planes flying overhead, The Front Line is to be
released in Korea at the end of July or early August,
distributed by Showbox.

38 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

Pan-Asian Collaboration
to Recreate the Normandy Landings

MY WAY
Directed by KANG Je-kyu

By HUH Nam-woong

After his blockbuster hit Taegukgi

(2004), Director KANG Je-kyu
secluded himself from the outside
world with high hopes to make a film
in Hollywood. There were rumors
that he was making a sci-fi project,
and word also went round that he had
teamed up with a top-notch writer to
put together a war film starring a big
star from Hollywood. Six years passed
since the rumors prevailed, and KANG
has returned home to Korea to work on
My Way since last year. His latest piece
may not be a Hollywood production as
many hoped but it truly is a large-scale
project - the biggest of its kind in Korean
film history - with production costs estimated at over
US$27.8 million (30 billion KRW). It may not carry big names most avid movie-goers. The story goes as far back as The
from Hollywood, but this huge project features iconic stars Longest Day (1962) that features a large ensemble cast
from Asia such as Korean actor JANG Dong-kun, Japanese consisting of John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Henry Fonda,
actor ODAGIRI Joe and China's FAN Bingbing. And let's Richard Burton and others, or as recent as Steven Spielberg's
not forget it is yet another war movie by KANG, director of Saving Private Ryan (1998). So for My Way to succeed, it
mega-hit Taegukgi . must differentiate itself from such milestone films in the
Only a brief storyline of My Way has been revealed to the history of war movies. What's more, this is already KANG's
public. It is based on a true story of a Korean solider (JANG third action film including Swiri (1999). But experience is the
Dong-kun) who was drafted by the Japanese army to fight most valuable asset when it comes to making large-scale
in the Normandy Landings. Word has it that KANG initially war movies. And KANG has always adventurously doubled
hesitated when a Hollywood production company asked him production costs for his movie compared to the one before
to transform this story onto the big screen. But only later and succeeded each time. (Taegukgi ’s budget was US$13).
when, by chance, KANG came across a documentary about The biggest reason for the rise in production costs is because
the same story did he make up his mind. (This decision came of his ambitions to put more emphasis on the dramatic
after the initial production company was no longer involved.) composition more so than the spectacles of war.
The documentary was originally about a Korean who became KANG is also a true believer of the power of non-fiction.
a U.S. prisoner of war during the Normandy landings. KANG Swiri and Taegukgi were both fictional plots but had their
modified the tale by adding a Japanese character (ODAGIRI foundations in true historical findings. My Way follows the
Joe) to the script. This movie is not about conflicts between same footsteps. We can expect the individual characters'
nations, as KANG breaks away from positioning Korea as drama to unfold within the boundaries of historical facts such
the offender and Japan as the victim. Instead he plans to as the Japanese colonial rule and World War II. My Way has
create a dramatic epic centered around forgiveness and already shot 50% of its scenes in various locations such as
reconciliation of its characters. Korea, Germany and China since October 2010, and aims to
The Normandy landings are actually a familiar topic for open in box offices in Korea and Japan in the fall of 2011.

may 2011 39
20 Korean Films to Look Out for Second Half of 2011

keeps an emotional distance from Du-heon while closely

A Melodramatic Depiction monitoring his every move. But out of nowhere, she grows a
of the Gangster World fond liking for her target.

HINDSIGHT The theme of gangster life in Hindsight seems far from

LEE's usual area of interest. He is better known for his talent
in captivating the viewers with melodramatic sensitivity
Directed by LEE Hyeon-seung
in romantic films such as Il Mare (2000), Sunset into the
Neon Lights (1995), and Blue in You (1992). Hence the dark
alleys of the mob world do not seem like his usual cup of
tea. But Hindsight is actually not very different from LEE's
By HUH Nam-woong previous movies. Genre-wise, it may be a crime film, but the
Director LEE Hyeon-seung makes a comeback with his latest unique emotions that develop between Du-heon and Se-bin
feature film Hindsight , his first piece since Il Mare in 2000. LEE's eventually bring out the romantic features of the movie. If Il
ambitions for an impactful comeback can easily be sensed by Mare was about love that transcends time and space through
the fancy cast ensemble of his new film. Hindsight stars Korea's the exchange of letters, and Sunset into the Neon Lights
top actor SONG Kang-ho, rising star SHIN Se-gyung and CHUN portrayed short-lived love of a copy-writer, Hindsight depicts
Jeong-myoung, as well as more experienced actors YOON Yeo- hopeless love between two people in the gangster world who
jeong, OH Dal-soo and KIM Roi-ha. can never be.
Du-heon (SONG Kang-ho) chose to retire from the gangster Solitude and loneliness are emotions vital in understanding
life and is now trying to learn the basics on how to live as an LEE's works. These empty emotions are also captured in the
ordinary citizen. In order to do so, he first enrolls himself in a movie's Korean title, Blue Salt . Since Blue in You , the color
cooking class, where he befriends Se-bin (SHIN Se-gyung) who blue has played an important role in LEE's filmography to
used to be an athlete shooter. But to Du-heon, Se-bin stands symbolize discord in human relationships. Hence, Lee enjoys
as an enigma. Even though she feels like a close friend, there utilizing sensuous visuals when describing his characters. The
are times when she withdraws herself from expressing her production company explains that unlike Il Mare in which the
emotions. Little does Du-heon know that Se-bin approached him beach house named 'Il Mare' plays a significant role in the
intentionally. She is actually following orders from members movie, Hindsight is less dependent on any artificial set piece
of the gang to keep a close eye on Du-heon since he has been but the story blends naturally into its surroundings. Hence,
appointed as the boss's successor. This appointment is beyond this shows the director's intention to focus purely on the
Du-heon's knowledge but has already caused quite a commotion characters to create a character-driven film this time around.
within the gang. So, to accomplish her mission, Se-bin purposely One can argue that the highlight of Hindsight is the synergy
created by SONG Kang-ho
and SHIN Se-gyung. While
SONG recycles his peculiar
charisma familiar to many,
rising star SHIN slips away
from her stereotypical naive
yet sexy image to transform
into a mysterious and rebellious
figure. And just like any of LEE's
movies, he ties the male and
female protagonists together as
a harmonious pair, rather than
highlighting their individuality.
In other words, Hindsight
provides the viewers with a
sense of familiarity as well as
an opportunity to discover new
aspects of LEE who has returned
as a director after a long hiatus.

40 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

Intelligence Chase
over Coffee

GABI
Directed by CHANG Yoon-hyun

By RA Jegy

It’s the end of 19th century, and Gojong,

King of Josoen flees to the Russian
legation to save himself from foreign
threats. The king comes into contact with
western culture during his stay there,
and tastes coffee for the first time in
his life. After he returns to the palace,
Gojong continues to enjoy coffee, while screenplay.” He also adds “So many spectacles will appear
an assassination attempt takes place to kill the king by on screen, making one wonder did all that really exist during
poisoning his coffee to prevent him from establishing the that time.”
Korean Empire. Chungmuro’s eyes are on CHANG, watching whether he
Gabi is a story about turn-of-the-century turmoil told will overcome his last two misfortunes and make a successful
through the genre of mellow, thriller and spy films. Adapted return. The film will be distributed by Cinema Service, an
from KIM Tak-hwan’s novel Noseoa Gabi , a tragic love story enterprise of KANG Woo-suk, the magic hands of Chungmuro.
and intelligence action of Joseon’s first woman barista Once the biggest distributor in the business, it is true Cinema
tangled with a Russian spy and Emperor Gojong form the Service is having some difficulties after the recent films
main storyline. KIM Tak-hwan is also the writer of Secret of company distributed didn’t do too well. Much attention is
Monument for Virtuous Lady , which was made into a movie given to whether ‘Gabi’ will be a breakthrough for Cinema
Detective K: Secret of Virtuous Widow , the biggest Korean Service. Also it is interesting to predict whether film adapted
film hit during the first quarter that earned 4 million viewers from KIM Tak-hwan’s novel will make a hit one after another.
since its release in February. The Title of the novel ‘Noseoa The film stars Hanryu star JOO Jin-mo (A Frozen Flower ),
Gabi’ means Russian coffee. It is interesting how the film a great performer PARK Hee-soon (Seven Days ) as well as
connects facts with fiction, such a setting as the first barista YOO Sun (Moss ) and KIM So-yeon (Iris ). JOO plays a first
of Joseon. The scene where Gojong takes his first sip of class sniper Ilrich of Russian crooks hovering around Gojong,
coffee, something very new at the time, and the Russian and KIM So-yeon, Tanya the barista who serves coffee to
legation and steam locomotive scenes recreated by computer the Emperor. Making her screen debut with Change (1997),
graphics will be quite a spectacle to watch. except for Seven Swords (2005), a Hark TSUI film made
Director CHANG Yoon-hyun was the pioneer of early together by Korea and China, KIM’s works have been mostly
Korean Indie films, leading the way with The Night Before on TV. Gabi will make her return to the big screen after 15
Strike (1990) and announced at the start of the Korean New years. The mysterious woman, queen of the social circle with
Wave in the late 1990s with The Contact (1997) and Tell Me two names, BAE Jeong-ja in Korean and Sadako in Japanese,
Something (1999). With Gabi , CHANG intends to jump back played by YOO Sun. Production Company Ocean Films
up from his slump of the last century, when he consecutively commented “The film stays almost true to history with about
failed with Some and Hwang Jin Yi . When asked why he 30% of it being fiction.” Ilrich and Tanya are fictional while
took the job, director CHANG answers “The original novel BAE is a person who actually existed. The film started in at
was such an interesting piece.” He says “At first I became the end of March and shooting will continue until late June.
interested out of curiosity, wanting to know the first person Total production cost is estimated to be about US$6.5 million
who made coffee in Korea. Yet the more I researched about (7 billion KRW), and the film is scheduled to be released at
it, the more I learned new things, which I added onto the the end the end of the year.

