Best 5

Memories of Murder
Old Boy
Secret Sunshine
NOVEMBER DECEMBER The Host
2009 Vol.04 Joint Security Area/JSA

Korean
Films of
Last (2000~2009)

10 Years
iSSN 2092-5158

Choice of Critics from Around the World

CONTENTS NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2009 Vol.04

Choice
Aroundof C
ritics
Best the
Worldfrom

5
Korean
Films 42 54
Last of
10 Years REPORT
04 Korean cinema regains its
HOT MOVIE
44 WOOCHI
confidence in 2009
NEW FILMS
07 KOFIC news

08
46 A Brand New Life and other
VIEW newly released films
38 The future is low budget
MASTERS OF KOREAN CINEMA
BEHIND THE CURTAIN 54 KIM Soo-yong,
40 JU Hee, the producer of the influence of a prolific
Pink Film Festival craftsman’s imagination

Let Me Show
You Beyond
30 SPOTLIGHT
42 SEO Woo of Paju
FROM THE EDITOR
58 How shall we prepare for
the next decade?

Your Wildest
Imagination
Visual Effect
CORRECTIONS On P. 24 of KOREAN CINEMA TODAY Vol.03, the name of Sidus FNH executive and RYOO Seung-wan’s film

A New side were misspelled. They are Juyoung PARK, and I, Enforce respectively. In addition, “with the help of partnership with KT” is the

of PIFF,
misstatement of “as the film business arm of KT,” and “The company expands its business range from theater productions,

Creators 4 colors by four

TV shows to new growing media industries such as DMB, IPTV and Wi-Bro” is the misstatement of “The company distributes
a variety of entertainment and broadcasting content for KT group, which owns and operates multiple new-media platforms
from IPTV, internet VOD, satellite TV to mobile.”

PUBLISHER CHO Hee-moon, Chairman of KOFIC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHOI Kwang-hee Director Daniel D.H.PARK EDITOR YANG You-jeong
COPY EDITOR Nigel D'SA, Tae Jo COntributing EDITORS Darcy PAQUET, HAN Sunhee, Jean NOH TRANSLATORS SON Ju-hee,

18
KIM Young-woo, Jin PARK, Jean NOH, JEONG Jae-ha DESIGN & ART DIRECTION JUNG Kyoung-wook, ROH Hyoung-soo PRINT SeoKang
CONTACT | Tel +82 2 958 7591~9 Fax +82 2 958 7590
E-mail [email protected] Website www.kofic.or.kr/english 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 2009, Designed by JR Design
Report

Korean cinema regains

of export of Korean films dropped by a
level of 1/3 compared to US$ 75 million in
Top 10 box office Films
January ~ October, 2009

its confidence in 2009

2005. Wide spread piracy resulted in the Rank | Title | Date of Release | Distributor | Number of Screens | Admissions
collapse of the ancillary market including
Haeundae
home video market and the market collapse
caused another matter, unbalanced
1 2009/07/22 CJ Entertainment 753 11,311,981

Analysis of the Korean Film Industry 2009 profit structure, in which the portion of
Take Off
cinema sales took 70% out of the total
sales amounts. While the cost of P&A for
2 2009/07/29 Showbox/Mediaplex 580 8,369,801

releasing films reached the highest amount Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
ever, the average ticket price dropped to 3 2009/06/24 CJ Entertainment 1,129 7,326,976
By Lisa HAN and box-office revenue amounted to 488.5 6,034 won from 6,172 won a year earlier.
In 2009, the green light was on for the billion won, compared to 412.6 billion Thus, people called this growth in cinema Terminator Salvation
Korean film industry and this year has won last year. Furthermore, the market sales a bubble. 4 2009/05/21 Lotte Entertainment 704 4,495,479
proved that audience support for Korean share of Korean films during the period The core of the return of Korean film
My Girlfriend Is an Agent
film still exists in the marketplace.
Although Korean film industry has been
was 52% and especially from August to
October it has been around 60%. Until
in 2009 is that the bubbles of the Korean
film industry have flattened out and it
5 2009/04/22 Lotte Entertainment 475 4,042,948

diagnosed as having a serious disease by a year ago, the Korean film industry had has proved effective for the industry,
Scandal Makers
investors due to negative earning rates in
three consecutive years; -28.4%(2008),
been characterized by the expressions -
recession, depression and crisis - but now Take off
which still sustained fundamentals for
development. Furthermore, Korean film
6 2008/12/03 Lotte Entertainment 405 3,848,813

-40.5%(2007) and -24.5%(2006); the positive words such as recovery, revival and regained its cultural effect on the map
A Frozen Flower
year 2009 heralded another turning point leap are being used to describe its current reached an unprecedented percentage, at of Korean culture and its potential in the 7 2008/12/30 Showbox/Mediaplex 499 3,291,708
for the Korean film industry as it started status. 63.8%. In the year the competitiveness market. Thus, although the piracy issue is
regaining trust from the marketplace and of Korean film was clearly dominant over still ongoing and the growth of ancillary Running Turtle
the audience. Korean Film Industry the domestic market, the number of film market and the export of Korean film are 8 2009/06/11 Showbox/Mediaplex 379 3,011,993
During the period from January to Flattened the Bubble produced and films released leapt from 80 at a standstill, the green light appears to be
Mother
9
October 2009, Korean films have already 2006 was the year of the last peak for the to about 100 films. on for the Korean film industry.
out-performed the box office record Korean film industry. In that year The Host However, the Korean film industry 2009/05/28 CJ Entertainment 648 2,976,511

of the number of admissions and the alone drew a record-breaking 13 million entered into a recession period with late Korean Films Have Been
Dominant in the Marketplace Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
total box-office revenue of last year. The
accumulated number of admissions during
admissions, making history. Korean films
attracted 97.91 million admissions in total
2006 as the turning point. Seemingly, it
has grown in size, but the collapse has There is no doubt that Korean films have
10 2009/07/15 Warner Brothers Korea 751 2,957,611

this period was 66.33 million admissions, with box office revenues up to 591.6 billion started at the bottom. The rate of return
compared to 63.54 admissions last year, won and the market share of Korean films turned out to be negative and the amount
Korean film regained its cultural effect on the map of Korean culture and its potential
in the market.

taken an initiative in the market in 2009. Korean film opened this year with the office consecutively and finally Haeundae
In comparison with last year, the market impressive success of Scandal Makers and Take Off came to storm the box-
share of Korean films in February of 2008 in January. In February, there was an office. After that, Goodbye Mom and Good
was as high as 69.1% but suddenly dropped unprecedented hit in Korean film history, an Morning, President continued the rising
to 7.7% in May. The reason for the sudden independent documentary film Old Partner, current of Korean film into the fall season.
drop was that Korean film failed to prepare and another independent film, Breathless, In short, Korean films this year have been
a series of Korean films, betting all they had which were both widely highlighted on the dominant over foreign movies all year
on one or two films to hit the jackpot. But, world stage and refreshed the current of long in all elements such as genre, subject,
in 2009 the lowest point for local market Korean film in April. After that, Thirst and casting and the size of production and
share was 36.5% in March and the highest Mother were invited to the 62nd Cannes distribution.
was 67.5% in September, and other major Film Festival and proved that the ongoing
signals, such as the cost of production of aesthetic ambition of Korean cinema could Downfalls of Hollywood
hit movies, the size of distribution and the co-exist with success at the box-office in Sequels
number of admissions, appeared to be in May. In the summer season, My Girlfriend Is Having expected that a number of
Haeundae
good shape compared to those of last year. an Agent and Running Turtle hit the box- Hollywood sequels will attack the Korean

04 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 05

Report

KOFIC
KOFIC also plans to ensure that at least needed for 3D cinema post-production
25% of its support program funds go to and screening, along with KOFIC's RIG
below-the-line labor costs and to prioritize prototype made from pure domestic

NEWS the due payment of staffs and crew

before all else.
KOFIC will take on piracy by creating
technology, which is undergoing
development at the moment were
demonstrated. Through the conference,
an online marketplace for films called KOFIC intends to analyze current 3D
A Frozen Flower Goodbye Mom Thirst
KOME(Korean Open Movie Exchange) cinema industry status around the
with intentions of developing online world, seek possibility of domestic 3D
box-office in the summer season, the office and it showed that the preference August, 7,283.3 won in September, and film revenues from its current $ 14.4 production and expect to foresee the
result eventually turned out to be and attitude of Korean audiences have 7,365.5 won in October. The increasing million to $ 260 million in three years. As future 3D cinema market.
lukewarm. While Terminator Salvation gradually been changing. average ticket price will be beneficial not well, during the press announcement, For further inquiry, please contact
and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen only to sales revenue in cinemas, but also KOFIC Announces a request by minister YOO was made Mr. CHOI Nam-sik ([email protected])
stormed the box-office in the early The Increase in Ticket Price to the improvement of earning rates for Reform Plan to reevaluate state support for Korea's
summer, as the summer deepened, the Was a Key to Korean Film the Korean film industry. numerous film festivals.
fever streak began to fade. Those movies The increase in ticket prices was the In fact, when Transformers: Revenge of Nigel D'SA (KOFIC) Korean Film Showcase
occupied 1,100 screens, which was a biggest issue in 2009. Although some in the Fallen was released at the end of June, Opens in Japan
record-breaking number, but they couldn't the industry worried that audiences would the movie reluctantly played the role of
outscore Korean competitors all summer move away from theaters if the price went windbreaker against the resistance of the 2009 Digital 3D Cinema
long. up, the result showed that the increase audience to the increased ticket price. As a Conference Opens
It is worth mentioning that a Korean of 1,000 won didn't cause any hostile result, 2 Korean movies, Haeundae and Take
mid-sized distribution company ranked reactions from the audience. While it was Off, were able to smoothly land at the box- KOFIC hosted ‘2009 Digital 3D Cinema
higher than other Hollywood direct only 1,000 won, the increase brought office without any resistance. The increased Technology Conference' on November 20.
distribution companies in the third quarter about instant effects in the industry. As ticket price also helped mid-size films In a meeting between the Korean Film In order to promptly respond to the
of this year. Meanwhile, in the foreign film of July, 2009, the standard ticket price improve their earning rates. Council(KOFIC)'s recently appointed fast changing environment of cinema
market in Korea, mid-size films from non- is still the same at 8,000 won, but the chairman CHO Hee-moon and the technology, since 2005 KOFIC has
English culture such as Slumdog Millionaire average ticket price is gradually going up What Is to Be Done? Minister of Culture, Sports and promoted technology research project
and Black were well received at the box- from 7,007 won in July, to 7,191.6 won in Some might question that this recovery in Tourism, YOO In-chon, reform plan for based on the digital cinema test bed.
the government-funded film support Especially from this year the focus is on 10 Korean films were introduced in Japan
organization was announced to the press. the 3D cinema producing technology as during 'Korean Film Showcase 2009
Korean films renovated by new technology, new planning, new people and new subjects Addressing several key issues, the it has become a globally big issue, as the Japan' that took place at Tokyo's FILMeX
have accomplished a different level of results. reform plan intends to reorganize KOFIC, new replacement for future cinema. from November 21~30. Hosted by KOFIC
grouping different departments together, This year's conference is prepared and sponsored by Ministry of Culture
Korean film could be a temporary event or and change its funding policies, turning based on the research results up to the Sports and Tourism along with Ministry
a misinterpretation of statistics. However, several advance financing programs present on 3K, 4K digital cinema standard of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this year's
this recovery is based on clear contents into “after the fact” rebates. For motion picture, as to seek the possibility Korean Film Showcase was arranged to
because some hit films were accompanied example, under the reform, the current of commercial 3D film productions in the introduce Korean films with commercial
by the support of the audience. Korean P&A support funds given to overseas new era of 3D digital cinema. Technical competence and high quality to the
films renovated by new technology, new distributors of Korean films in advance, issues including 3D shootings and points Japanese and promote cinema exchange
planning, new people and new subjects will now only be given to select recipients of consideration for production process between the two countries.
have accomplished a different level of after they have finished releasing the film. were diagnosed and researched through 10 films were screened, starting from
results. Until the end of 2009, Korean film Independent and art house film actual production on test beds, and Good Morning, President and others
is expected to break 160 million admissions projects will also no longer receive pre- the result was presented during the including The Executioner, Castaway
and reach 1 trillion won in total sales production funds but will be eligible for conference. on the Moon, Running Turtle, Daytime
revenue. It clearly shows that Korean film KOFIC awards after the film's completion. Test on multi-dimensional equipments Drinking, Himalaya, Where the Wind
industry has bounced back from recession Between 2010-11, US$17.5 million film and the manual on their usage as well Dwells, Bandhobi, My Dear Enemy,
at least in the cinema business. And, what export insurance account will be created as solutions for utilizing the tips were Handphone and YOGA.
is the solution for the entire Korean film to guarantee loans for Korean films with provided as well. Also guideline for For further inquiry, please contact
industry? The year 2010 will be another test overseas distribution potential. construction and usage of pipeline Ms.PARK Hye-sim ([email protected])
Good Morning, President
for Korean film industry.