may 2011 41
Korean Cinema Leaping Higher Into a Wider World

Myung Film Makes Challenge

for Animated Films

LEAFIE: A HEN INTO THE WILD

Directed by OH Seong-yoon

By BAIK Seung Chan

Leafie is a hen, laying eggs every day. But it has never

got the chance to care for the eggs it laid. Little by
little Leafie starts to long for the yard seen through
the doors of chicken farm building and soon dreams of
going out into the yard to care for the eggs there. Since
the dreaming begins, Leafie does not lay anymore eggs,
and the farm couple throws Leafie away into a pit. The
little hen begins its new life under a vicious watch from
a weasel. Leafie tries to return to the yard, only to be ill- in the family can watch together as she made family movies
treated and pushed away. Then it finds an egg in the woods, like Little Brother and Ice Bar . “It wasn’t easy to secure
which it decides to care for while a duck friend stays around investment for production as there had been no previous
to protect Leafie. animated features that were successful in Korea. Myung Film
The story comes from A Hen Into The Wild , a monumental was able to finance the film, only because it already had
bestseller in Korea as a children’s book that sold almost a equity capital.”
million copies. A reputable commercial filmmaker of Korea, Uncommon for a Korean animated feature, Leafie: A Hen
Myung Film signed contract copyrights with the author in Into The Wild chose to pre-record the sounds and do the
2005, and is about to release their first animation LEAFIE: A drawings later. This meant voices of dubbing artists were
Hen Into The Wild this summer. recorded following the prepared video script, and drawing the
The Animated feature market of Korea is at the moment animation accordingly. Along with actors MOON So-ri, YOO
dominated by films made by Disney and Pixar of America Seung-ho, CHOI Min-sik and PARK Cheol-min along with more
and Studio Ghibli of Japan, as well as popular cartoon than 20 professional dubbing artists participated in the vocal
shows turning into the big screen. A few Korean feature recording. The film was directed by experienced animation
animations were released in the theaters, but none have producer, OH Seong-yoon. A teaser poster has already been
made commercial success. released in Korea and full scale marketing is about to be
“The theme of original work such as challenging the spirit launched, starting with its title song by singer IU, one of the
that yearns for freedom and not settling with the present is most popular singers among the young generation.
meaningful enough to gain sympathy from all generations,” The film is making an aggressive approach to overseas
says Myung Film’s CEO SHIM Jae-myeong. “Until now, market as well. For the first time in Korean cinema history,
most of Korean animated feature started out from original Leafie: A Hen Into The Wild is to be released in Korea and
screenplays, but we believed it would help on the perspective China simultaneously. Such an arrangement was made
of awareness if we take this best seller and adopt it.” under the assessment that it will minimize damage from
The process of production was not easy. While everyone in domestic piracy in China and that the film’s oriental painting-
Korean cinema are cutting their budgets, it was almost a risk like background and excellent character design will appeal
to make an animation with a total production cost of US$4.5 to the Chinese people. The main background of the film is
million (5 billion KRW). Fortunately for Myung Film, LEAFIE: based on the image obtained from Upo wetlands, located
A Hen Into The Wild was selected as a Global Animation in Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnamdo, where the beautiful
Project of Korea Creative Content Agency, receiving a scenery is kept safe. The plan of its makers was to show the
maximum funding of US$650,000 (700 million KRW). SHIM unique natural features of Korea that were never seen in an
says she became interested in the contents that everyone animated film made from America or Japan.

42 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 twist where the two go on the verge of their lives that comes
The Last Crime for Money Seekers in the end will surely be an impressive point of the film.

Countdown The new side of JEON Do-youn, winner of the Best Actress
Awards at 2007 Cannes Film Festival for her performance in
Secret Sunshine , stands out. She tries to move away from
Directed by HEO Jong-ho
her image as an art film actress that became concrete since
Secret Sunshine . While acting as a beautiful fraud who’s full
By RA Jegy of lies, she also shows off her femme fatale features. JUNG
A ruthless debt collector TAE Geon-ho (JUNG Jae-young) Jae-young who was awarded Best Actor from Blue Dragon
chases after a mysterious woman CHA Ha-yeon (JEON Awards last year for Moss reveals a cold yet kind side of
Do-youn), to do his job as usual. Ha-yeon is a financial fraud him. The two actors had collaborated in RYOO Seung-wan’s
who is just released from prison. Betrayed by a friend before, 2002 action film No Blood, No tears , getting back together
she lures Geon-ho into her plan for revenge, promising him on screen after 9 years. No Blood, No tears and Countdown
big money immediately. In urgent need of big money, Geon- share the similarities of being a crime film.
ho accepts Ha-yeon’s offer and Ha-yeon Meanwhile Countdown is a film company Bom’s comeback
is excited about the thought of getting piece in genre film after its heydays of
her money back. the early millennium.
Claiming to be humane action film, Much is expected of Countdown ,
Countdown has chosen financial fraud as a work of producer OH Jeong-
as its subject, an unusual choice for wan, returning to a popular genre film
a Korean film. Albeit a dark crime once again unveiling her senses and
movie, its humane side is hidden in the perseverance. With investment and
ending. The movie talks of coexistence distribution by Sidus FNH, the shooting
and betrayal of a couple, using each will finish up in early May and be
other for the sole target ‘money’. The premiered in the Fall.

Run, Motorbike, Run! in the back instead of usual packages. Ah-rom is wearing his

QUICK helmet, which is secretly rigged with a bomb by someone.

If the two become separated for more than 10 meters, the
bomb will automatically detonate. If they do not deliver the
Directed by JO Bum-gu
package as they are told to, Ki-su and Ah-rom may die.
Leading actors LEE Min-ki and KANG Ye-won had already
By BAIK Seung Chan appeared together as tragic lovers in Haeundae , another
Quick is an action comedy that will hit the theaters in July, JK Film movie. Quick is the Korean version of racing and
the peak season of Korean cinema. Its director’s seat is taken dashing summertime action genre. The Hollywood film Speed
by JO Bum-gu, who has made The Bad Utterance (2004) and uses a bus, the Korean movie Quick uses a motorcycle as
Three Fellas (2006), a school action flick with special colors. its medium. The visual focus of Quick depends on a wireless
One of its main features is that the film is made by those remote control system, introduced for the first time in a
who also made Haeundae and Sector 7 . Producer YOUN JK Korean film. In Korea until now, action scenes using cars
of JK Film promises “an action visual never seen in a Korean were always shot with stuntmen actually driving the car.
film before.” Total production cost is at around US$930,000 Yet Quick chose to move the cars using a wireless remote
(1 billion KRW). control system imported from Germany. As a
Ki-su (LEE Min-ki) was once a notorious result, the film will be the first Korean movie
member of bike gang but now works as with car stunts moving at a speed of 130 km/
an express delivery man. Ah-rom (KANG h. With central Seoul as its backdrop, bombs
Ye-won) is a friend from the gangster blowing up at various points through which
days who is now a famous singer. On this motorcycle dangerously runs at a high speed,
particular day, Ki-su dashes with Ah-rom this is what you can expect to see in Quick .

may 2011 43
20 Korean Films to Look Out for Second Half of 2011

The name that needs attention from White

Curse of the Song, are the twin directors KIM Gok and KIM Sun.
Cast Up the Girl Group White will be the first commercial film by the

WHITE KIM brothers. Famous for being the creators

of Exhausted and Anti Gas Skin , the most
uncompromising and the most radical films even
KIM Gok & KIM Sun
among other Korean indie films. KIM Sun says,
“I don’t feel anything different about making a
By BACK Seung Chan commercial film. The change comes from what
Korea is now an idol paradise. Teen idol groups rule the pop kind of a movie it is so the process itself is the same.”
music scene, and the market is expanding beyond the border to CHOI Du-yeong from the production company Doo
Japan, China and Thailand. White has quickly picked up such a Entertainment has worked with ZHANG Lu in producing
trend in Korean pop culture scene. To be released in June via Grain in Ear , Tang Poetry , and Dooman River . The Kim twin’s
CJ E&M Pictures Department, White aims to win over the horror previous work Anti Gas Skin , invited to Venice International
film market this summer. Film Festival but yet to be released domestically was produced
A 4-member idol group named Pink Dolls is in the middle of by CHOI as well. Regarding White CHOI commented “We
eagerly preparing their second album, after miserably failing wanted to talk about the phenomenon where female bodies
their first one. The team comes across a song titled ‘White’ of the idols or racing girls are commercialized. Desire of these
from an old music video tape they found. By singing remake of young people who wish to escape the reality and become a
this song, Pink Dolls becomes a big star. As they become more star and the tragic result that comes out of such a desire will
famous, competition to gain more attention from the public be processed through the frame of horror genre.”
among team members become fiercer. However, the song ‘White’ Actual singers like HAM Eun-jeong, a Tiara member and
is under an unknown curse and the member who becomes the Meidani will show their acting skills in the movie. The budget
main singer is faced with an accident. is about US$2.1 million (2.3 billion KRW).