0 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 07

 Choice of Critics from Around the World
T
he first decade of 21st Century is soon coming to an end. During this

Best
period, there had been many ups and downs and Korean cinema had
gone through the best days it has not experienced before. Once hidden
creativity burst with power and new talents emerged. Assisted by the
producers and directors who incorporated their thoughts on reality within the
frame of genre, Korean cinema was able to firmly manage its dominant position in
domestic box office, and artists with their own brand surfaced one after another.
At this point where we are about to pass through the first ten years of 21st Century,

Korean
KOREAN CINEMA TODAY has asked critics from in and out of the country to
each pick 5 Korean films which they think are the best during this period. It is to
critically look back the last 10 years by sorting out the most outstanding films of
the era based on how high the quality and complete the films are.
40 critics, including scholars and journalists, participated in the survey, and
Memories of Murder by BONG Joon-ho received most votes, marking its name
on top of the list. Not only the Koreans but critics from overseas had chosen

Films of
Memories of Murder too, making it an indisputable ‘Best Film'. Next, Old Boy by
PARK Chan-wook received second place, followed by LEE Chang-dong and his film
Secret Sunshine. Both directors BONG and PARK had additional films on the list,
The Host and Joint Security Area/JSA respectively, confirming that they are the
two tentpoles representing the heyday of Korean cinema during the last decade.
Meanwhile directors like KIM Ki-duk and HONG Sangsoo had received high
number of votes but as they are directors with most outputs, the votes were

Last
scattered among many of their films. Thus their works failed to enter the ‘Best 5'
list. ‘Best 10' films list includes Mother by BONG Joon-ho, A Peppermint Candy
by LEE Chang-dong, King and the Clown by LEE Joon-ik, 3-Iron by KIM Ki-duk
and Duelist by LEE Myung-Se.

10 Years
KOREAN CINEMA TODAY would like to thank the critics below who responded to our survey.

Survey participant list(in alphabetical order)

Korea
CHANG Seok-yong, CHOI Kwang-hee, HAN Ok-hi, HWANG Hee-yeon, HWANG Hye-jin, JANG Byung-won,
JEON Chan-il, JEONG Minah, JUNG Han-suk, KANG Seung-ryul, KIM Doo-ho, KIM See-moo, KIM Sun-yub,
KIM Yoona, KIM Young-jin, KWAK Young-jin, LEE Dae-hyun, LEE Hyun-kyung, PARK Pyeong-sik, PARK Tae-sik,
RYU Seung-chan, SEO In-sook, SEO Jeong-nam, YANG Sung-hee, YEON Dong-won, YOOK Jung-hak

(2000~2009)
Overseas
Christopher BOURNE, DC LEE, Dimitri IRANNI, Jean NOH, Max TSEEIER, Nigel D'SA, Olivier LEHMANN,
PaoIo BERTOLIN, Patrick FRATER, Russell EDWARDS, Yuu SATO, Seiji KINOSITA, Tony RAYNS, V.A. MUSETTO

08 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 09

Best 5 Korean Films of Last 10 Years(2000~2009)

The mark of passion for

Old Boy, which ranked number 2 in our of 2003, being now much deeper, and in Memories of Murder there is a moment
survey, was also released in 2003). Thirdly, much longer. Mega-scaled(at least in the that brings us towards an emotional

an ideal model of Korean

producer TCHA Sung-jai who had planned boundary of Korean cinema industry) high downfall, out of this combination of all
and produced Save the Green Planet and concept films that have been leveled all things harmonious, veering us into a pit.

popular films
Memories of Murder and has lead Korean together are struggling in order to overcome Then from time to time a black-out is forced
popular films to achieve a certain new level, this obstacle. Second, Paju, PARK Chan- upon the people with cries saying “turn off
was in the corner and had risked much on ok's comeback in 7 years went bankrupt the light”, and a murder that can't be solved
Memories of Murder although in the end commercially and its quality is much has always already occurred, creating a dark
Memories of Murder (2003) directed by BONG Joon-ho the film was a massive hit that has charmed debated over while JANG Joon-hwan has passage that drains all the energy out of the
the audiences and the market(“TCHA needs failed to produce a second film since his body as it opens its mouth in front of our
debut. Since The Old Garden, IM Sang- eyes, and with the strangest timing comes
By JUNG Han-seok soo is spending way too much time on SONG Kang-ho's unsuitable line, “Are you
Let's take a look at an interesting dialog shooting his next film The Housemaid and getting your meals?” Memories of Murder
between BONG Joon-ho and PARK Chan- audiences turned away from PARK Chan- maintains drama in a traditional way but on
wook, published in the daily newspaper wook's ambitious Thirst this year. Third, the other hand it opens wide such a disscord
Hankyoreh, April 26, 2003, a day after talented producer TCHA Sung-jai who had of emotions through contrasting factors,
Memories of Murder was released.(It once led the production world of Korean and the immense shadow of an unsolved
has been modified and adjusted without films has half officially retired from the field serial-homicide case cast upon it. An era of
impairing the original content in order to this year. Therefore with the return of an ice disorder bound to repeat expected failure
summarize the text for concision.) age for Korean cinema and with TCHA gone, is summoned onto the screen in such an
squeezed in between high concept films, asymmetric way. This is probably why BONG
BONG I have been soley working on this unlike fellow directors, only BONG Joon-ho Joon-ho had “focused on managing the
film for the last 32 months, and much has is maintaining his power in both fields of foreign feeling till the end even within the
changed during that time. It wasn't my plan commercial success and among film critics. convention of the thriller genre” in the film.
to release this film at such a difficult time. It can be said BONG is consistently walking Coming back to the significance and
PARK An economy crisis just when you start the road of the ideal model for Korean value of Memories of Murder as number
your own business and are trying to make popular films that was suggested since one on the list of Best Korean Films of the
money?(laughs) But since the year before 2000. Memories of Murder was the real last 10 years chosen by KOREAN CINEMA
last I have been saying two years from now beginning of the road for BONG Joon-ho. TODAY, what I would like to say is relatively
will be the best year ever for Korean cinema At this point, it is unavoidable to shortly simple and clear. It is the mark of passion
and I was right. Memories of Murder, Save repeat the outstanding points of Memories for an ideal model of Korean popular
the Green Planet have been released, and of Murder as a film, although it has been films. Of course even after Memories of
the word is A Good Lawyer's Wife is pretty much talked about previously. Here the Murder BONG received higher praises
good. Jealousy Is My Middle Name was fine points will be summarized as a duet of with The Host which drew even more
as well. Masterpieces are pouring in. But harmony and disagreement. BONG's films audiences, but at least when we look for the
then, why is that? Is it the last gasp before seek harmony on one side but on the other monumental place where his way of things
collapse? hand leave disagreement alone. Doing so, was established it is only right to choose
BONG Rowing the boat with all our might the relationship between the two is weaved Memories of Murder.
only to head for the fall? That's a depressing together with a tense force. That's one of The film was the most outstanding

NO.1 Memories of Murder

story. the true colors of charm BONG Joon-ho case in Korean film history exhibiting two
PARK By far the conditions have worsened. films have, and BONG succeeds in this for sorts of magic, fulfilling the intentions
Many fine items are aborted and financing is the first time in Memories of Murder. The and expressions of the creator himself and
in trouble. Nowadays, quality and success do film contains narrative contours and genre capturing the hearts of audiences all at
not come hand in hand. Nevertheless, it is number one success among domestic in regards to quality, films that hit bottom to go crazy to improve Korean cinema”). related codes that are strictly arranged. There once. With it the film became a certain
such times that bear the best masterpieces. films that year, they are mentioning the in artistic merit succeeded. Mob films had Today in 2009, in order to review the are also parts adopted from Hollywood genre monumental model. Therefore I would
TCHA Sung-jai needs to go crazy to improve unstable environment and condisitons the made a big success(“Nowadays, quality and significance and value of Memories of films, meticulously translated and adjusted like to interpret the result of this survey,
Korean cinema. film was subject to at the time. Beneath success do not come hand in hand”). Yet Murder, in fact situations at the time as for a Korean style. Then there is KIM Sang- at this present moment in 2009, as our
the surface, the conversation of these two secondly, many challenging, unique films noted above need to be reconsidered in kyung and SONG Kang-ho who play the reminiscence on Memories of Murder. It
The above is excerpt from the last part directors delivers to us a few statements worth looking forward to were released the chronological order they were made. two characters representing conflict between wouldn't be too different to say it is a move
of their dialog, and without expecting we can reflect on. Firstly, Korean cinema in (Save the Green Planet, Jealousy Is My First, the recent return of industrial crisis city/country and scientific/unscientific. to recollect the origin of the ideal model for
Memories of Murder would become the 2003 was frozen tight industrial wise, and Middle Name, A Good Lawyer's Wife, and to Korean cinema is incomparable to that These are arranged harmoniously. However Korean popular films.

12 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 13

Best 5 Korean Films of Last 10 Years(2000~2009)

Working on Images by Means

in Korean film is so strong that it brought
about an extreme bias: this lack of dramatic

of Style
feature or social consciousness which stems
from the former used to be criticized as
immorality, whereas accomplishments in
realism are highly regarded as ‘purely artistic'.
Old Boy (2003) directed by PARK Chan-wook Korean films from the 2000s on have been
fighting against this ‘transcendent' tradition,
making the scene wider, and PARK Chan-
wook is surely one of its representative
directors. Old Boy had the guts to suggest
a new way of narration that is enough to
encounter this deeply rooted obsession with
realism. Besides, his cinephile-inspired style
of directing well supports his strong will.
Because all of his works deal with the desire
for a revival in terms of the very nature of
film language and the primitive charm of
cinematic images.

Regarding cinematic accomplishment, Old Boy is the film which fascinated

Old Boy is worthy enough. Describing the audiences not with a B movie's kitsch
bitter spite of a man who wants revenge sentiment, but through visual pleasure
on an unknown being who kept him based on exquisite work with imagery. This
in total isolation for 15 years, this film is not a story teller's film but an image
traces an oedipal revelation, uncovering maker's, one who is good at organizing and
that the person who brought the man to showing images that allow perception and
ruin is himself after all. The circulation of taste to be divided into B or high art. PARK
vengeance and violence drives the audience attracts the audience's eyes by maximizing
to the wall, making it irresistible. Being the visual factors. The reversal in Old Boy,
indifferent to any comfort or solution, it which brought on controversy in terms of an

NO.2 Old Boy

chaotically ends without a winner. While his absolute secret and moral, was a dramatic
former film Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance shock, but it also can be attributed to the
presents a hardboiled and minimalist vision style as well, since PARK creates not only a
without any frills, Old Boy goes for extreme dramatic shock but also a shock in style.
By JANG Byung-won PARK, who could not yet be critically that this film in which PARK brought his visual flourishes. Based on distorted times Old Boy proved that an artistic personality
PARK Chan-wook, who enjoys describing defined due both to his great success (Joint artistic ability to the climax, ‘conquered' and memories, it is a mystery plot that can also be popular among people. In this
the struggles of people trying to escape a Security Area/JSA) and chronic failures in and out of film society, even with the traces back to a perverse drama, combined point, PARK's films seem to form a certain
brutal life, provides a certain window into (The Moon Is… the Sun's Dream, Trio, and existence of his previous hit Joint Security with over-the-top images of a master visual consuming pattern. The audience never
what he pursues with the film Old Boy. It Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance) at the same Area/JSA. In fact, not many people could stylist. PARK, with Old Boy, organizes the expects something soft or easy, or even a
has the most vital power of the three films time, is, thanks to Old Boy, now in the predict such a success, since he had been materials which are in charge of operating dramatic catharsis which can simply wrap
in his ‘Vengeance Trilogy'. Reflecting on position of an ‘absolute artist' which is a told that he had perpetrated ‘art' again after the matrix of the drama such as causality, up the story when it comes to his films. His
the growth of Korean cinema over the last rare case in Korea. Just like a superstar who the total commercial failure of Sympathy times and spaces, by means of frequent exalted genre films, which are made with a
10 years, it is highly important that we take can guarantee a 100% hit, he became the for Mr. Vengeance. However the reality was flashbacks. But at the same time he refines certain deliberateness in image are based
a closer look at the influence of Old Boy. best-selling brand and is also the director different. He became the nucleus of cultural the rhetoric to enable a good comprehension on visual ideas that are archetypal but
There is no doubt that people say Old Boy who takes the most artistic freedom. No power, whom younger contemporary artists of the story. He shows his will to make the long ignored at the same time, elevating
is a new possibility for Korean film during one can argue against the fact that the admire, and expanded the border of film. film flourish not with ‘story' but with ‘style' their very position to noble artistic films.
this decade, in the light of its meticulously commercial success of Old Boy and its From one aspect, Old Boy dared to stand by using radical angles for visual shock, With the combination of the organization
structured execution, the boldness of the Grand Prix win at the Cannes Film Festival up against the naturalist tradition and modeling images, rhythmical editing for of a sensitive story and strategy in style,
material, and the influence and impact it signal a major transition in terms of quantity realism which have held an invisible power making confusing stories smooth, and an Old Boy has transcended national cinema,
had on cinema culture back then. and quality in Korean film. It was a shock over mainstream discourse. This naturalism organized image pattern. discovering a language of globalization.