Mean Streets Howling is a recent film of director YOO

Where Wolves Are Howling Ha, who made hit films as A Dirty Carnival

Howling (2006) and A Frozen Flower (2008). As a

conventional detective movie, it reveals
the severe reality of teens, victimized by
Directed by YOO Ha
sexual crimes. Returning to a modern
drama from the previous historical
By RA Jegy drama, this film is the first detective film YOO has worked on.
A divorced female detective, CHA Eun-young (LEE Na-young), A leading role, LEE Na-young, who mostly played a fragile
volunteers a crime squad, where manly men of the police station character in melodrama and romantic comedy, reveals her
are swarming, to chase felons. Her partner is a veteran detective, wild side with action scenes. SONG Kang-ho, representing the
Sang-gil (SONG Kang-ho), who recently failed to promote. Eun- Korean cinema, turns into a sharp detective after losing 10
young becomes suspicious of a case when a dead body is found, pounds. By minimizing the use of CG technology and bringing
but Sang-gil is unwilling to take the case in saying that the case a real wolf dog onto the scene, the film maximizes its reality.
won’t help his merit rating. As Eun-young is still obsessed with Employing an animal as the main character is unprecedented
the case, Sang-gil begins to help her with his experience. After in the Korean film industry and the production company Opus
all, they find the case is related to serial murder cases. Pictures says, “A wolf dog which doesn’t belong to any sides,
They also come to discover the murder case is connected wolf or dog, reflects Eun-young, being isolated in a male
to a child crime and revenge, and as they come closer to the dominated group.”
substance of the crime, a mysterious man, fighting against evil The company produced the 2010 No. 1 Korean hit film The
in using a wolf dog shows up. As the case goes out of track, they Man from Nowhere . The production cost is about US$7.5
realize the man has a key of this murder case and begins to million (8 billion KRW), which is relatively huge. It is expected
chase the wolf dog. to be released in November this year.

44 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 in Korean films, this film takes reporters
Conspiracy Theories Are as protagonists. The production company,
Everywhere Palette Pictures, says that Moby Dick is the

Moby Dick first Korean film dealing with conspiracy

theories. And they are expecting a success
of this film due to recently emerging of
Directed by PARK In-jae
conspiracy theory in the Korean society.
Because the film is combined with a fierce
By RA Jegy brain battle with intense action scenes, a key
In 1994, a mysterious explosion occurs under the Balam for success depending on how persuasively the film delivers,
Bridge in near Seoul. A passionate reporter, LEE Bang-woo reporters find the truth. The harmony of HWANG Jung-
(HWANG Jung-min), begins to investigate the truth of the min, proved his ticket power and talent in The Unjust , and
incident. One day, YOON Hyuk (JIN Goo) from the same town, JIN Goo, delivered an impressive performance in Mother , is
shows up and presents several evidences that prove that the another attractive point. In addition, KIM Min-hee, famous as
incident has been manipulated. a fashion star rather than an actress, joins this star casting.
LEE is teamed up with his colleagues, Jin-ki (KIM Sang-ho) The production company comments, “This film asks ‘do you
and Hyo-kwan (KIM Min-hee), to find the truth of the incident, believe in what you see is always true?’ and tries to catch a
but their investigations are blocked by an unidentified social content with a touch of witty.”
men and blackmailed. As they get closer to the truth, an Moby Dick is PARK In-jae’s directorial debut film and he
organization controlling the government is revealed. And won the grand prize at Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival
LEE and his team come to face the imminent threat of the in 2003. It will be released in June 9, 2011, distributed by
unidentified organization, nobody knows who controls them, Showbox. As a middle sized film with a US$3.7 million (4
or being controlled by whom, to save the society in trouble. billion KRW), it will compete with Hollywood blockbuster
While reporters have been a subject to criticize or mock movies during this summer season.

A Man in the Ring Fights style is unfolded in this film is a key point to
for Love watch. A cinematographer HONG Kyeong-

Always pyo of Mother joins the production. But, the

prejudice of the audience on SONG’s movie is
an obstacle that the film has to overcome.
Directed by SONG Il-gon
The production company HB entertainment
says that Always is a conventional
By RA Jegy melodrama that makes the audience cry. Like
Always is a heartbreaking love story of an ex-boxer, Chul- movies A Moment to Remember and You Are My Sunshine ,
min (SO Ji-sub), and a telemarketer, Jung-hwa (HAN Hyo-joo), this film targets the Korean female audience. They say, “The
losing her sight slowly after an accident. Chul-min, who had end of the film offers spectacular fighting scenes to attract
to leave the ring due to his dark past, returns to the deadly male audience as well.” A leading role, SO Ji-sub, delivered an
ring to get Jung-hwa’s sight back. The film combined fierce impressive performance in Rough Cut (2008) and appeared
fighting scenes with a sad and innocent love of the couple. The opposite of ZHANG Ziyi in a Korea-China co-production movie,
film is a latest film of director SONG Il-gon who was invited Sophie’s Revenge (2009), but working on a melodrama was
to the Venice Film Festival with Flower Island (2001) and won the first time. He trained for months to shape his body to do
the grand prize at Cannes Film Festival in short competition boxing and fighting scenes and also to show the wild side and
with The Picnic (1999). Since then, SONG has been considered dedication of the man at the same time. Being a star through
as an auteur, who makes art house films. Always is his first TV dramas, HAN Hyo-joo has participated low-budget films
commercial film. After finishing Dance of Time , a documentary or independent films such as Ride Away (2008). Always will
based on Cuba, SONG kept saying that he wanted to make a be her first commercial film and a leading role. Distributed by
perfect commercial film because he hardly had an opportunity Showbox and starts shooting at the end of May, this film will
to make a feature film. How his direction and dazzling visual be released in the middle of October of November.

may 2011 45
20 Korean Films to Look Out for Second Half of 2011

to catch the taste of public are still intact,

Sisterhood, this film will be drawing public’s attention
Overcoming Love Hurts for sure. The fact that LEE returns with a

LA quotidienne conventional drama is an interesting point.

SONG Hye-kyo’s appearance is a key selling
point of the film. As a child actress delivering
Directed by LEE Jung-hyang
a dazzling performance in TV dramas such as
Queen , Seon-deok , and Giant , NAM Ji-hyun
By RA Jegy takes an adult role in the film. As one of the
Da-hye (SONG Hye-kyo), Sang-ho (SONG Chang-ee) and biggest stars in Asia, SONG appeared on a film, Fetish , which
Ji-seok (KI Tae-young) are friends at college. Since they have is a joint-production of Korea and USA and then tries to
been together long, so they treat Ji-seok’s younger brother, promote her existence in the world stage with a film by world’s
JI-min (NAM Ji-hyun) as their brother. After graduating, acclaimed director WONG Kar-Wai’s highly anticipated film, The
Da-hye becomes a documentary director and become a lover Grand Master . SONG says, “Working with director LEE will be a
with Ji-seok. turning point of my acting career” and she will show a delicate
Da-hye lost her lover Ji-seok in a car accident and and controlled emotions of a female documentary producer
remained depressed. As her coming closer to Ji-min, she in the film. However, her previous films such as My Girl and
comes to know a deep sorrow of Ji-min, the fact that Ji-min I , and Hwang Jin Yi were not successful in the box office as
was abandoned by her family. Two women embrace each expected, so that must be an obstacle she has to overcome.
other and find hope, and Sang-ho, standing by her side, Appeared in a film, Once Upon a Time in Seoul based on the
starts to share a delicate feeling with Da-hye. Korean War, SONG Chang-ee gained fame with a popular TV
LEE Jung-hyang returns with La Quotidienne in 9 years drama, Life is Beautiful , as homosexual couples. This film
after the success of Art Museum By The Zoo (1998) and finished filming after 4 months starting from last December
The Way Home (2002). If her detailed direction and talents and will be released in the second half of this year.