14 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 15

Best 5 Korean Films of Last 10 Years(2000~2009)

The pain of living, undiluted

tries to break free of this and present the Although singled out by several critics as performance may have been overlooked
scene as one would experience it in person. one of the competition section's strongest in the excitement surrounding the best
It is a process of stripping cinema of its titles, it was not as widely praised as some actress prize, JEON's costar SONG Kang-ho
cinematic flourishes, and although this may of its competitors, including the COEN was remarkably effective in providing an
Secret Sunshine (2007) directed by LEE Chang-dong not sound fundamentally different from Brothers' No Country for Old Men and emotional anchor for the viewer amidst the
what we normally think of as film realism Romanian director Cristian MUNGIU's 4 turbulence experienced by Shin-ae. The role
or naturalism, the effect LEE achieves is Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days, which would of Jong-chan is not the sort that a top actor
By Darcy PAQUET dubbed the movement the Korean New A Peppermint Candy(2000), which casts an subtly different. Film critic Mark PERANSON ultimately win the Palme d'Or. However the usually takes on: earnest and goodhearted,
Realism has always held a special place in Wave; in Korea, critics initially referred to it eye back on 20 years of recent history, as described Shin-ae and Jong-chan, the tremendous performance by JEON Do-yeon but somewhat nerdy, this auto mechanic
the hearts of Korean film critics. Throughout as “New Realism”. the last film of the Korean New Wave. But protagonists of Secret who falls in love with Shin-
much of Korean film history, harsh For Korean filmmakers in the 21st century, beginning with Oasis(2002), LEE's approach Sunshine, as “the most real ae is a character that requires
censorship made it difficult to create films realism is no longer the dominant aesthetic to realism has been refined into a style that, people on display” in the 2007 highly precise acting in order
that, in presenting the lives and frustrations ideal - young filmmakers are more likely while seeming ordinary on the surface, is Cannes competition section. to strike just the right note.
of ordinary working citizens, inevitably cast to be engaged with experimentation in something entirely his own. LEE is able to create characters SONG, of course, was just the
a critical eye on society. The government genre and cinematic form. But director LEE In interviews for his fourth feature that feel so genuine and actor to do it. If one were to
was largely successful in stifling the Chang-dong has, at times seemingly all by Secret Sunshine(2007), LEE describes bereft of mannerisms that the take a poll of the top Korean
production of such films, but in making the himself, taken the realist tradition in Korean his approach to filmmaking. If ordinary tragedies which befall them hit actors and actresses of the
realist ideal harder to attain, it also marked filmmaking and developed it into something cinema tends to glamorize its characters, you with twice as much force. past decade, most likely SONG
it out as the obvious goal for any serious vital and contemporary. In his early works, to make them appear greater or bigger Secret Sunshine is, to and JEON would top the list.
aspiring filmmaker. When in the 1980s one senses the strong influence of the then they would in actual life, then he tries be sure, one of the most In this sense Secret Sunshine,
cracks began to appear in censorship regime, Korean New Wave. A novelist by training, to remove this layer and present them as emotionally harrowing films which is the only film in which
the result was a new film movement led by LEE learned how to make films in the 1990s ordinary people. In selecting camera angles ever made in Korea. Although these two performers appear
directors like PARK Kwang-su, JANG Sun- as an assistant under PARK Kwang-su. Some and placement, he doesn't conceive his one hesitates to reveal too together, is even more of a
woo and CHUNG Ji-young. Foreign critics critics refer to his innovative second feature shots in cinematic terms, but instead he much of the plot in an landmark.
introduction like this, its LEE Chang-dong is
portrayal of a woman(Shin-ae, played by did draw universal acclaim, even from those recognized by virtually everyone in the
JEON Do-yeon) who moves to the hometown critics who did not like the film. On May Korean film industry as one of its top
of her deceased husband and experiences 23, in the latter half of the festival, the auteurs, and yet at the same time he seems
further tragedy is both riveting and heart film was released in theaters back in Korea, slightly removed from his contemporaries.
rending at the same time. Devastated, Shin- where it failed to stir up much interest Partly this is a question of experience: few
ae turns to Christian fundamentalism, and among the general public. Then on May directors have established themselves in
the middle section of the film charts her 27 at the Cannes closing ceremony, JEON other art forms, as LEE did early in his career
efforts to heal and find meaning in life was presented with the Best Actress award, as a novelist. Certainly none else have had
by appealing to a higher being. However marking Korea's first ever acting award at an experience comparable to serving as
another unexpected development in the Cannes. Instantly, JEON's face was splashed Korea's Minister of Culture, which he did
film's final section grounds her once again in across newspapers, magazines and TV from 2003-2004. At the same time there is
the bitter realities of the secular world. screens across Korea and a media storm an austere quality to LEE's art that no other
Completed in spring 2007, the unveiling ensued. Amidst the excitement, interest in Korean director possesses. His films leave
of the film to the public contained its own the film surged and it shot up in the box little breathing room for the viewer. In an
dramatic trajectory. It was first presented in office rankings. Although many viewers interview published in the KOFIC Korean
Seoul on May 1 in press and VIP screenings. considered it to be difficult or frustrating, Film Directors series, the director says,
Local journalists and industry figures, who it would ultimately sell 1.6 million tickets, “Some audiences complain that my films are
had been anxiously awaiting LEE's return allowing the production to just break even. so tightly knit together and intentional that
to filmmaking after a five-year hiatus, JEON's award would also be ranked as one there is no place for them to escape. I admit
immediately hailed the work as a major of the top 10 news stories in Korea in 2007. this is true, but I don't think it's something
achievement. One viewer commented that it Now, as we look back on the film, it still I should avoid.” As an independent voice
was only on the second day after watching stands out as a rare achievement and LEE's willing to pose uncomfortable questions, and

NO.3 Secret Sunshine

it that the full impact of the film was felt, most accomplished work to date (although as a coldly precise stylist who has taken the
speaking to its unusual power. Soon after each of his four films rank as some kind of tradition of realism in new and unexpected
it received its official world premiere in modern day classic). It is also an unusual directions, LEE has earned his way into the
competition at the Cannes Film Festival. showcase of acting talent. Although his top echelon of Korean directors.

16 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 17

Best 5 Korean Films of Last 10 Years(2000~2009)

PORTRAYAL OF KOREA'S SURREAL A MODEL FOR WELL-MADE FILMS

REALITES DEALING WITH KOREAN ISUUES
The Host (2006) directed by BONG Joon-ho Joint Security Area/JSA (2000) directed by PARK Chan-wook

By Jean NOH their needs. “But why give up, or go make of their heart-rending sorrow, the family By Jean NOH stories and Choco Pie marshmallow patties within budget, created for himself with
When it made a world premiere at the films in Hollywood when you can hire members cry, fight, tear at each other, fall By early 2001, PARK Chan-wook's Berlinale while listening to the nostalgic folk music of JSA a foundation upon which he could
Cannes Directors' Fortnight in 2006, BONG their people to work on a Korean film?” down, and disintegrate into a roiling tragi- competition film Joint Security Area/JSA KIM Kwang-seok. However, as the mystery go on to make the bloody and challenging
Joon-ho's mutant thriller The Host was said CHOI. It was a breakthrough idea at comic mess – while in the background, a had become a watershed hit after opening unravels, so do their fates, in an almost ‘Vengeance Trilogy' of Sympathy for Mr.
met with “a mixture of admiration and the time, which gave rise to other large- scolding security guard routinely calls out in theaters in Swptember 2000. Like KANG inevitable ending for such a tale. Vengeance, Oldboy and Sympathy for Lady
discombobulation,” as Variety described scale Korean productions using Hollywood the license plate number of an illegally Je-gyu's Swiri, another blockbuster hit of The film was developed by Myung Film, Vengeance.
it. The film brings together sci-fi monster CGI, such as the recent man-eating boar parked vehicle that needs to be moved. the time, the award-winning JSA tapped which was at the time quickly becoming a He took a respite from these dark films
conventions with genre-bending twists and a flick Chaw and the tsunami blockbuster “I wanted to make a sequence where into the sentiment of Koreans longing to powerhouse of the so-called Korean cinema to make the light-hearted rom-com I'm a
light mixture of social and political satire as Haeundae. sadness, humor, weirdness, and on top of overcome decades of North and South renaissance. Producers SHIM Jae-myung and Cyborg but that's Okay, but came back to
well as situational absurdity that that a strange feeling of surreality division. The film also showed sanguinary fare with vampire
can alternately make the audience coexisted. In fact, ultimately, I local audiences the kind of thriller Thirst, which premiered
laugh and cry. A multiple award- think that's what Korean reality high quality storytelling and at this year's Cannes. PARK has
winning, all-time record-breaking is,” said the director. “Korea's a production values that they had also taken to producing, with
success on its release in Korea, place where unbelievably surreal come to expecting only from LEE Kyung-mi's Crush and Blush
The Host clocked up 13 million disasters have happened a lot Hollywood films. But it also did and BONG Joon-ho's upcoming
admissions that year. – the collapse of the Seogsu this while dealing with local Snowpiercer.
The film's prologue opens Bridge, the Daegu subway fire, issues and sympathetic characters JSA was also an early platform
with a scene based on a true the Sampoong Department Store more relevant and identifiable for actors who were all fast
stranger-than-fiction story collapse...” to Korean audiences. It was becoming influential stars in the
dubbed the McFarland Incident It was no doubt in part due creating a model for commercially Korean Wave - SONG Kang-ho,
in Korea. In February 2000, a to this sort of astute tapping successful, well-made Korean who later starred in Sympathy
morgue employee at Yongsan
U.S. military base ordered his
NO.4 The Host into national trauma, as well
as familiar characters and
films that could be lauded by
critics.
NO.5 Joint Security Area/JSA for Mr. Vengeance and two
other films in KOREAN CINEMA
staff to empty about 480 bottles circumstances, which worked so New York Times' Manohla TODAY's featured Top 5 list –
of formaldehyde down the drain, which Although The Host is a sci-fi thriller, the well with local audiences. On their way to DARGIS described the JSA as “a surprisingly LEE Eun also made films such as KIM Jee- BONG Joon-ho's Memories of Murder and
ended up in the Han River. In real life, film actually centers around the rallying of save Hyun-seo once she's confirmed alive, moving, tightly wound thriller about unlikely woon's The Quiet Family, KIM Ki-duk's The The Host; LEE Byung-hun, who is now an
uproar ensued when he was protected by a dysfunctional family of misfits – old timer the family is in turns fleeced and persecuted friendships among North and South Korean Isle, and IM Sang-soo's A Good Lawyer's unquestioned pan-Asian star with films like
the controversial Status of Forces Agreement Hee-bong(played by BYUN Hee-bong), who by gangster-like “private agency” people border guards” in NYT's Critic's Notebook, Wife. KIM Jee-woon's The Good, The Bad, The
taking jurisdiction over U.S. military runs a riverside convenience stall with his who take Hee-bong's life savings, a civil March 3, 2005. Based on PARK Sang-yeon's They commissioned a set of Panmunjeom Weird and G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra, and
personnel in Korea. slow-witted son Kang-du(SONG Kang-ho), servant demanding a bribe, a former activist novel DMZ, the film portrayed a small to be made on a 90% scale in the Seoul LEE Young-ae, who also went on to star in
In the film, the illegal toxic drainage leads Kang-du's younger brother Nam-il(PARK colleague who betrays Nam-il, and military group of soldiers involved in the mystery Cinema Complex, and JSA became the Sympathy for Lady Vengeance and became
to the birth of a huge, swift and dangerous Hae-il) - a dissatisfied and unemployed and medical personnel who imprison Kang- of a shooting inside the highly sensitive first Korean film ever to be shot on Super a top commodity with the TV drama Jewel
if clumsy and sometimes coy-looking former student activist, and younger sister du to perform needless brain surgery on Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). 35mm film, a format which allows for a in the Palace. SHIN Ha-kyun also later
mutant – created by the director with New Nam-joo(BAE Doo-na), an archery medalist him in order to propagate a disinformation Korean-Swiss Major Sophie JEAN, played wide screen with very clear definition as in starred in Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,
Zealand's Weta Workshop and CGI by San who often withdraws under pressure. Kang- campaign. They have announced the mutant by LEE Young-ae, is sent in to investigate certain Hollywood films. With this, PARK JANG Joon-hwan's Save the Green Planet!
Francisco-based The Orphanage. du's daughter Hyun-seo(KO A-sung) is the is a host to a mysterious virus – touching and we find that a couple of South Korean Chan-wook directed some breathtaking and featured in Thirst, while KIM Tae-woo
Produced by CHOI Yong- apple of everyone's eye and the only really upon the scares of SARS, avian flu, and soldiers, played by LEE Byung-hun and KIM cinematography featuring moonlit reeds and later worked with HONG Sangsoo in films
bae's Chungeorahm, The Host was bright hope for the future. governmental misinformation about non- Tae-woo, have been habitually crossing the snowscapes in the DMZ, as well as clean such as Woman on the Beach and Like You
groundbreaking for the hitherto When she is taken by the mutant in a existing weapons of mass destruction. demarcation line to visit their North Korean flashbacks of cozy nights of friendship and Know It All.
“untouchable” sci-fi genre in Korea. Both massacre that happens minutes into the film, BONG describes the theme of the film mirrors, played by SONG Kang-ho and SHIN harrowing ones of traumatizing violence. At a summit meeting in 2007, South
BONG and CHOI knew that a real-looking they assume she is dead, and BONG's genius to be about “weak people who are left Ha-kyun. This in itself is a national security PARK, who had until then made two not- Korea's then President ROH Moo-hyun gave
mutant was key to the film's success, and for mixing contrasting elements takes shape unprotected by their country or society, who crime on the level of treason, but they have very-successful films which he credits as a DVD of JSA(amongst others), to North
that local CGI capabilities would not meet in the mass funeral hall scene. In the midst end up protecting other weak people.” been doing nothing more than sharing good practice at filmmaking on time and Korean leader KIM Jong-il.