The Revenge of day, So-hee is tormented by nightmares related to her past

an Abandoned Cat that she would prefer to forget.

THE CAT Up until recently many Koreans regarded cats as a wicked

animal. Some still do. So, there are voices of concern that
worry that the film may foster such negative sentiments
Directed by BYUN Seung-wook
against cats. But BYUN defends his intentions by saying "The
Cat is about abandoned cats and though the cat may appear
By HUH Nam-woong as an object of fear in the film, it does not threaten humans
Director BYUN Seung-wook made his debut with Solace without being harmed first." In fact, BYUN tries to project a
(2006), a melodrama that deals with a couple who can't tie reflection of cold-hearted humans through the eyes of stray
the knot because of family matters. Five years later, BYUN cats that have been thrown out by its owners.
is back with a horror film called The Cat . Just by looking Although The Cat focuses on a human-cat relationship, the
at the genre of the two movies, it is impossible to spot any theme of unintentional disconnect in relationships caused by
similarities. one's surroundings is an extension from Solace . BYUN has no
So-hee (PARK Min-yeong) runs a pet shop. One evening, intention whatsoever to make a movie full of special effects
a terrible accident happens to one of her customers. that would startle the viewers. He explains that
She is killed inside her apartment he "feels sorry for the cats that were carelessly
elevator. There are no witnesses, thrown out. Abandoned cats also need a place
but only a cat that was guarding the to rest as they have been banned to approach
scene. Due to the lack of evidence, the people." He intends to create The Cat into
police conclude the accident as a heart a spine-chilling thriller that also arouses
attack and the cat is temporarily put sympathy, rather than focusing simply on
under So-hee's care. From that very forcing blank screams out of the audience.

46 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 Dong-hyun to collect the debt.
A Pain-Caressing Originally, Pained was a web comic project by Kang
Love Story Pool, a popular Korean cartoonist. In 2006, Kang Pool

PAINED revealed a teaser comic strip forecasting the publication

of Pained as an on-line serial. On it was an image of a
wary looking couple with a quotation above it, stating ‘we
Directed by KWAK Kyung-taek
are no longer in pain...’ A film production company saw
this teaser and pursued Kang Pool to make it as a motion
By NA Won-jung picture.
Director KWAK Kyung-taek, who’s been Screenplay for the film was written by HAN Su-ryeon,
painting masculine fraternal-love with such who is noted for her 2008 screenplay Portrait of a
action and noir films as Friend (2001) and Love (2007), is taking Beauty , based on Kang Pool’s original concept. As Director
up a challenge in full-scale melodrama. Pained is a love story of KWAK worked on the adaptation of the screenplay, he further
lonely man and woman stranded in a big city, as they slowly come enhanced and concentrated the relationship between the two
to acknowledge each another. Nam-soon (KWON Sang-woo) suffers lead characters. Unlike his early works that mostly portrayed
from analgesia, unable to feel any physical pain. He lives as a the love of a man, this film is all about the romance between
‘collector’ for a loan shark, intimidating the borrowers to collect a man and a woman. It’s also a fresh notion that he is having
debts. On the other hand, Dong-hyun (JUNG Rey-won) suffers from Seoul as the background of the film, as he has always shot
a deadly hemophilia as she goes about her lonesome life while his film in his hometown of Busan. KWAK says “There’s a
selling accessories in the street near the college. Nam-soon lost his saying that even brushing past a person is one’s karma, and
family from automobile accident some time ago, whereas Dong- countless people brush past each other every day in Seoul.
hyun recently became an orphan after losing her father, sole flesh Once the night falls, we feel vacant for what we’ve done the
and blood, with him leaving huge sum of debt from the loan shark whole day. I think that’s what Seoul is.” Pained is scheduled to
to her. Relationship between the two begins as Nam-soon visits open nationwide in Korea on November, 2011.

Korea’s First-Ever A trial by jury system in Korea first started in 2008 with the
Court Jury Drama enforcement of ‘public participating trial system.’ The Client

THE CLIENT is the first full-scale courtroom drama to introduce the juror
since that time. The key character in this film is Sung-hee, the
defense attorney, who has a battle of wits in between the client
Directed by SOHN Young-sung
he can’t figure out and a prosecutor who seems to be hiding
something under his sleeves, all in the process of approaching
By NA Won-jung the truth behind the case. After the chaos of various entangled
A woman is missing. It turns out it was a murder, not a missing situations pass by, Sung-hee finally discloses astonishing truth
case. There’s only one key suspect, her husband HAN Chul- in front of the jury with his captivating closing argument.
min (JANG Hyuk) who had the motive and the circumstance The crucial point of this film lies on the process of countless
to kill her and abandon the body somewhere. He was once a ‘witnesses testimonies’ heading towards one single explosive
prime suspect on another murder case as well. AHN Min-ho truth in the end. Direction is by SON Young-seong, who was
(PARK Hee-soon) is a prosecutor in charge of this case and responsible for The Pit and The Pendulum (2008), a feature
he is sure Chul-min is guilty, yet he has no proof. Just as Min- debut that made world premiere at Busan International Film
ho aggressively pursues Chul-min as the murderer, a defense Festival and received critical attention He has shown the
attorney by the name of KANG Sung-hee outstanding ability to recreate a complicated,
(HA Jung-woo) appears out of nowhere labyrinth-like past based on a collection
and defends Chul-min when all the multiple characters’ different memories.
evidences are pointing him guilty. A young Impressive casting displays dynamic
and highly motivated attorney, Sung-hee showdown of brilliant performances during
senses his client maybe a victim of a fixed the courtroom scene that covers almost half
investigation by police and prosecution. of the movie.

may 2011 47
20 Korean Films to Look Out for Second Half of 2011

the same time, Young-woo’s wife Ji-young leaves

Love Affair within for India to find Karim, an Islam young man whom
Terrorist Bombings she met by chance in Korea and fell in love. She

VARANASI heads to a restaurant in Varanasi to meet her lover

but shortly after, the suicide bombing takes place
there. Young-woo watches the TV news coverage
Directed by JEON Kyu-hwan
of the bombing by chance and discovers Ji-young
covered in ashes in Varanasi on TV. Tracing
By NA Won-jung Ji-young’s footsteps, Young-woo gets on a flight to
Varanasi, India is one of Hindu’s holy places, a city where both life India having a dim recollection of her involvement with Karim.
and death are known to co-exist. For many decades now, terrorist Director JEON calls the genre of Varanasi a ‘melodrama
bombings took place here, day after day, with continuous hostile within terrorist bombing.’ He says, “There have been too
relations between Hindu and Islam sectors. Director JEON, who many sugar-coated melodramatic romances out in theaters
has been persistently delving into the dark side of Seoul, the already. I no longer have any interest in such films. Instead, I
capital city of South Korea, through his ‘Town trilogy’--- Mozart wanted to show a story as well as a film language that’s little
Town , Animal Town , and Dance Town , couldn’t just let go of an bit different from the conventional ones. Not only does JEON
ironic fate of Varanasi. Setting his mind up on experimenting on an mix up the temporal relations on the plot in an attempt to
unconventional genre, he chose his fourth directorial effort to be a create non-traditional melodrama, but he also actively utilizes
melodrama. cross-editing to cover wide range of circumstances involving
Young-woo (YOON Dong-hwan) is a CEO of a publishing film’s characters. On-location shoot at Varanasi was also
company. Having been married for 10 years, he is having an affair conducted as he engraved on the screen the vivid tragedies
with Su-yeon, an in-house writer. On his wife’s birthday, Young-woo of the city that was bombed just two weeks before the shoot
has a hot sexual encounter with Su-yeon and heads home with a began. Varanasi is director JEON’s first, unique yet interesting
birthday gift for his wife, yet she is nowhere to be seen. Around attempt at melodrama.

Flying the Sky with RAIN of young couple, as well as aerial action

Red Muffler scenes full of liveliness and realistic stunts.

The leading character is Tae-hoon, an
Air Force captain who’s a member of
Directed by KIM Dong-won
‘Black Eagle,’ Korea’s elite air force. He is
transferred to combat force with F-15K
and creates conflict on his first day with
By NA Won-jung Cheon-hee, a top gun at F-15K squad
The film’s story is related to the original Red who’s also a deep believer in principle, and is disciplined. In
Muffler , directed by the legendary Korean director SHIN midst of such, an aerial situation with North Korea promptly
Sang-ok in 1964. The original film used the Korean War as its takes place as Tae-hoon and his colleagues board on the
background, dealing with the passion and the love of F-86 jet fighters and take off without the guarantee of returning
Saver jet fighter pilots, and bringing in the most audiences safely.
in Seoul at the time and won countless domestic film awards The film features an impressive cast, including YOO Joon-
in the process. The new version of Red Muffler reflects the sang of Moss fame playing Cheol-hee and solid supporting
changes in time and deals with the pilots of the new F-15K casts including JO Sung-ah (Yellow Sea ), OH Dal-soo
fighters, yet it still brings the nostalgia from 47 years ago. (Detective K: Secret of Virtuous Affair ) among others. What’s
This is Korea’s first-ever ‘aerial action blockbuster,’ more, unlike the original Red Muffler with female leads
co-produced and exclusively distributed by CJ E&M Film playing bartenders at a nearby Air Force Camp bar, the new
Business Division. Director KIM Dong-won, whose previous version features two of the ‘blue chip’ actresses in Korea
works include My Boss, My Teacher (2006), and City of today, SHIN Sae-kyung (Blue Salt ) and LEE Hana (Fair Love )
Damnation (2009) proclaimed of displaying brilliant and both playing talented Air Force serviceperson, making the
detailed visuals, combining them with love and friendship film even more interesting.

48 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 living by delivering news and articles left
Producer KIM Ki-duk Sketches by the deceased to separated families in
North Korean Defectors both North and South Korea. One day, one

POONGSAN of the packages he delivered without any

doubts turn out to be smuggled goods.
Using this as a pretext, National Intelligence
Directed by JUHN Jae-hong
Service in South Korea presents him with a
dangerous offer, which is to bring a North
By NA Won-jung Korean woman named In-ok (KIM Kyuri)
POONGSAN is produced by KIM Ki-duk Films. Director JUHN safely to South Korea in exchange for pardoning his crime.
Jae-hong started out as a director’s assistant to KIM Ki-duk Government is using Poongsan to secure the exchange
and made his directorial debut in 2006 with Beautiful to the without any loose ends. Poongsan and In-ok attempts to
critical acclaims. POONGSAN is the name of a traditional escape from North going through all kinds of life and death
Korean dog, famous for its extreme ferocious nature of situations and, in the process, fall in love like it was meant to
‘bringing down a tiger.’ Such quality has a close relation to be. In the end, In-ok is at the crossroad in choosing between
the film’s storyline. In the film, a man appears as someone her lover and Poongsan.
who had to transform himself as an animal-like character in POONGSAN is basically a melodrama, yet it is noticeable
order to survive. The title alludes to the quality of Poongsan, that the film placed such critical and political issues as North
a dog gentle to its owner yet turning ferocious towards other Korean defectors or divided families topics that are recently
creatures, paralleling the man’s drastic nature. Basic plot of featured within Korean independent film community. This
the film is a sad and tragic love story between a man and a film, however, isn’t always under the gloomy atmosphere as
woman. What’s unique about it is their story unfolds within humorous situations are placed in between serious overall
Korea’s unique political circumstance. flow, also accompanied by dialogues with full of wits as if to
Lead character Poongsan (YOON Gye-sang) makes his advocate a ‘black comedy’ of sort.

Take Care of Mom She had to give up her dream of becoming

MaMA a singer because of her mother and, unable

to hold back all the frustrations from her
mother’s never-changing, selfish nature,
Directed by CHOI Equan
explodes on her mother one day. The third
couple is Ok-ju (KIM Hae-sook) and Seung-
cheol (YOO Hae-jin), a loving mother and son
By NA Won-jung duo. Seung-cheol is a good son who has never
The title explains it all. Mama is a story about a mother and her lied to her mother except for one time which was about his
children. Three couples appear in the film. Their stories, which profession. Even though Seung-cheol is a local gangster, Ok-ju
started out as if there’s no common nature whatsoever, begins to firmly believes he is an English teacher at a local academy.
create a big picture as each character starts to connect to one Seung-cheol will go out of his way for whatever his mother
another naturally. says and, upon hearing her desire in seeking her first-love,
First couple is Dong-sook (UHM Jung-hwa) and her son Won-jae begins to search for Ok-ju’s first love all over the country.
(LEE Hyeong-seok) who is suffering from a rare disease. Dong- As shown above, Mama is a film that crosses humanistic drama
sook sells drinking yogurt door to door for a living and saves up and comedy to unfold ‘mama story’ in our daily lives in various
as if there’s no tomorrow, all to have an around-the-world trip with ways. UHM Jung-hwa, who has been starring in films of various
her son Won-jae. Although their life is difficult, they live a happy genre of late to expand her performing roles; YOO Hae-jin of
life until it faces a crisis with Dong-sook being diagnosed with Moss fame, and KIM Hae-sook with her notable performance
ovarian cancer. Second couple is Hee-gyeong (JEON Su-kyung) in Thirst all star in an anticipation for this film. Director CHOI
and Eun-seong (RYU Hyeon-kyung), a mother-daughter tandem made his feature debut with Voice (2005) and directed Korea’s
who are always at each other’s throat. Eun-seong is always on the first-ever rotoscoped animation film Life is Cool (2008). Mama
shadow of her mother Hee-kyung, who is a famous soprano singer. is his third directorial effort.

may 2011 49
spotlight

A Wild Fugitive

HA Jung-woo The Yellow Sea

By UNA Beck than enough to announce the appearance character who escapes from an exhausting
Whoosh. What can it be? It sure isn’t of a fine new actor, shaking up the entire life of hardship, to find his wife whom he
a 4D movie in front of my eyes but as film scene. In this tragic, ‘military reality lost contact with after leaving for Korea,
the man appears on screen a thick fog show’ that was invited to the 2006 Cannes the man crosses the Yellow Sea with a cold-
surrounds me. The scent of testosterone in the Un Certain Regard section, HA Jung- hearted mission to “make a hit.” He comes
and perspiration and the feverish air woo realistically plays the role of a soldier to Seoul with a single address reading ’99-
rising from the mid-summer city asphalt, who’s corrupted after a harsh life in the 1 Nonheyon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.”
was not yet discomforting at all. From his military, but kind to his subordinates as he Then once again he starts a long chase,
first appearance, an Asian man wearing a is about to be discharged. Since then, he crossing across the jungle-like city. He may
sweat-soaked shirt with greasy hair that made his face known to the public from be secretly dumped into the dark ocean like
was probably never washed for quite a few a TV drama Lovers in Prague as JEON a dead animal he was a man who is never
days captures our eyes and nose, no!, our Do-youn’s bodyguard, finally speeding captured. With this film, HA Jung-woo won
entire senses. In the film Never Forever up his career. Followed by working with the Best Actor Award at the Asian Film
(2007) co-starring Vera FARMIGA, and director KIM Ki-duk in the film Time Awards, last March in Hong Kong. Currently,
HA Jung-woo, who plays Ji-ha, an illegal (2006), and Breath . He also stared in the Korean entertainment world for the last
immigrant living in New York, who’s willing The Chaser (2007), a film that gave him decade had been metrosexual. Protruding
to sell his sperm for 300 dollars to a white international recognition. In the film, he over the screen full of young men with
woman named Sophie, a rich woman was a target that could never be caught. face and skin more beautiful than women
who wants to give birth to an Asian baby. Sitting in a chair at the police station after and sensitive attitudes, HA Jung-woo
Sophie approaches Ji-ha physically at first committing a serial slaughter, the man seemed like an actor living in a wrong era.
but in the end up giving her heart too, it calmly muttering “I’ve tried strangling Dark, rough skin, reckless manners, closer
also doesn’t take long for the audience and I’ve used knives but they took it too to sandpaper rather than a soft Kleenex,
to fall head over heels for this wild actor. hard,” with an innocent pair of eyes. His more of a wild animal than a domesticated
Before his actual debut when he continued words resembling that of a child, yet to pet, instead of stroking his hair and sitting
an array of endless auditions, HA had be influenced by guilt, who could be as him next to you on the sofa, you would
never intentionally mention his father’s cruel and creepy because of ignorance want to watch his free movements while
name, a well known TV star. It was a token as, he was. After reuniting with director maintaining a tight sense of tension, ready
of his will and pride, to become an actor YOON Jong-bin in Beastie Boys (2008) at any moment to capture the moment
on his own. Still the talent and gift he as ‘Madam’ of a host bar who constantly someday. The yearning to catch this man is
received from his father were not hidden bluffs at the world, with JEON Do-youn overwhelming. Yet this hunt will only end in
for too long. When he played his first main in My Dear Enemy (2008), he plays an a failure, as the only trap that can contain
role in The Unforgiven (2005) directed by ‘ex-boyfriend’ who talks so much that such a beautiful male is only the screen.
HA’s college friend YOON Jong-bin, his anyone would want to zip up his mouth. Sadly, that is the amazing Yellow Sea, laid
cine 21

surprisingly real performance was more Yet in The Yellow Sea , he plays a silent between us and this actor.

50 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

MAY 2011 51
view

Small Nations
Artists from small nations are viewed differently from
those of from large nations.