18 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 19

 Let
Me
Show You Beyond
Your
Visual

Wildest
Visual effects in Korean films have become an integral part of film production in the
past decade. There are people behind the new horizon of visual effects field on the
Effect
screen that you have never dreamed of before. Pouring all the energy and experience Creators

Imagination
in creating fantastic world and spectacular visuals on screen, these visual effects gurus
of Korean cinema are still feverishly working the nights away in order to invite you to
somewhere beyond your imagination. Korean Cinema Today introduces five Korean
visual effects companies notable in both domestic and international markets.

20 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 21

Visual Effect Creators

high chance the audiences will feel awkward, directors or actors, communication skills are at the same time is searching for ways to
short range views are excluded as much as important and language can be an issue. overcome the situation on his own. The
possible and middle or far range is preferred. But in the field of computer graphics that answer lies in launching a large scale fund
However we have the skill to create short work with visual expressions behind the lead by CG companies. “For over a year
range views that require detailed yet natural screen things are somewhat different. Many domestic CG companies came together and
expressions.” worry about the different working system, talked about it, and we realized a need for
DTI's technology vividly creating a totally but on the contrary with the Korean system a fund. The plan is slowly developing. We
new world, came to be widely known we have one more advantage. That is we believe it will be an actual help for us when
through action fantasy The Restless that can be lenient with the time.” Project period we start overseas projects.”
mobilized a massive production budget reduction due to unexpected situations is More recently, much energy is being put
and computer graphic skills. Forming a unimaginable in Hollywood as it completely into outward changes for the company.
consortium with 12 companies gathered depends on a fixed system. However, when Deciding there are limits on the former
together to work on a total of 800 cuts, the Korean staffs calmly accepted the process of forming consortiums with various

Photo by LEE Soo-jin

‘‘As of now, Korean CG companies are fully prepared to jump into foreign projects. We
are no longer assessed as less competitive due to a technological gap. "

DTI received a Blue Dragon Award for companies every time there is a massive

Strength in Detail technology with this film. In addition The

Restless bridged DTI to fantasy adventure
The Forbidden Kingdom starring Jacky
project requiring more than 100 staffs,
three minor companies decided to merge
with each other. As early as the end of the
CHAN and Jet LI. Both films used identical year EON Digital Film, In Sight Visual and
DTI PICTURES shooting locations in China, and the DTI will become one family. “When the
common traits of action unfolding in a three companies, each taking pride in their
surreal environment with oriental colors technological expertise, come together
By SONG Soon-jin employees, DTI has accompanied many major success as a Korean horror film with unique worked in a positive way, helping DTI as one, the size of the studio will be big
When Hollywood funding met with Asian projects in Korean film history, starting out visual aspects, to Korean style western The overrule other competitors and earn the enough to handle large overseas projects on
actors in The Forbidden Kingdom, a film as a CG and animation production company Good, The Bad, The Weird, and on to their project. “Of the three companies, DTI's its own. Our goal is to launch anew under a
released in 2008, it was largely publicized with the name ‘Digital Tetra' in 2000. It's next film to be released in January of next share was 35% of the entire CG. Five Finger new name and nurture it into a company of
in the Korean media. The reason behind the an unusual case where a team within the year, DTI's name was always present on Mountain and the castle on top of the 150 employees.”
excitement was the 3 Korean CG companies company evolved into a professional field as director KIM Jee-woon's movies because mountain were our creation.” The fact that By participating in its second foreign
that participated in its production as main their work came to be recognized by others. the company is “strong in its details.” The it is Korea's first large scale overseas project change, the producers of The Forbidden project Wusen, DTI is stably building up its
visual effects staff. Through this 21st Century “Since we made our name through our first opening sequence of The Good, The Bad, may come as a burden but what LEE Yoon- Kingdom were more than surprised, making filmography. With New York and China as its
version of the famous Chinese classic film A Tale of Two Sisters, other sections of The Weird begins with gazing at a hawk suk had felt was that the technical level the episode famous. setting Wusen is a story that moves in and
Journey to the West, DTI had formed a the business were cut down and we came to flying high in the sky then shifting to a of their request was rather lower than The Nevertheless, as the global economic crisis out of reality and the world of digital games,
consortium with Macrograph and Footage, focus on film CG production only,” explains locomotive train speeding fiercely towards Restless. It helped DTI to become more has brought about financial difficulties, an another fantasy film that became possible
also drawing much attention from the representative LEE Yun-seok. From A Tale explosives. It is often referred to by audiences confident and see the possibility of foreign overseas film industry that demands new through the opportunity provided by The
media. Although it is a small company of 24 of Two Sisters, which brought exceptional as one of the best scenes ever, and it shows markets. “As of now, Korean CG companies requirements is not so easy to access. “Not Forbidden Kingdom.
the technical distinctiveness of DTI in a are fully prepared to jump into foreign only Korea but everyone is having a difficult
nutshell. “We are very experienced with projects. We are no longer assessed as less time these days, so tax cuts or investment Contact
animals. Normally, detailing fur is a high competitive due to a technological gap. decisions that actually effect production 15-11 Nonhyeon-1dong Gangnam-gu,
level technology, but we were able to create Top class films like Transformer or Avatar are becoming major issues. It is not easy to Seoul, Korea
a hawk for The Good, The Bad, The Weird, that are on a monster scale and rare even compete with a country where full support is Website. www.dtipictures.com
ostriches, wolves, even turtles, any animal in Hollywood are still a faraway story but provided on the government level, to a point Tel. +82-2-3442-0213
on earth. Another strong point of ours is for those below that level we are up to where 40 percent of production costs are Fax. +82-2-547-2065
exceptional matte painting technique. One the challenge.” Language had been one of returned. To make this possible, our country Recent projects
thing that can't be left out in fantasies or the biggest obstacles with overseas market needs to change its position on the contents The Good, The Bad, The Weird
historical films is matte painting, creating entry or location supply, but it is not so industry.” LEE Yun-seok expresses the need The Forbidden Kingdom, 7 Days, YOGA
The Restless the film's background. But because there is a much a problem for them. “In the case of to improve contents support programs, and The Scam, My Girlfriend Is an Agent

22 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 23

Visual Effect Creators

photography. Lord of the Rings to his country. However,

After the successful collaboration with it is level of Weta's technology during its
Take Off, JUNG has another issue. Despite earlier years, not Jackson's support, which
successful outputs the company has brought triggered JUNG's ambition.
in the industry, working conditions of "Before taking over the Lord of the
the company's staffs are not yet fair. And Rings trilogy, the level of Weta's technical
unfortunately, Korean film industry cannot capabilities was underestimated by
cover the high costs of CG specialists. That's Hollywood standard. But the company
why JUNG casts his eyes toward another showed what it could achieve. Of course,
market: Hollywood. they must work really hard for taking over
"Clearly demonstrated by VFX of Take such an enormous project. Then, why not
Off and Haeundae, the level of Korean CG us? We are now standing on the same path
technology can compete with studios in that Weta walked on previously. Even the
Hollywood. Speaking by numbers, Korean situation at hand seems to be brighter for us

Photo by LEE Soo-jin

companies are fairly capable of taking than what Weta had to face. Starting from
over up to 80 percent of capability that taking up niche market, we will have our day
Hollywood companies used to offer. Strictly soon."
saying, we can cover Hollywood B-movie As the company's name signifies an

Dreaming of Another WETA ‘‘We are now standing on the same path that Weta walked on previously. Starting from
taking up niche market, we will have our day soon."

EON DIGITAL FILM market.” able to take over CG works for Hollywood's eternity, will the dreams and passions of
How could a Korean CG company be blockbusters. However, by showing our EON Digital Film stay forever? The answer
successful in Hollywood? According to technical capabilities over time, the company will be clear when the company's never-
By KIM Su-yeon weren't many Korean film with CG cuts. It also the work that EON Digital Film utilized JUNG, it is all about “a game of taking will be able to enter a wider market. ending efforts finally meet its goal of
In 1996, four college friends filed leave of was a groundbreaking work, only The Soul every techniques and tools that we have up the niche market.” “In actuality, based Until then, the company will never stop becoming the next Weta.
absence with a firm determination. They Guardians(1998) managed to outshadow it. accumulated since our beginning. From on the same level of quality, Korean CG developing its potentials. That's the goal for
registered a company and started earning EON Digital Film has established its weather change scenes in Antarctic Journal specialists cost less than that of Hollywood.” now.”
money while learning the trade. This was the technical capabilities since the very early to digital character in Old Boy and others, Right now is an appealing time for Korean His ultimate goal for EON Digital Film Contact
genesis of EON Digital Film. years of CG technology in Korean film such as crowd simulator.” CG specialists to move in on Hollywood is similar to Peter Jackson's Weta Studio. EON Bldg., 67-20 Nonhyeon-dong
CEO JUNG Seong-jin and three other industry. The company's key staff can be Take Off includes over 1,000 CG cuts, productions suffering from heavy budget Beginning with 10-member staff, Weta Gangnam-gu Seoul Korea
friends were triggered by learning CG called the 1.5 generation of Korean CG which is the record in Korean film history, reduction due to recession. It is a win- Studio has grown to compete with ILM and Website. www.eonfx.com
techniques from PARK Kwan-woo, one of Industry, as they are the apprentices of the a dramatic development since past decade. win game: for Hollywood productions, it Digital Domain. Owing to the company's Tel. +82-2-3442-3482
the pioneers in Korean CG industry, who first generation. They have accumulated Back then, typical film with CG had only is a chance to cut costs and for Korean CG success, the entire New Zealand film Fax. +82-2-547-7044
is famous for his earlier works including over 70 titles in their filmography since their 5-6 cuts at best. It was not easy to make companies, it is the chance to expand its industry has also made a rapid growth. Of Recent projects
The Fox With Nine Tails(1994). For these beginning in the late ‘90s. EON Digital Film such leap, however. The entire CG cuts business to Hollywood. course, it is Peter Jackson who stands Take Off, Good Rain, Castaway on the Moon,
aspiring graphic design students, the world is very much part of the history of Korean for the films are usually completed within JUNG says, "EON Digital Film may not be at the center of this success by bringing Marine Boy
of CG spanning to the screen was a fantasy CG industry. Take Off, the company's recent 3-4 months. It was almost impossible, but
in itself. Entrapped by fascinating world of work, once again proved its high level of CG about 30 staffs of the company soldiered
CG for cinema, they completed their first technology with another strong CG-based on. Under normal condition, the task would
work in film, Ghost in Love(1999), which film Haeundae. Obviously, the company is require a dedicated team of more than 90
soon became the representation of CG enjoying their heydays. staff members. It was the passion for the
technology in the Korean cinema '90s. JUNG proudly says Take Off, a smash hit film that made the impossible possible. Also,
"In retrospect, it's nothing special. grossing more than 8.5 million receipts, is the project was completed with the help
However, at the moment of its release, it the company's most prized work thus far. of the company's proprietary software for
wowed the audience with cutting-edge “Take Off means a lot to the company. It is real-time rendering with raw film source
CG technologies that were not prevalent not only the biggest top-grossing film that during initial composition, which was
in Korean cinema,” says JUNG. “There we worked on as the primary studio, but designed a year ahead for the film's principal Marine Boy Take Off

24 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 25

Visual Effect Creators

into a world where we have to suggest new made first so that we will be qualified to si had brought In Sight Visual, Livetone
ideas. It also reflects how our expertise in take on challenging films requiring A class and post-production company Art Service
the visual effect sector of the film industry is technology.” Digital to their city. Three post-production
being recognized. In the future, a role as the After visiting American Film Market companies, bom Film Productions, and
creator, not supporter, will become more and recently, director SON was able to make Cine World - the production company for
more important.” more specific plans for In Sight Visual. The Swords in the Moon which In Sight
Along with the sample clip of Robot “What we need is to encounter a project Visual is working on, have all settled next
Taekwon V(corresponding design is not that can really show the ability we've got. to each other. “Goyang-si's support is
the official final version), the conversation We are ready, just without a point of entry. meaningful in many ways. When small
scene freely projecting characters in speed At AFM this time I was able to encounter companies like us sign contracts for foreign
racing cars in Girl Scout, and scenes of possibilities to weave through. Everyone was projects, local governments function as
1930s Seoul in Modern Boy are all points fully prepared, and we were told as far as a kind of certifier. Also, we can get help
where the creativity of In Sight Visual the technology is concerned, we are no less with overseas marketing, and putting it

Photo by LEE Soo-jin

‘‘Before we were only told to do this and that, and now that has changed into a world
where we have to suggest new ideas."

stands out. Moreover, their professionalism together with shooting locations like a

Creativity Is the Key is well known in the domestic film industry,

insisting on limiting their projects to the
minimum in order to fully focus. The
package is another point we should look
forward to. As post-production companies
have moved in together, plans are being
episode of Blue Swallow is just so, where made on Goyang-si's side as well. Also
IN SIGHT VISUAL the original contract was for 400 cuts, but the geographical merit of being close to
when the work had increased to 1000 cuts Incheon International Airport will act as a
they still responsibly completed the entire major plus to foreign clients in the future.”
By SONG Soon-jin reassured everyone that is not so, thus Mofac's representative JANG Seong-ho, the process over more than 3 years. After seeing While eagerly proceeding with merger
In January of 2008, a sample image of making it a moment where all the worries history of In Sight Visual already numbers Tae-guk-gi, personnel from Japan's NHK preparations with DTI and EON, In Sight
Taekwon V, appearing after it flies through turn into hope. 6.5 billion of the 25 billion 12 years. Starting out as an one man suggested TV drama Clouds over the Hills Visual's final goal is to achieve the creative
downtown Seoul was released at the won production fee invested in Robot corporation, after it launched its first film to them, but this show too has been in the role of a visual effects team recognized even
production press conference of live action Taekwon V was on display in the production The Soul Guardians, and on to art films like middle of preproduction for 4 years now. in Hollywood. Director SON Seung-hyeon
film Robot Taekwon V. With a modern conference with the participation of 6 major that of director IM Kwon-taek's Chunhyang In Sight Visual is aiming to move into says “That is the company's dream, as well
design reinterpreting the original character Korean VFX studios, and this clip, that was and Chihwaseon as well as blockbusters like the overseas market in order to “have our as my personal one. Up to now we have
added with solemn charisma, Taekwon V's most talked about, was the product of In Tae-guk-gi, Typhoon, and Blue Swallow, excellent workforce be treated well, and been creative with the technology we have
looks were more than enough to induce Sight Visual. Founded by PARK Gwan-u countless Korean films passed through the to technically evolve.” Under domestic equipped than anyone else. However what witnessed in Hollywood movies, adjusting
people's cheers. Once Korean style robot from Robot Taekwon V Co. Ltd. and hands of In Sight Visual. Various brilliant production circumstances where production Hollywood partners want at this point is not and reinterpreting such skills according to
films were thought to be something representative KANG Jong-ik who is a first film awards in Korea were given to The fees are cut for survival, the standards will someone they hire for a fee, but a partner Korea's reality. I believe we will be able to
impossible for us, but the film had visually generation CG expert in Korea along with Soul Guardians, Tae-guk-gi, Typhoon, and at best maintain status quo, making a leap with whom they can invest together and show our power in Hollywood someday.”
Modern Boy. to the next level difficult. “In particular, maintain a relationship. Where the VFX is
As a visual effects director himself, Insight it is a pity that genres that we can learn on a scale of a billion won, they are asking
Visual's director SON Seung-hyeon is truly from and present new technologies for are us whether we are capable of providing 0.3
realizing how much Korean CG companies diminishing. Stopping at using existing billion. Also they wish to construct a swifter Contact
have advanced. “In the early days, all we technology is not helpful to the company and more intimate relationship through the #4006 SK M-City office tower
hoped for was that the CG cuts and original either. Right now Hollywood has all its LA office. How shall we keep our pace with 869 Janghang-dong Ilsandong-gu Goyang-si
ones would not collide with each other. attention on 3D multidimensional films and such a request for change? That is the new Gyeonggi-do Korea
After this problem was overcome, techniques that field is of our concern as well. For us to obstacle Korean VFX needs to overcome.” Website. www.insightvidual.com
leveling Hollywood became the next key participate in Hollywood films in the future, Last September, In Sight Visual made a Tel. +82-31-904-7340
issue. But then again things are different this field must be studied. At first, steps will new nest at Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. As Fax. +82-31-904-7344
these days. Before we were only told to do be taken from solo orders no matter how part of the Bromex project, aiming to build Recent projects
Modern Boy this and that, and now that has changed small the project is. The portfolio must be a broadcast media multiplex city, Goyang- Modern Boy, Private Eye, Possessed

26 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 27

Visual Effect Creators

Lee explains Macrograph's technical skill

with a scene from For Horowitz: “There a
scene in the film where UHM Jung-hwa,
in the role of a pianist, plays a difficult
piece of music. Usually, you would use a
performance stand-in and show the face and
hands separately, but director KWON Hyung- The Restless The Forbidden Kingdom

jin wanted a scene where the actress was

playing the piece herself. We endeavored show off technology that created life-like it has gotten an investment of 1.9 billion
to create a CGI of Uhm Jung-hwa's face large-scale destroyers and Japanese warships won(US$ 1.64 million) from the Korea
and put it on the stand-in pianist's face. for the sea combat scene in Hanbando. Creative Content Agency(KOCCA) and
Probably none of the audience discovered As far as technical skill goes, Lee is plans to develop ‘Light Stage', a lighting
the CGI in that scene.” certain that Macrograph is not lacking in the simulation program. Lee made clear of his
Macrograph's ‘invisible' digital actors least compared to well-known Hollywood expectations saying, “In order to perfect the

Photo by LEE Soo-jin

were highly active in the martial arts fantasy companies. In order to get the CGI job for quality of the CGI, it is most important and
action films The Restless and The Forbidden one of the most anticipated films in the difficult to recreate the reactions of light. So
Kingdom. In The Restless, people who flew Korean film industry, The Host 2(working this is where we expend the most technique,
through the air were born through CGI title), Macrograph took a scene in the film time and costs. With the development of the
instead of wire action, and in The Forbidden and perfectly recreated it with their own CGI improved program ‘Light Stage' we will be
Kingdom, the highly difficult action technology and sent it to the production able to get quick and easy lighting effects.”

Proud to Be the Best performances of the martial arts masters

were given to the digital actors. In action
company. According to his explanation,
making the mutant CGI and compositing
With high-level technological skill and
a self-developed program to increase the

of Digital Actors
performances which have lots of movement, it onto a DVD screen, without any data efficiency of CGI work, Macrograph is
it's important to have not just the bodies from the actual shoot, is much trickier than preparing to go beyond Korea to leap into
but the clothing and hair look as natural as working with the original. “Because the the global market. Two Hollywood projects
in live action. In the process of developing first film's CGI was done by a well-known that Macrograph was undertaking CGI for
Macrograph digital actors, Macrograph was also able to Hollywood company, there was a high were due to start production this year, but
develop techniques in portraying the details probability that the sequel would also go to have been put on hold for a while because
of creatures. As a result, they were able not an overseas company. We had to show them of the US economic crisis. But Lee In-ho
By PARK Hae-eun prove the value and practical applications The Forbidden Kingdom, starring Jet Li just to do biological creatures but also to that Macrograph's technical skill was no less hints that he will have surprising news to
Established in April 2007, the CGI contents of computer graphics,” says LEE. Through and Jackie Chan. Producer Casey Silver,
production company Macrograph, despite its a four-year project at the institute, they who had been looking for a CGI company
short history, is emerging as a frontrunner were able to create digital actors in the in Asia, visited Korea's Macrograph first Macrograph's “invisible” digital actors were highly active in the martial arts fantasy
in the Korean CGI industry. The driving films Hearty Paws, For Horowitz and The and LEE In-ho sealed the deal with him on action films The Restless and The Forbidden Kingdom .
force behind this is, of course, Macrograph's Restless that were so elaborate that they the basis of technological skill and passion.
special technological skill. CEO LEE In-ho were almost difficult to tell apart from real “The production company was highly
shows confidence as he remarks, “We are people. But as the project period ended, the concerned that we were a small company than theirs. The production company people announce soon. “There's a confidentiality
proud to say we are the best in the world team came to a crisis as it was about to be which had not yet had a lot of experience. couldn't tell the original from the newly clause in the contract so we can't divulge
when it comes to the technique of making disbanded. But I convinced him by explaining that our made scene at all,” he says. yet, but we've taken on the CGI work for a
creatures, which are the hardest to do in “It was a time when we were seeing company's digital actor technology was on After getting the project for The Host blockbuster whose CGI budget alone reaches
CGI – and amongst those, making ‘digital results such as being nominated for the the level of the best in the world, and that 2(working title) with CGI that looked $8 million.”
actors'.” Hong Kong International Film Festival's we could solve the problem of any lack more like the original than the original,
While working as a software development inaugural Best Visual Impact award in 2007 through a consortium,” says LEE. The result Macrograph plans to present an improved Contact
researcher at the Electronics and for The Restless. I realized that if the team was successful. When Casey Silver saw the program through this film. Unlike the first JNS Bldg., 23-5 Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam-gu,
Telecommunications Research Institute were disbanded, the teamwork and know- first screening of The Forbidden Kingdom he film, The Host 2 has several mutants. This Seoul, Korea
(ETRI), LEE In-ho established a ‘Digital how that we had built up after so long declared he would give Macrograph the CGI means making a lot of realistic mutants Website. www.macrograph.co.kr
Actor Team' in June 2003 with six graphic would be lost, and this is how I came to work on all the films he produced in future. rapidly is the key point. Macrograph has Tel. +82-2-2142-7200
artists and thus started developing programs think of establishing a company,” says LEE. On the basis of this success, Macrograph, already developed in-house software that Fax. +82-2-2142-7299
in earnest. “I took on the ‘digital actor' The opportunity came straight away. As which started out in a small office with six can make several entities at a high speed Recent projects
field, which is the most difficult in terms soon as the company was established, they employees, was able to grow to the size of while controlling their natural movements The Restless, The Forbidden Kingdom
of technological development, in order to took on the CGI for the Hollywood project 102 employees in two years. and enhancing each of their textures. Also, Handphone

28 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 29

Visual Effect Creators

Photo by LEE Soo-jin

Haeundae

‘‘It is pivotal to acknowledge that VFX needs to show creativity based on a certain level
Dreaming Creative Factory of technical achievement and thorough understanding of film media as well."