By Darcy PAQUET (Koreanfilm.org) (1993), the contemporary novelist Milan to international recognition. Seen from
At a Q&A session, Kundera makes some similar observances within the "small context" of their home
v

I once heard about the Czech composer Leoš JanáCek. countries, their works were strange and
PARK Chan-wook Despite being one of the most innovative incomprehensible. They only made sense
comment about composers of the twentieth century, it within the "larger context" of the leading
the great director wasn't until 20 years after his first great artistic trends of their time, but few people
v

KIM Ki-young. "If he opera ‘JanáCek’ was composed in 1903 viewed them in that light.
had been born into that it began to be performed regularly Kundera says: "Secluded behind their
another country, he abroad (by which time many of his inaccessible languages, the small European
could have been recognized today as a innovations no longer seemed as new). Not nations (their life, their history, their culture)
master of world cinema," he said. KIM had only that, it was performed in a modified are very ill known; people think, naturally
many hurdles to overcome as a filmmaker version that smoothed out the opera’s enough, that this is the principal handicap
working in Korea during the 1960s and eccentricities and bolstered its romantic to international recognition of their art.
1970s: censorship exercised by the military sweep. Only in 1982, thanks to the efforts But it is the reverse: what handicaps their
government, a lack of material resources, of conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, was art is that everything and everyone (critics,
an audience that showed him little the original version performed, at which historians, compatriots as well as foreigners)
support. And yet I think that PARK was time it finally became clear what a radical hooks the art onto the great national family
referring to more than just these specific and innovative work it really was. portrait photo and will not let it get away."
v

challenges. Films such as The Housemaid One might put The Housemaid next to KIM and JanáCek may be extreme
(1960), Insect Woman (1972) and Iodo Psycho (produced in the same year), or examples, but it's hard to dispute the fact
v

(1977) managed despite these obstacles to ‘JanáCek’ next to Alban Berg’s ‘Wozzeck’ that artists from small nations are viewed
v

push the medium of cinema in bold new and conclude that KIM and JanáCek were differently from those of large nations.
directions. But "world cinema" never really very much a part of their time. But they David Lynch is described as an American
noticed. It wasn't until a 1997 retrospective are viewed as standing off to the side, filmmaker in the same way one might
at the Busan International Film Festival - rather than pushing forward at the center, describe the color of his eyes. His nationality
37 years after his first masterwork, and of the historical narrative. Their countries is viewed as just one part of his makeup as
several months before his death - that the of origin no doubt played a large role in an individual. By contrast, try to think of the
worldwide critical and festival community this oversight. The way their music was director Aki Kaurismäki without the word
tuned in to KIM’s unique vision. received at home forced them into making "Finland" leaping to mind. It is much harder
In a book called ‘Testaments Betrayed ’ compromises, and complicated their path for directors from small nations to lose the

52 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

“there is mental leap that one must take in recognizing
a director as an ‘international auteur,’ rather than as an
accomplished director from a specific country. And I think it is
much easier for artists from large nations to receive that kind
of mental promotion.”

national adjective in front of their names. publicly confirmed by the filmmakers received or savaged by Korean audiences,
How much of a difference does themselves, I'll refrain from going into so perhaps this is a good time for them to
this make? Does it matter that we details here, but this marks a clear new shift their focus abroad. HONG Sangsoo
unconsciously distinguish between Brian stage in their careers. They are going out continues to work in Korea, but he has
de Palma's "films," and PARK Chan- into the international realm. more or less created his own filmmaking
wook's "Korean films?" It might not seem This creates a whole host of challenges system to suit his needs -- and at any
that much discrimination is going on and opportunities for the directors, from rate, he prefers not to be thought of as a
within the festival circuit at least, and the need to work within a new system, "Korean" director. KIM Ki-duk, meanwhile,
a quick glance through Cannes’ official to the promise of teaming with powerful has been living in a kind of self-imposed
selection reveals an appropriately diverse distributors to enable their films to reach exile in the countryside for the past
selection of nationalities. a much wider audience. But beneath all three years, shunning contact with film
But there is mental leap that one of these practical concerns lies the issue industry people and pursuing his own
must take in recognizing a director as that occupies Kundera. You wouldn't say concerns. Although no details of it have
an "international auteur," rather than as that these directors’ careers have been been released prior to its first screening
an accomplished director from a specific held back in the way that KIM Ki-young’s in the Un Certain Regard section, his new
country. And I think it is much easier for career was. But they continue to be autobiographical documentary Arirang
artists from large nations to receive that viewed as "Korean directors," and surely appears likely to address issues of home
kind of mental promotion. their work is affected in various ways by and exile.
For the most part, the ideas described working within the close-knit community How will Korea respond to the actions
above lead to speculation, such as, "How that is the Korean film industry. of its best-known filmmakers? Will it
might HONG Sangsoo’s career have Sometimes an artist striving to reach his stand by like a proud parent watching a
progressed if he had been born in France or her potential may need to break free beloved son or daughter travel abroad to
instead of Korea?" But fans of Korean (either physically or mentally) from the a prestigious university? Or will it feel the
cinema have a new reason to ponder expectations and burdens of one's home sting of betrayal, and turn its back? To be
such thoughts, because three of its best- society. Kundera quotes the novelist honest, I expect more of the former than
known filmmakers -- PARK Chan-wook, André Gide: "There is nothing more the latter, though it's likely to be different
BONG Joon-ho and KIM Jee-woon -- are dangerous for you than your own family, in the case of each director. But without
planning to shoot their next films abroad, your own room, your own past... You must question, the relationship between Korea's
in English, with internationally renowned leave them." Some of the recent films of top directors and the local audience is
actors. As none of the rumors have been PARK, BONG, and KIM have been poorly about to be redefined.

MAY 2011 53
HOT MOVIE

Officer of the Year

Directed by LIM chan-ik
Cast PARK Jung-hun, LEE Sun-kyun
Release Date May 4,2011
International Sales Lotte Entertainment
It’s a dog-eat-dog world where only the fittest survives – and, law enforcement agency is
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seong (PARK Joong-hoon) is the top dog with an unmatched record. When elite academy-
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on their lap, the two chiefs go head-to-head to catch the perpetrator. With only 2 weeks
till the deadline, the first to arrest the criminal will take home the prize.

54 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

MAY 2011 55
 Animal Town Meet the In-Laws International Sales│Panda Media

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Animal Town struggling on a noose.

56 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 Release Date Feb 17,2011 Release Date Mar 3,2011
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Grand General KIM Yu-shin, mothers reports that she with their true feelings.While
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Cast JUNG Jin-young, LEE Mun-sik, Natural-born-strategist KIM her son. This call restarts day, a young woman tells her
RYOO Seung-yong, YOON Je-moon notices Tang’s ambition the search but again with husband that she wants to
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Silla, attacks the biggest
kingdom Goguryeo in alliance Children… Come Rain, Come Shine
with Tang to unify Korea. 아이들…│Aideul… 사랑한다, 사랑하지 않는다│
Goguryeo has been the most 2010,132min,35mm,1.85:1,Color,Dolby SRD Sa-rang-han-da, Sa-rang-ha-ji An-neun-da
powerful kingdom so far even 2010,105min,35mm,1.85:1,Color,Dolby SRD
threatening the Tang Dynasty Second Feature
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great General Yeon passed, Cast PARK Yong Woo, RYU Seung Yong Cast LIM Soo Jung, HYUN Bin
his three sons confront Genre Drama, thriller Genre Drama

MAY 2011 57
new films

their father, and they have not

heard any news from her since.
Every day, Myung-hee, and
Myung-ho go to the shipping
port and airport hoping for
their parents return. Tired from
waiting, Myung-hee meets
Yong-kyu, a young man high
from sniffing glue. Beyond a
tough and violent exterior,
Myung-hee finds a young man’s
heartwarming inner-self, and
she expects Yong-kyu to take
the place of her parents. But
even Yong-kyu leaves her and
his life steadily deteriorates.
Hoping for help, Myung-hee
Detective K: Secret of Virtuous Widow goes to a familiar Korean-
Chinese woman, arriving in time
officials’ conspiracy to cover Genre Drama to find immigration officials
Detective K: up an embezzlement scandal. Release Date Dec,2011 taking the woman away. They
Secret of Virtuous Widow He commissions a famous PRODUCTION│YANGYANG FILM are now truly alone.
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Directed by KIM Sok-yun narrowly escapes death with and her nine year-old brother
Cast KIM Myung-min, HAN Ji-min, OH Dal-soo the help of a dog seller, SEO Myung-ho are of Korean- Second Feature
Genre Action, Comedy Pil. Together, they head out to Chinese descent. Their mother Directed by YANG Young-chul
Release Date Jan 27,2011 Jeokseong to find Wolfsbane left for Yun-nyun three months Cast PARK Won-sang, CHUN Mi-sun,
PRODUCTION│BLUE GENERATION FILMS – the flower that holds key to ago, promising to return with YOON Se-a
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Jeong-jo’s rule, a series of
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suspects that the murders Cast JOO Da-yeong, LEE Ju-seung,
are a part of some high Funny Neighbors
JEONG Taek-hyeon