Mofac Studio Polygon Entertainment as main supervisor project with two other companies among 12
for water effects that requires higher candidates from US, Europe, New Zealand
degree of computational techniques. In the and Australia.
By KIM Su-yeon its belief on creative minds as well as infra-structure of CG technology is firmly beginning, Mofac was supposed to cover Apart from its international market
JANG Sung-ho, CEO of Mofac Studio, is one advanced technologies. “We are technicians established in Korean film industry. Matte overall secondary works with technical strategy, Mofac takes a different path for
of the first generation of computer graphics for productions. However, you cannot painting is a strategic choice that I made support from Polygon. However, the table domestic route. JANG emphasizes the
experts in Korean film industry along with complete a film only with technology," based on this thought.” soon turned due to financial situation of company's role in domestic industry as
KANG Jong-ik of Insight Visual and PARK says JANG. “For an ideal production, it is In reality, VFX specialists from Hollywood the film's production company. Among the VFX supervisor of in-depth participation
Kwan-woo of Taekwon V Inc.. JANG started pivotal to acknowledge that VFX needs fully acknowledge high quality of Mofac's entire 700 CG cuts, Mofac completed about in creating the visuals, not just as a CG
his career as VFX supervisor for The Gate to show creativity based on a certain level matte painting techniques. Regarding The 600, while Polygon did around 80. Even operator. These goals are not unreachable
of Destiny in 1996 when CG was almost of technical achievement and thorough Warrior's Way, one of Mofac's recent 80 cuts by Polygon, according to JANG, for JANG, “I came here only with my passion
unknown territory to the industry. It is when understanding of film media as well.” works, the film's other VFX supervisors were redone by Mofac for the final version for films.”
the production company of the film fell JANG introduces matte painting and producer Barrie M. OSBORNE highly except 2.
into financial crisis that he opened his own technology as the strongest component of praised Mofac by saying that the company's "It seems to be a dramatic twist in
studio. It was a humble beginning: a tiny the company. At Mofac, each department achievement in matte painting easily the success as Mofac was originally
office with 2 computers that he brought as of 3D, 2D and others performs its own surpasses the high standard of Hollywood. hired by UHLIG and we eventually took important for the company to secure
back pay from his previous company. requirements based on artworks produced Mofac also proved its capabilities by over the project and all the rights and certain number of projects and to grow its
Since the very beginning, JANG has been by matte painting department. With this collaborating on a Sam Raimi-produced responsibilities,” says JANG. “In fact, it was worldwide reputation. Mofac already took
successful with projects like 1818, The Soul procedure, Mofac could achieve results with TV series Spartacus. The company handled not easy to take over the project as a whole a big step in the international market by Contact
Guardians, The Uprising and these films finest quality in shorter work time. matte paintings for 2 episodes. because it was an extremely risky move, taking a third of VFX responsibilities of 25-11, Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam-gu,
made his name known in the industry. After "The reason Mofac launched matte And once again, Mofac Studio solidified like steering a giant sinking ship. Luckily, The Warrior's Way. Introduced by one of Seoul, Korea
he launched Mofac Studio (which stands painting department is it is the very its worldwide reputation with a smash we managed to finish the project and it the co-producers, Boram Entertainment Website. www.mofac.com
for Motion FX and Creativity) in 1999 and technique that we can show our own success in a project that no one in Korean became a blockbuster success. It was a great Inc,, Mofac got involved in making key Tel. +82-2-3444-6459
after 10 years of collaborations with many of specialty that can allow us to compete film industry could have predicted: experience that I would never forget.” concept artworks for this Korea-Hollywood Fax. +82-2-3445-6558
great Korean titles, he still enjoys his heydays in Hollywood.” JANG says, “Personally, I Haeundae, the fifth Korean film to join the Mofac has two goals for the future, one co-production. OSBORNE, one of the film's Recent projects
as the company's VFX supervisor. don't think it's possible for us to surpass coveted 10-million attendance club. The is for international market and the other is producers, offered this opportunity for Haeundae, Spartacus, HIGANJIMA, Searching
Strength of Mofac Studio comes from advanced technologies of Hollywood unless disaster blockbuster hired Hans UHLIG of for domestic. For international market, it is them to bid for VFX job and finally won the for the Elephant, More Than Blue, Paju

30 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 31

 A New side of PIFF,
them through the mist. “Paju's mist plays a psychology. “I am not sure if I am responses the audiences get from her films
different role from that of sunshine in LEE particularly interested in exploring human by reminding of our own experiences and
Chang-dong's Secret Sunshine,” says PARK. relations and minds. Rather, I believe emotions. She laughed when I told her that

4 Colors by Four “In Secret Sunshine, sunshine plays a kind

of connection between motives throughout
the film. I can say that the mist in Paju has
rather emotional effect, like damp forest and
that everything happens out of a set of
different things and usually, those things are
entangled in a kind of mess.”
Without giving explicit answers, PARK's
people get so many different responses,
which are quite different from her own. She
laughed just as quietly as she talks. Maybe,
it is rather impossible to clear the mist in
Among those Korean films that were premiered during the Pusan International Film Festival humid air in COPPOLA'S Apocalypse Now films allow us to ponder, imagine much her film to see what's out there in the clear.
held last October, here are four films and by four directors that were at the center of (1979). more beyond what the films actually show. Actually, what is there in her films from the
Despite all these haziness throughout And she seems to enjoy how different beginning may be the mist itself.
attention for audiences and critics alike. Unique visions that conquer new ground, these the film, the film casts a cold, cruel
films now await their International Premieres. gaze towards everything. No matter how
entangled and sometimes clashed emotions
between characters, the film never shows

Meandering Life and

them as they feel. There is a certain coldness
to see hot boiling water poured on a baby,

Love in the Mist

or fire on Chung-sik and Eun-soo's house.
According to PARK, the cold gaze towards
the fire was not her primary intention for

Paju directed by PARK Chan-ok the scene. “When I imagined the scene
during script phase, I didn't feel any need
to show anything else but a sudden burst
of fire from outside, seen by Chung-sik
By JANG Sung-ran fact that PARK Chan-ok was an assistant and the audience. Just one shot showing
In 2002, PARK Chan-ok released her first director for HONG's Virgin Stripped Bare it. No need to show anything that's going
feature Jealousy Is My Middle Name and By Her Bachelors(2000), people easily on inside the house. And then, cut to the
this unique debut film won New Current see something these two directors share show showing what Eun-mo was doing at
Award at Pusan Film Festival that year. It somehow, especially their scrutiny on the same moment. I didn't want to explain
didn't take long for her to get recognitions human desire. what happened to the audience. Rather, it is
from local filmgoers. You should be careful Paju, her second film, clearly declares up to the audience to speculate what really
to say her name, especially the vowel. herself away from what HONG is known happened instinctively.”
Otherwise, you will be confused her film for. The film is based on a risky affair Paju To the question if she relies more on
with another Korean helmer, PARK Chan- between Eun-mo(played by SEO Woo) instincts than intentions when making films,
wook, who wowed us with a totally different and her brother-in-law Chung-sik(played PARK says that it is the mist that PARK answers, “Somehow, I tend to absorb
film this year, Thirst. Through a love triangle by LEE Sun-kyun), but not in a soap- convinced her to use the city of Paju, a small what I was attracted to, impressed by, what
between two men and a woman, Jealousy opera kind of way. While HONG has been town located in northern part of Gyeonggi I heard and saw, and what I experienced.
Is My Middle Name vividly captures the indulged in ridiculing human desires and -do, as the main setup. Located lower I think it is the work of unconsciousness.
dynamics of human desire to hold power realities, PARK expands a petty affair to course of Hangang(river), the city is famous I cannot control everything with my
in a relationship. Again, both PARKs try to a story of abandonment and patience, for its mist. Also, the city adds a particular consciousness, nor can I understand. I think
show the world and characters that can be of betrayal and mercy. And in the middle meaning to the film with its demographics I try not to intend something in my film. I
experienced only on screen. While PARK of this entangled story, there is a secret of the margins, due to severe development feel, kind of bore on films with certainty and
Chan-wook does it in a cinematic way, surrounding the death of Eun-mo's sister of metropolitan area. In the scene where definitude.”
PARK Chan-ok does it in a realistic fashion. Eun-soo(played by SHIM Yi-young) who evicted people fight against developers, PARK's films are full of human instincts
Through her camera, PARK Chan-ok explores has been buried for seven years. Chung-sik, who was once involved in and unconsciousness. In Paju, Eun-mo's
the reality out of screen, a reality of complex Showing seven years within the story, student movement in college, tries to help mind is filled with different emotions:
dynamic of human relations and delicacy of from when Eun-mo is 15 to when she's 22, evicted people out of guilt. Sisters could not attachment to Chung-sik, jealousy, doubt,
human minds. PARK says, “I wanted to tell a story with avoid devouring wave of changes, although guilty consciousness are entangled inside

Photo by LEE Soo-jin

Once we are not confused her name a sense of gravity, spanning a long time.” they have lived in an old house that they of her. Just as Jealousy Is My Middle
with another PARK, however, another With multiple flashbacks between the past inherited from their parents. Reality, life and Name did, Paju escapes from banality of
name of Korean helmer comes into the and the present, the film adds a bit of thrill relationship stay in the mist. melodrama and finds its way of profound
picture: HONG Sangsoo. Apart from the in exploring the death of Eun-soo. Images are also blurry just as we see examination into human relations and

32 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 33

A New side of PIFF, 4 Colors by Four

A Quest for Undiscovered

too. It's supposedly because “there were our petty hero makes a heroic escape. The for reflection.
many memories in my mind, not because I closing scene that overturns the hitherto For persistent observation, the camera

Frontiers in Korean cinema was good in relationships,” but he also has

faith in the statement “the feeling of love
is an essential problem to all.” It is often
tone of the story is as abrupt as a scene
from a superhero movie inserted into a
boring daily drama.
patiently stays in one spot without breaking
off the flow of the situation occurring
within the space. The camera stands at
I'm in Trouble! directed by SO Sang-min said the director and his work should not be
regarded as the same, but in I'm In Trouble!
It is not difficult to catch shadows of
HONG Sang-soo from this ragged sketch
a distance where the actors' words are
best heard, their actions best seen, calmly
it is difficult not to get the impression that of everyday life drawn by powerless people. watching everything or naturally following
the director's characteristics are very much after them. Thus the actors' everyday actions
By JANG Byung-won reflected in the individuals appearing in the vividly come to life. All the actors have
The film I'm In Trouble! presents an film. Director SO confesses, “parts of me are developed their skills first in theater. JUNG
aspect of comical irony by sketching out the shown through Seon-u and behaviors I've Ji-yeon, who plays Seon-u's lover Yun-a, is
embarrassing moments of a man who has observed from those around me and stories an amateur actor who majored in directing
the formal title ‘poet' but in reality is jobless I've read in books were mixed in.” at Korea National University of Arts, and has
with no regular profession. “A love story that In I'm In Trouble!, people who can't directed fine short films like Blooming in
began from imagining a situation where a decide which direction their life should Spring. SO Sang-min who “took the longest
man kneels before a woman, trying to make go, but still try to continue their miserable takes possible so that it won't interfere with
excuses that make no sense just to hold on desires, fail to mingle with others and move the rhythm of the acting” had an earful of
to her” evolved and elaborated into “a story on. Director SO Sang-min believes “people complaints from all the actors in the scenes,
of a nerdy, seemingly feeble man.” don't change easily once they are over 20.” but as a result was able to draw out the best
Seon-u consoles himself saying he is free Sure enough, this shameless man has a acting ever from them.
from all obligations and duties the world wonderful talent in placing those around Although it is too early to predict the
demands, getting by on his pride in being him instead of himself in trouble. Overly future with just one film, SO Sang-min is a
I'm in Trouble!
an artist, but to others he is just another self-absorbed, Seon-u is dull and sends out rookie on a quest towards the undiscovered
bum easily looked down upon. He has a a gloomy aura that feels like things can be frontiers of Korean cinema. His debut film
girlfriend, Yun-a, but as he avoids meeting spoiled any moment. He walks around naked The film is a weary tale of an idle artist with shows no hasty optimism towards human
with her father to get their marriage and drunk at a rest house, deceives his long things not quite working out for him, lost life nor a pessimism without answers, but
approved, their relationship is on the verge time girlfriend, has sex with the woman his in his love problems but returning to his fills the frame with lots of energy and
of breaking up. All the while, his best friend friend loves – the friend who kindly looked place in the end. Instead of the compulsive tension. It is not easy to concentrate at
Seung-gyu cares after this fatigued and after him all along, and goes to a happy construction of storytelling that is essential first, but once the point is reached the film
incapable young man, and is passionately in gathering of his schoolmates and turns it in HONG Sang-soo's works, literary style powerfully and quickly draws in viewers.
love with Sun-ae. Sun-ae, however, shows into a mess. This man, on a continuous dialogue that stick with the actors, and The sense of comically capturing the misery
no interest in Seung-gyu and becomes project of self-degradation that is not hidden humor gather attention in SO Sang- prevalent in our lives reminds us of sharp
helplessly attracted to Seon-u when Seung- laudable at all, has no energy to fulfill his min's film. The attitude of the observer satire by Woody ALLEN rather than that of
gyu introduces him to her. The story, tracing desires, to wait for the desires to come true, that intends to politely approach the object HONG Sang-soo. The brilliant description
this tangle of relationships in turmoil, circles nor does he have any initiative or delight in with subjectivity eliminated can be found of life and creation of a story with it as
in an endless cycle. Seon-u is a man stripped resolving the agonies of life. in several places. For movies like this it is basic material are its extraordinary cinematic
of confidence or responsibility in his life, but The points of interest are very clear, more important to see whether the distance outcomes. Descriptions as real as this on
as if he is a male full of masculine energy he provided by a self-searching comedy of such between the director and characters in the the emptiness of the universe and fatigue
is constantly surrounded by women. a sort that it circles around the emotions story is kept even, whether the emotional of relationships are not common, and his
Director SO Sang-min has had a of love affairs. The detailed description expression of the individual is reserved, and talent at recreating the mediocre events of
continuous dream to make movies since revealing the overall life and features of whether such distancing is being elevated everyday with a microscopic eye makes the
his high school years, and has continued the characters from the story in a simple into a true recognition of the world we live future of this young director bright. This
to walk down the road of movies since he and powerful way is quite profound. On in. SO presents a relatively well organized talent waiting to bloom was recognized by
experienced a flash-like inspiration “when the other hand, sharp remorse and a record answer to such questions. He avoids various sources, and this movie, produced
[he] saw The Power of Kangwon Province of the reflections that are expected in a exaggeration if he can, excluding the self- as part of the Korean Academy of Film Arts
Photo by PARK Sung-ho

in [his] college sophomore year and realized retrospective young adult film are nowhere absorption that may lead to the assimilation Production Research Program received the
movies can be made like this too.” The to be found, because this movie's story of any careless emotions. By revealing such a New Currents Award this year at PIFF, given
short films he made at the Korean Academy is not based on the development of life dissociation of the self-deceiving attitude of to up-and-coming directors, and was also
of Film Arts, which he entered only after reached through past sufferings. This wild, snobbish intellectuals and our consciousness invited to the Forum section of the Berlin
trying three times, were mostly love stories harsh adventure comes to an end when that gazes on it, he provides an opportunity International Film Festival.

34 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 35

A New side of PIFF, 4 Colors by Four

Taxi running down

powerfully identifying that commonality
that is not contrasting at all. A brilliant idea

the communication highway

that can be convincing in Japan, Korea,
and anywhere, with charming direction, and
more than anything, a true ‘global' sense

Tokyo Taxi directed by KIM Tai-sik that stands out profoundly.

Among several Korea-Japan coproduction
films that followed one another recently,
Tokyo Taxi is a film with an outstanding
By CHOI Kwang-hee location directions were given by adjusting ironical situation where people of these two quality. Even so, KIM completed the film in
He is a Japanese rocker running a ramen small details of expression after discussing neighboring countries have to communicate just 8 shootings, with a super low budget
restaurant. The band he plays in is invited with the Japanese producer.” using English, a language from a far away of 120 million won. “Our first plan was to
to a rock festival to be held in Seoul soon. Japanese musicians like Masashi YAMADA country, I wanted to show they are truly not shoot the whole thing in Korea but there
Unfortunately, he is aerophobic. The and Hajime YAMAZAKI take on main communicating well.” had been a request from the Japanese
members fly out leaving him behind, and roles, but strictly speaking, the movie is It is not just at Korea that the blade side so we added 2 shooting days near
with no other way left to Seoul, the young about Koreans seen through the eyes of of satire is aimed. When sirens go off to Tokyo Tower. Overall, things went easy
rocker stops a taxi and shouts “To Seoul!” Japanese, a human drama stressing cultural initiate a routine civil defense drill, the two without much worrying. At least there
Naturally, the answer comes back “You communication and the virtue of harmony. Japanese think an actual war has begun and was no commercial burden and this had
crazy!” But then, a middle-aged taxi driver lose their senses. Through such humorous the advantage of allowing me to freely
true to his profession stops his car and picks actions, the film touches on the minds of experiment in alternative film. This film was
up the boy. There starts a journey by taxi the Japanese believing the Korean Peninsula a chance that brought such a challenge for
from Tokyo to Seoul. is a place under constant threat of nuclear me and fortunately the result was good.”
The film Tokyo Taxi creates nonsense, war, as news related to the North Korean Originally Tokyo Taxi had been intended for
but somehow they are probable situations nuclear problem spreads everywhere. “When TV broadcasting, but as it transformed into
in a taxi journeying from Tokyo to Seoul, we carried out the research, there were many a theater movie, a premiere date is being
presenting a unique and meaningful road Japanese who think there is actually a high negotiated. “The smaller the movie is, more
movie. That is, a general object like a taxi risk of war in Korea.” global it should be” is what he believes, and
is placed in an unusual situation and from There is the central plot of a taxi traveling as if to follow those words, the film received
there rich stories are brought out. Tokyo Taxi to Seoul and within it there is a sub plot an invitation to screen in the International
The idea belongs to director KIM Tai- where two characters belonging to different Film Festival of Marrakech, to be held in
sik, who presented his impressive debut film The sceneries they encounter on the road, in generations share a sense of humanity Morocco, Africa in December. “
Driving with My Wife's Lover(2006) 3 years other words, Korea reflected in a Japanese and affinity with those they meet along The taxi is a very important prop in
ago at Pusan International Film Festival. gaze, are full of charms such as black the way. The process by which the subplot KIM Tai-sik's movies. In his belated debut
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Japan's comedy and social satire. Director KIM says is intertwined with the main one delivers film Driving with My Wife's Lover two
satellite channel ‘Music On TV' had planned he “wanted to focus on the view of Japanese the message of the film in a nutshell: to nerdy men raise tension in a taxi driven
3 dramas produced by Asian directors, and and show Korea seen through their eyes.” overcome misunderstanding and distrust by the passenger's wife's lover, and this
thanks to the ties he made at last year's In the end, the two characters succeed in through communication. In the same time the taxi functions as a medium of
PIFF, KIM Tai-sik was able to add his idea loading the taxi on the ship and arrive in context, in the montage scenes showing communication. “My father used to be a
to this plan. Of course it helped that his last Busan. Yet when this strange taxi appears on their journey, the street scenes of Korea car racer and drove a taxi shortly after the
film Driving with My Wife's Lover received the streets, the local taxi drivers in the area and Japan are often shown in alternation war. Maybe because of that, I have intimate
high praise, but it is also true that his become tense, and a large scale chase and overriding the order of the story. “Actually feelings towards cars.” While he's at it, he is
background was a great support, being the capture is launched. Through such a bizarre I frequently wonder what's so different thinking of the piece that will make up the
first Korean student to graduate from Japan yet realistic set up, the director dissects the between Korea and Japan. There are finale of his taxi trilogy. “It's a film titled
Film Academy and a frequent visitor to NIMBY(Not In My Backyard) phenomena parts where many foreigners can't tell the Paradise(working title). It's about a man
Japan while working as an overseas shooting of Koreans in a satirical way. Finally when difference. I wanted to stress such common in his early 40s who's been told he has not
coordinator for nearly 20 years. “Knowing the misunderstanding is resolved, the taxi traits between the two nations.” much time to live, and his friend who suffers

Photo by PARK Sung-ho

the pros and cons of Korean and Japanese drivers of both countries stage another Seoul and Tokyo, once certain political from money problems, a road movie where
staffs through shooting coordination has comical situation when they try to keep up and cultural boundaries are overcome, are the two ride a taxi and leave on a journey.
been a great help,” says director Kim, a conversation with their broken English. all just places tumbling with excitement for I would like to show a process of positively
adding “in fact language was not much of “The distance between Korea and Japan is love. The film smartly unwinds this collision accepting death.” It seems KIM Tai-sik's taxi
a problem.” He explains “at the shooting close but far at the same time. Through an process of contrasting cultures into a fable, travelling days will last awhile longer.

36 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 37

A New side of PIFF, 4 Colors by Four

Spicy Big Mac made in the

Badlands
Be My Guest directed by PARK Soo-young

By CHOI Kwang-hee onto the next step, there is an unexpected PARK Soo-young places the issue of closed mines in Yangpyeong and Samcheok,
PARK Soo-young's Be My Guest was twist. “The unlikely behavior itself these irregular jobs and further more the problem film was completed with just 16 days of
screened at ‘Midnight Passion‘ section of people show when they become involved of class under the microscope with first shooting. As the director, PARK must have
this year's Pusan International Film Festival, in such extreme situations seems funny. portion of the film. Then comes the study wanted more, but he laughs bravely, “it did
claiming to be a ‘comic slasher'. From the The film was actually highly motivated by on authority within the family structure not affect the overall process in any way.”
very beginning, scenes of body mutilation comedy.” in the order of one's economic power and Former comedian KIM Jin-su, who starred
flowed. KIM is a laborer who is laid off and In fact, after the twist, the film has status. When it comes to the finale, the film in the movie recalled the hungry shooting
raids his boss UM and his family on their morphed into a comedy. Thus the image of takes another turn into the realm of zombie process: “we could not dream of proper
way to their villa, cutting them up one by body mutilation is odd rather than cruel. movies. Chasing and being chased, and catering. When producer LEE Seung-pyo
one. With a saw, he cuts off boss' arm, son's creating a B movie-like atmosphere, director handed out gimbab on location, all he could
leg, and wife's ear. Mistaking the movie as literally ‘plays' with the selfishness of the tell us was ‘one gimbab per person.'” Yet the
any other horror film, audience members' family and as its by-product target-less power to overcome such difficult situations
groans were heard sporadically. hostility by criticizing them. is the distinctive nature of low-budget
Later when I met director PARK, he said, “I thought it would be good to show movies. “This is all we could do with the
“my wife's relatives came to see the PIFF something structurally sound in the money, so please understand,' LEE said on
screening, and they were outraged. I was beginning, and go crazy from there. This location with a straight face. Be My Guest
even told I should get my head examined,” thought fits the color of this film and I is just that case, armed with the spirit of
smiling all the while. “Still, I did not make explained to the actors that I would like to turning poor production environment into
this film this way because I personally prefer make the latter half as a zombie movie. They a charming point. The reason why director
slasher movies or body mutilation,” he were probably lost for a while but luckily we PARK had incorporated slasher into the black
explained. “I tried to maintain the tone as were able to wrap up without any problems. comedy is in the same context.
such, but maybe it was because of the saw, It was a great pleasure to make changes to “I thought slasher is the genre that can
I had no idea the audiences would freak out the film according to the shift of energy of most effectively capture the audiences with
so much. As for me I just wanted to express the actors.” a low budget. It's about wanting many
the desperateness and absurdness laborer “Be My Guest is basically a film showing people to enjoy the film. But there is a line
KIM is feeling. In fact I believe everyday the process of how UM's family is cornered that should not be crossed. I believe films
people have such feelings too. That's why I then becomes monsters. Over the course are like food. No matter how delicious
thought although the setting was extreme it Be My Guest of the film I wanted to show the selfish homemade burgers are, McDonald's
had a mysterious reality to it.” side attached to the group interest,” says burgers are the most popular meal in the
Yet as the film went on, it turned Audiences who exclaimed “This is nuts” PARK but he hesitates to comment on any world. Directors with a fixed style are like
curiously strange. After exhibiting the just a while ago burst into laughter. Boss responsibility of delivering certain social handmade hamburgers, but personally I like
grotesque body mutilation scenes, there's UM, who habitually repeats the phrase “be criticism through the movie. “If there is a McDonald's more. Still, I do wish to add a
a sudden shift in genre. After KIM locks up diligent,” is a character representing the message, it would be ‘let's try to live slower, spicy taste to it. Such taste that does not
his victims in the villa, the film mocks at capitalistic value of “those who work hard and think more'. Rage, irregularity and cross the line.”
the situations that occur from the power earn much.” However KIM speaks up to irrationality of this world are the forces and PARK Soo-yong had just recently finished
struggle within the family during an extreme him, “there are things you just can't earn energies that allow me to make movies. I his second feature film No Mercy (working
circumstance. While everyone's shouting no matter how hard you try.” The conflict find interesting source of stories from there.” title), a tragic revenge tale of two men who

Photo by PARK Sung-ho

for their lives, OH, brother-in-law is pushed between the two that seem typical at a As noted in the opening credit, the film get involved in child molestation. Compared
outside the house and forced to run but glance is a device of dismantling rage of was made with a fairly limited budget. to Be My Guest , the budget is much higher,
he is hurt miserably once again when he the irregular workers towards modern day With a total of 150 million Won, salaries making it a commercially viable film starring
trips over KIM. Just when KIM succeeds in version of Marie Antoinette with a sub-genre for the actors and staffs had to be turned big stars. Let's hope this thriller can be
putting down family's uprising and moves discourse. into revenue sharing model. Going about another juicy Big Mac of his.