58 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

Genre Drama
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Jong-ho, a reporter at a
local news paper accuses
a dog-seller in his article.
When he and his wife gather
at a pub to celebrate his Glove

promotion, the dog-seller

suddenly comes in. Minutes WEBSITE www.cinemaservice.com/eng The result: Sang-nam puts
later their neighbor In-soo Glove International Sales│CJ E&M Pictures renewed energy and genuine
enters with a weapon and 글러브│Glove TEL +82 2 371 6273 effort into leading the team
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hostage telling them that Directed by KANG Woo-suk WEBSITE www.cjent.co.kr/eng
he killed his father who Cast JUNG Jae-young, YU Sun Good bye, Pyongyang
abandoned him long time Genre Romance, Drama Star baseball player Sang- 굿바이, 평양│Good bye, pyongyang
ago. But his fraud is brought Release Date Jan 20,2011 nam finds his career in 2009,82min,DCP,Color,Stereo
to light when his wife Hye- PRODUCTION│Cinema Service Co., Ltd. jeopardy when he gets
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sympathetic to improve his Release Date Mar 3,2011
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a school for the deaf. 2009 Pusan International Film Festival,
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never won a game but is International Forum of New Cinema
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gradually, over time, Sang-
nam and the kids open up to This documentary portraits
Good bye, Pyongyang each other and a bond forms. the growth of a girl who was

MAY 2011 59
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born and living in Pyongyang, FAX +82 2 766 1642

North Korea. Director YANG E-MAIL memmem@memmem.com
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herself who was educated
in North Korean school in The world may call me a
Japan. The film gives not villain, but I am Father.
only images of ordinary Corrupt detective Jong-
In Love and The War
people’s life in Pyongyang shik conceals mafia organ
but also unique process of trafficking. HWANG’s
building identities for new murder crime to receive a Detective Kim reopens
generations. bribe for his daughter Min- the investigation on the In Love and the War
ji’s heart transplant surgery. murder case 2 years ago in 적과의 동침│Jeok-gwa-ui dong-chim
Sang-man, who is falsely which Sang-man was falsely 2010,135min,35mm,Color,Dolby SRD
I Am Father accused as the suspect charged. Meanwhile, Jong-
나는 아빠다│Na-neun Appa-da by Jong-shik and is jailed, shik receives the news that Second Feature
2010,99min,2.35:1,Color,Dolby SRD receives the news of his they have finally found a Directed by PARK Gun-yong
daughter’s death while in heart for his daughter, but Cast KIM Ju-hyuk, CHUNG Ryeo-won
First Feature prison, and decides to get falls into despair when he Genre Human Drama
Directed by CHEON Man-bae, LEE Sea-young his revenge.Two years later, finds out the heart belongs Release Date Apr 21,2011
Cast KIM Seung-woo, SON Byong-ho Sang-man is declared not to Sang-man’s wife. Finally, PRODUCTION│RG ENTER WORKS
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June 1950, soon after the

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a troop of North Korean
soldiers enter a small South
Korean village. Captain
Jeong-woong proclaims
that they came to liberate
the villagers but their
true agenda is to ferret
out the reactionaries. The
villagers and Seol-hee who is
separated from her fiancé on
her wedding day, offer them
I Am Father heartfelt hospitality and

60 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

cooperation to avoid falling together, Man-suk begins the
out of the army’s favor. kind of love which makes him Meet the In-Laws
Eventually friendship starts smile from ear to ear just at 위험한 상견례│Wi-heom-han Sang-gyeon-nye
to build up between the the thought of the dear old 2011,118min,35mm,2.35:1,Color,Dolby SRD
soldiers and the villagers. lady. and the other couple
is...Soon-Yi has the endearing Second Feature
and sweet innocence of a Directed by KIM Jin-young
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그대를 사랑합니다│Gudaerul devoted husband, Kun-bong Genre Comedy, Romance
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Late Blossom Meet the In-Laws

MAY 2011 61
new films

thinking about, how they play,

and what are their interests?
Do North Korean children
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Eve?The movie Merry
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62 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

 WEBSITE www.hancomm.co.kr TEL +82 2 2001 8832
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MAY 2011 63
new films

Shotgun Love Sorry and Thank you

사랑이 무서워│Sa-rang-yi Moo-suh-wo 미안해 고마워│Mi-an-hae Go-ma-wo
2010,112min,HD,2.35:1,Color,Dolby SRD 2011,114min,DCP,1.85:1,Color,Dolby SRD

First Feature omnibus

Directed by Rain Jung Directed by SONG Il-gon, OH Joum-kyun
Cast IM Chang-jung, KIM Gyu-ri PARK heung-sik, YIM soon-rye
Genre Romantic Comedy Cast KIM JI-ho, KIM Young-min
Release Date Mar 10,2011 KIM Su-an, CHOI Bo-gwang
PRODUCTION│WE PICTURES Genre Drama
TEL +82 2 821 0166 Release Date May 26,2011
Sunny
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International Sales│M-line Distribution IN SEOUL- Opening Film My Little SisterFor 6-year- FAX +82 2 371 6340
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father hates cats more than are Chun-hwa, the most
Sang-yul is just-your- anything but he has to take righteous girl in Jindeok
average guy with a look that over Hae-won’s job when she Girl’s High, unattractive Jang-
lands him with a mediocre breaks her leg. mi who is obsessed with big
role at a Home Shopping eyes, Jin-hee the cursing
Channel where he crashes When Soo-young was busy queen, literature-loving girl
into his counterpart model for her work and family, it Sunny Geum-ok and her monstrous
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a chance to have a drink pet who closed the eyes of 2010,124min,35mm,2.35:1,Color,Dolby SRD who dreams of winning the
with her. That night being her father. Seeing Su-chul’s beauty pageant, and cold,
the happiest night of his steadfast loyalty, she Second Feature arrogant Suji. Na-mi joins
life, Sang-yul drinks away to hesitates to send him away Directed by KANG Hyung-chul them to form group ‘SUNNY’,
oblivion and wakes up the and is confused about love Cast YOU ho jeong, SHIM Eun Kyung promising each other they
next day at a motel totally that we know.Ju-juYoung- Genre Human drama will stay together forever.
naked. Sang-yul believes jin, a homeless has to adopt Release Date May 4,2011 But a sudden accident tears
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she is pregnant with his this playful dog moves him International Sales│CJ E&M Pictures something lacks from her life.
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64 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

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The Last Blossom the only ones to respond to
세상에서 가장 아름다운 이별│ In-hee’s thoughtful care.One
Se-sang-eh-suh Ga-jang A-rum-da-un Yi-byul day, while regular checkup
2011,125min,35mm,1.85:1,Color,Dolby SRD at Cheol’s hospital, In-hee
is diagnosed with terminal A former professional
Directed by MIN Kyu-dong cancer. Even though Cheol baseball player, Byeong-wu,
Cast BAE Jong-ok, KIM Kap-soo tries not to tell her, In-hee’s made a successful career
Genre Drama increasing pain scares her transition into a high-flying
Release Date Apr 13,2011 that her last moment is insurance advisor, thanks
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WEBSITE www.mline-distribution.com learn how to say farewell of people introduced to him hwan became the first
and let their mother to be by the same person—and cardinal in a land of poor
the most beautiful blossom. starts visiting them one by belief; summoned up his
one. courage when no one took
action; and had preached
The Suicide Forecast love until he left this world.
수상한 고객들│Su-sang-han Go-gaek-deul You Are Such a Fool He was a respected senior
2011,124min,35mm,2.35:1,Color,Dolby SRD 바보야│Baboya of society beyond Religion
2011,73min,HD,1.85:1,Color,Stereo in turbulent times; a figure
First Feature whose life had been like a
Directed by CHO Jin-mo First Feature fence for the disadvantaged
As a devoted mother and Cast RYOO Seung-bum, SUNG Dong-il Directed by KANG Sung-ok and the last spokesman; the
wife, In-hee’s life is full of Genre Comedy, Drama Cast KIM Sou-hwan late Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan
duties for her mother-in- Release Date Apr 14,2011 Genre Human Documentary was ‘a great man of this era’.
law with Alzheimer disease PRODUCTION│Mays Entertainment Release Date Apr 21,2011 His passionate love is now
but other family members TEL +82 2 511 2740 PRODUCTION│KBS Media revived on the screen.