38 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 39

VIEW

The future is low budget Throughout film history, the introduction of a new
filmmaking model has often, though not always,
led to creative renewal. My concern is that the
window of opportunity may not last forever.
An interesting path lies ahead for Korean
filmmakers, but will they take it?

By Darcy Paquet (Koreanfilm.org) However the industry's current state is (which we might define as anything shot trends in distribution than in production. devastated to learn that her boyfriend of 10 be able to target specialty audiences (for
The Korean film slightly different from what observers were for less than 1 billion won or $900,000) can Indiespace, a theater in Seoul devoted solely years has returned from Paris accompanied example, the extreme horror crowd) while
industry's big crisis predicting. More specifically, it was widely be divided into three categories. Art-house to independent films, has by itself released by a gay lover. Slickly shot, with upscale still standing a chance of turning a profit. In
of recent times expected that levels of production would projects such as Paju or A Brand New Life many films that would have only screened interiors and warm lighting, the film stars previous years many creative ideas by young
emerged fully in slow sharply or even crash. Some predicted are also struggling in the midst of the crisis. at festivals in past years. Other venues such actress JO An who had scored a moderate filmmakers were suppressed by producers or
2007 and continued that the number of Korean films released In the case of Paju, years passed before as Sangsangmadang or the specialized hit over the summer with sports drama investors with the explanation that millions
into 2008. A bubble each year would add up to less than 50. director PARK Chan-ok was able to secure "Collage" screens in CGV multiplexes have Lifting King Kong. Although it's been a of dollars were at stake, and so unnecessary
in the film finance And yet, at the time of this writing, local financing for her film, with the help of a also contributed. The unexpected box office long time since gay-themed films have risks should be avoided. Working with much
sector had resulted filmmakers were on a pace to release at grant from KOFIC. But sources of funding success in early 2009 of films like Daytime been considered daring in Korea, the film lower budgets, directors should in theory
in too many films being made, and the least 110 films in 2009 - even more than are becoming increasingly rare, despite the Drinking (24,000 admissions), Breathless was clearly made with the goal of opening be able to claw back a certain degree of
resulting competition at the box office the number of releases at the height of the fact that there is much filmmaking talent (122,000 admissions), and especially the viewers' minds to the idea of alternative creative control.
meant that few releases managed to achieve boom. A total of 17 Korean films opened in in this sector. The recent disappointing box documentary Old Partner (close to 3 million romantic relationships. Stylistically, the For me personally, one of the biggest
hit status. Costs had also grown so high November alone. How does one explain for office returns for the two critically praised admissions) have also demonstrated the work made less effort to stand out from the disappointments of 2009 is that so few
during the boom years that even many hit this? films mentioned above will also not give breakout potential of certain independent crowd, with cinematography, editing and filmmakers have attempted to bring
films failed to turn a profit. A collapse in The simple answer is that the type of film encouragement to potential investors. titles. sound rarely calling attention to itself, and anything bold or innovative to this new
export revenues and the continued weakness has changed. Big-budget films continue to The second category covers independent The final category covers films like the story adopting Hollywood-style narrative commercial model. There is an opportunity
of ancillary markets only exacerbated the be made (Haeundae being a prime example), projects such as feature film Exhausted, Kitchen, Maybe or Searching for arcs. Financed by Jeolla-do and KOFIC, and here, both for individual filmmakers looking
trouble faced by production companies and but they are few and far between. Mid- omnibus work Visitors or the documentary the Elephant? that might be termed distributed by CJ Entertainment, the film to establish themselves and for Korean
investors. sized genre films have suffered the most 3xFTM. Shot on extremely small budgets, "commercial lite." Of the three, it is received a 39-screen release in early October cinema as a whole to push into new
Many filmmakers might argue that the direct blow; whereas before, they made up such works are not as susceptible to the this category that has shown particular and failed to draw a large audience, topping aesthetic territory. Throughout film history,
crisis is still ongoing, but at least 2009 is the majority of releases, these days it is rare ups and downs of the mainstream film expansion. Although shot on relatively out at about 11,000 admissions. the introduction of a new filmmaking model
shaping up to be a somewhat better year to see more than one per month. What has industry. The challenge for directors and modest budgets, such films have a On one level, it has been encouraging has often, though not always, led to creative
on paper. Helped by two major hit films, filled the gap is an ever increasing number crews to shoot feature length works with noticeable commercial veneer and they often to see a relatively new filmmaking model renewal. My concern is that the window of
Haeundae and Take Off, local market share of low-budget films, and while they may such limited resources is as great as it has feature name stars (who have had to settle adopted by the industry. Technological opportunity may not last forever. If such
is a bit over 50%. Korean films sold more not have the drawing power of mainstream ever been, but the increased availability of for smaller projects in the wake of the crisis). advances in digital cinematography and low budget, commercially oriented films
tickets from January to October of 2009 commercial works, they have provided a high-quality digital filmmaking equipment Narratives often incorporate non-mainstream post-production make it possible for films continue to underperform at the box office
than they did in all of 2008. Nonetheless, steady stream of new content. These days has made it possible for directors to forge perspectives, but the stories are told in a way to conceal their low-budget origins as and uninspire from a creative standpoint,
this is a recognizably different film industry there are not as many high profile releases, ahead with whatever small funds are that rarely upsets viewers' expectations. never before, so in theory at least it should investment may simply dry up rather than
from the one that existed a few years ago. but for critics trying to keep up with Korea's available. In a sense, the fact that more One recent example is Hello My Love be possible to make films targeted at a wait for a filmmaker who will bring it all
Many people realized in 2007 that the film output, there is still plenty to see. and more independent films are receiving by second-time director KIM A-ron. The mainstream audience for much less risk. together. An interesting path lies ahead for
crisis would have long-lasting impact. Contemporary low-budget Korean cinema theatrical releases probably says more about film tells the story of a radio DJ who is Alternatively, "commercial lite" films should Korean filmmakers, but will they take it?

40 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 41

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

An Experiment on New Forms

the festival was magnified and spread out.
When that happened, views from the outside

of Film Exchange
were of course not so friendly.”
Perhaps it was only natural. Women
audiences grouping together to see films
with endless sex scenes can easily be the
Cinus Director JU Hee, the producer of Pink Film Festival target of discrimination in Korean society
with its strong traditional values. “It's true
there were actually those who left during
the screening feeling uncomfortable. On
the other hand some complained that
By CHOI Kwang-hee International Research Center for Japanese Best Foreign Language Film with Goodbye there were too little of it. Still overall many
Pink Film Festival celebrated its opening Studies at Kyoto, with the research team of is one of them. When he submitted his enjoyed watching erotic films with other
at Cinus Isu located in south western part social history of sexual desire. Nevertheless, pink film Molester's Train: Search for the women. It's quite different from what you
of Seoul on November 5th. Yuji TAJIRI, it was at Japanese Film Festival held in Black Pearl he sent a letter to the festival see when male audiences are allowed to be
the director of the opening film OL Love Korea in 2004 that I first became attracted organizers praising their cinematic traditions. accompanied.”
Juice, as well as other directors and actors to pink films. At the time, I thought pink “Various experiences I gained from that She does not forget to point out the
of Japanese pink films came to greet the films dealt with fundamental human desires world became my foundation. The freedom double standards of Korean society on erotic
audience members and fans. Actor Takeshi and relationships between individuals.” of creativity that has been disappearing films or sexuality. “In Korea, there is a strong
ITO was the last one to hold the microphone from Japanese movie scene certainly still tendency of consuming erotic films only
but he wasn't able to continue his words for exists in the genre of pink. There are a few under the surface and refusing to treat those
a while. At last with a long deep breath, he
spoke, “I have been working on pink films
JU Hee believes pink limitations, but it's making films within
those limitations that contains unlimited
films as art.” Maybe that's why during the
festival a special exhibition was prepared,
for the last 20 years, but there was no other films are “films that possibilities.“ In this context, director JU titled “Why did Korean erotic films disappear
day that was so moving like today.”
It was perhaps inevitable. What he saw was
best reflect the era.” Hee believes pink films are “films that best
reflect the era.” She explains, “to introduce
suddenly?” Director JU Hee says “To make
female audiences less uncomfortable, we
something rarely seen at a pink film theater She explains, “to Japanese films from the film history is are trying to eliminate films that overly
in Japan. That is, female audiences filled introduce Japanese another goal of Pink Film Festival.” objectify women as mere sex toys.” Still she
most of the seats. Probably due to the fact
that it was the opening, there were some
films from the film Of course the road to making these desires
come true was never smooth from the
adds, “However, I think such films should be
viewed as well. At least it can be a chance
male audience members in attendance but history is another get-go. “When I first made contacts with to ask why it is so. When sexuality can be
generally Pink Film Festival has been insisting goal of Pink Film producer Daisuke ASAKURA, the pink film accepted as a bright, natural and moderate
an ‘Only for woman' rule. The reason is
simple. The festival intends to let women
Festival.” lord in Japan, I told him my plans but at
first it seemed he was quite doubtful. Why
recreational culture of adults, Pink Film
Festival will be meaningful.”
be independent and provide opportunities do you want to do this, do you really have This year's Pink Film Festival screened
to question sexual pleasure of oneself and the passion, is there any commercial interest 10 films including Kiyoshi KUROSAWA's
search for an evolving feminine figure. involved, personal doubts went on. But 35mm debut Kandagawa Wars, Ryuichi
The one who planned and programmed ‘Pink film' is an unique Japanese soft once they began to support us, they were in HIROKI's queer pink Season of Our Own
this unique film festival from its conception pornography that has kept its principal essence providing life support. In particular and Goodbye, Yumika a retrospective
was JU Hee, marketing director of multiplex for the last 50 years, the rule being the Japan's famous pink film production documentary on legendary pink film actress
chain Cinus. As to why she came to budget shall not exceed 3 million Yen KOKUEI is helping us every year.” Yumika HAYASA's life. Inspired by Pink Film
introduce Japanese pink films in the form (approximately US$33,800). Yet as long When the festival was first opened in Festival, GOH Young-jae, the producer of
of a film festival, it has much to do with as preconditions like shooting period and 2007, the response was explosive with Old Partner, spoke at the opening party, “I
her academic interest. “When I was doing number of sex scenes are kept, director 82% seat occupancy rate. It was at this too am considering the first Korean pink film
my doctorate program in Japan, I came to was promised with unlimited freedom of moment that they were able to confirm the in the near future.” There were a number of
be interested in underground culture other creativity thus making the genre an effective significance of the festival, shaking off the other independent filmmakers at the festival,

Photo by PARK Sung-ho

than high class or spiritual cultures. I began entry gate for talented, young directors. fear that the event would end up as one- so it might be possible to see pink films
to focus on the fact that sex or violence Masayuki SUO, Kiyoshi KUROSAWA, Ryuichi time show. Yet JU rates its second year as made by Korean directors soon. As the film
within the Japanese culture is linked with HIROKI, Takahisa ZEZE, the list of famous less than stellar. “Selecting films that were festival is providing cultural stimulation from
sentiments of common people. That was directors who used to make pink films goes deemed too serious was one problem, but as a new aspect, director JU Hee is indeed a
why I also studied for about a year at the on. Yojiro TAKITA who received an Oscar for the event expanded out to 4 Cinus branches true bridge of cultural exchange.

42 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 43

spotlight

An Actress Comes of Age

By SONG Soon-jin a girl much loved both by blonde westerner was falling apart.” From Eun-mo in her early
Her first appearance was extraordinary. In William and gentleman-in-exile PARK teens, thoughtlessly running away from
the 2008 film Crush and Blush, the tale of a Kyu and becomes involved in conspiracies home without knowing anything about
peculiar friendship between a nerdy student and adventures occurring on Jeju-do. The why and how her sister had died, to Eun-
and nerdy teacher by debut director LEE role, as SEO Woo herself puts it was “a mo in her late teens grown into a decent
Kyoung-mi, SEO Woo starred as freckled character [she] played most comfortably - girl with many dreams through the help
middle school tomboy SEO Jong-hee, in a as if Beojin was [her] real self.” Beojin is a of her brother-in-law, and lastly 23 year-
performance that excited all of Chungmuro. girl who smiles sweetly one moment then old Eun-mo who returns to her hometown
As the Korean film industry was having suddenly turns sulky but brightens up again after leaving it a few years ago, and at
trouble coming up with a breakthrough soon. Through her, SEO