MAY 2011 65
PRODUCTION BOARD
아바타 Title (Korean) Title Director Cast Genre Release
오월愛 No Name Stars KIM Tae-il YANG In-hoa, YI Se-young, YI Youn-gae Documentary 12 May,2011
미안해, 고마워 Sorry And Thank You SONG Il-gon, OH Joum-kyun, PARK Heung-sik, YIM Soon-rye KIM Ji-ho, NAM Myeong-ryeol, SEO Tae-hwa Human Drama 26 May,2011
종로의 기적 Miracle on Jongno Street LEE Hyuk-sang SO Jun-mun, JANG Byeong-gwon, CHOI Yeong-soo Documentary/Queer 2Q,2011
소중한 날의 꿈 Green Days AN Jae-hoon,HAN Hye-jin SONG Chang-ui, OH Yeon-seo Animation 16 June,2011
카멜리아 Camellia JANG Joon-hwan,Wisit SASANATIENG,YUKISADA Isao GANG Dong-won, SONG Hye-kyo, SUL Kyung-gu Omnibus 1H,2011
댄스 타운 Dance Town JEON Kyu-hwan LA Mi-ran, OH Seong-tae Drama 1H,2011
모차르트 타운 Mozart Town JEON Kyu-hwan OH Seong-tae, JOO Yu-rang Drama 1H,2011
Upcoming
개 같은 인생 Boy ROH Hong-jin RYU Hyun-kyung, AN Nae-sang, KIM So-hee Drama 1H,2011
북촌방향 The Day He Arrives HONG Sangsoo YU Junsang, KIM Sangjoong, SONG Sunmi Drama 1H,2011
스토리 오브 마이 라이프 Story of My Life SHIN Chun-su RYU Jeong-han, LEE Suk-joon, SHIN Sung-rok Drama 1H,2011
어이그, 저 귓것 Nostalghia O Muel OH Young-sun, MUN Seok-bum, YANG Jeong-won Drama 1H,2011
짐승 The Beast HWANG Yu-sik JEONG Seok-won, JEON Se-hong Action/Drama 3Q,2011
킬링타임 Killing Time PARK Sung-soo JEONG Ae-yeon, LEE Ji-hye, KIM Jin-geun Horror 3Q,2011
아버지는 개다 Father is a Dog LEE Sang-woo KWAN Bum-tack, LEE Tae-rim, LEE Si-ho Drama 2H,2011
오늘 La Quotidienne LEE Jung-hyang SONG Hye-kyo, NAM Ji-hyun Drama 2Q,2011
고양이 The Cat BYUN Seung-wook PARK MIN-young, KIM Dong-wook Horror 3Q,2011
숏!숏!숏!2011 Short!Short!Short!2011 BOO Ji-young,YANG Ik-june SEO Joo-hee, KIM Sun-bin, HEO Jun-seok Omnibus/Drama 1H,2011
고지전 The Front Line JANG Hun SHIN HA-kyun, KO Soo War/Drama 3Q,2011
체포왕 Officer of the Year LIM Chan-ik PARK Jung-hun, LEE Sun-kyun Comedy/Action May 4,2011
마마 Mama CHOE Equan UHM Jung-hwa, KIM Hae-sook, YOO Hai-jin Drama June 2,2011
모비딕 Moby Dick PARK In-jae HWANG Jung-min, JIN Goo, KIM Min-hee Thriller/Crime June 9,2011
푸른 소금(가제) Hindsight(w.t.) LEE Hyeon-seung SONG Kang-ho, SHIN Se-kyung, CHUN Jeong-myoung Action/Drama/Romance 2H,2011
법정스님의 의자(가제) Beopjeongseunimui Uija (w.t.) IM Seong-gu Beop-jeong, Deok-hyeon Documentary 2Q,2011
더킥 The Kick Prachya PINKAEW CHO Jae-hyun, YEA Ji-won, NA Taeju Action 3Q,2011
풍산개 Poongsan JUHN Jai-hong YOON Kye-sang, KIM Gyu-ri Drama 2Q,2011
써니 Sunny KANG Hyung-chul YOU Ho-jeong, SHIM Eun-Kyung Human Comedy May 4,2011
퀵 Quick JO Bum-gu LEE Min-ki, KANG Ye-won, KIM In-kwon Action/Comedy 3Q,2011
In Post 어디로 갈까요? Where Are to Go? JIN Seung-hyeon KIM Gyu-ri, Yoo Geon, KIM La-im Road Movie 2H,2011
Production 플레이 Play NAM Da-jung KIM Soo-hyun, JUNG Eun-chae Music Drama 2Q,2011
지나버린 시간 The Time Left Behind SUH Seung Man LIM Seung-dae, SHIN Dong-Mi, JUNG Jae Gon Thriller 3Q,2011
사물의 비밀 Secrets, objects LEE Young-mi JANG Seo-hee, JEONG Seok-won, LEE Pil-mo Melo 1H,2011
화이트 : 저주의 멜로디 White KIM Gok, KIM Sun Eun-jung, HWANG Woo-seul-hye Horror 1H,2011
바다 위의 피아노 Badawiui Piano SONG Dong-yun JO An, YOO In-young, JO Min-gi Melo 1H,2011
누나 Nuna LEE Won-sik SUNG Yu-ri, LEE Joo-seung Drama 1H,2011
7광구 Sector 7 KIM Ji-hoon HA Ji-won, AHN Sung-ki, OH Ji-ho 3D/SF/Action 3Q,2011
오빠가 돌아왔다 Oppaga Dorawatda NO Jin-soo SON Byeong-ho, LEE Ah-hyeon, KIM Mingi Human Comedy 2Q,2011
고래를 찾는 자전거 Goraereul Channeun Jajeongeo KIM Yeong-ro LEE Mun-sik, PARK Ji-bin, YI Seol-ki Human Drama 1H,2011
모피를 입은 비너스 Venus in Furs SONG Yae-sup SUH Jung, PAIK Hyun Jin, PAIK Jonng Hak Drama 1H,2011
마당을 나온 암탉, 잎싹 Leafie : A Hen Into the Wild OH Sung-yoon MOON Sori, YOO Seungho, CHOI Minsik Animation 3Q,2011
덫 A Trap BONG Man-dae YOO Ha-jun, JEONG Seul-gi Erotic Thriller 2Q,2011
창피해 Ashamed KIM Soo-hyun KIM Hyo-jin, KIM Kkobbi Melo/Drama 2Q,2011
호야 Hoya BAE Gwang-su Yoo Yeon-seok, BAEK Jin-hui Drama 1H,2011
청춘 그루브 Cheongchun Geurubeu BYEON Seong-hyeon BONG Tae-gyu, LEE Yeong-hoon, KWAK Ji-Min Drama 1H,2011
비상 : 태양 가까이 Red Muffler(w.t.) KIM Dong-won JUNG Ji-hoon, SHIN Se-kyung, YU Jun-sang War/Drama 2H,2011
티끌 모아 로맨스 Tikkeulmoa Romaenseu KIM Jeong-hwan HAN Ye-sle, Song Joong-ki Comedy 2H,2011
창수 Chang Su(w.t.) LEE Deok-hui IM Chang-jung, OH Jeong-se, KIM Hee-won Action/Drama 2H,2011
미확인 동영상 Don't Click KIM Tae-kyung PARK Bo-young, JOO Won, KANG Byul Horror 3Q,2011
해피투게더 Happy Together RAH Hui-chan JI Hyun-woo, PARK Ye-jin, Jay PARK Music Drama 3Q,2011
완득이 Wandeuki LEE Han KIM Yun-seok, YU A-in Drama 2H,2011
통증 Pained KWAK Kyung-tak KWON Sang-woo, JUNG Ryeo-won Melodrama 3Q,2011
최종병기 활 Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon KIM Han-min PARK Hae-il, RYU Seung-ryong Action 3Q,2011
도가니 Dogani HWANG Dong-hyuk GONG Yoo, JEONG Yu-mi Drama 4Q,2011
블라인드 Blind AHN Sang-hoon KIM HA-neul, YOO Seung-ho Thriller 3Q,2011
In Shooting
투혼 Bloodsport KIM Sang-jin KIM Ju-hyuk, KIM Sun-ah Sports/Drama 2H,2011
카운트다운 Countdown HUH Jong-ho JEONG Jae-young, JEONG Do-youn Action/Drama 3Q,2011
케세라세라-인류멸망보고서 Keserasera YIM Pil-sung SONG Sae-byeok, JI Jin-hee SF/Omnibus
백프로 Baekpeuro KIM Myung-kyun YOON Si-yoon, CHUN Ho-jin, PARK Sang-myun Human Comedy 2Q,2011
오싹한 연애 Ossakan yeonae HWANG In-ho SON Ye-jin, LEE Min-ki Horror/Romantic Comedy 3Q,2011
의뢰인 The Client SOHN Young-Sung HA Jung-woo, PARK Hee-soon, JANG Hyuk Thriller 2H,2011
현의 노래 Hyeonuinorae JOO Kyung-jung LEE Seong-jae, AHN Sung-ki History 4Q,2011
챔프 Champ LEE Hwan-kyung CHA Tae-hyun, YOO Oh-seong, KIM Soo-jung Sports/Drama 2H,2011
마이웨이 My way KANG Je-kyu JANG Dong-gun, ODAGIRI Joe, FAN Bing Bing War action/Drama/Period 4Q,2011
하이프 네이션 Hype Nation Alex CALGATTI Jay PARK, Denis OH 3D/ Hiphop Dance 3Q,2011

66 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY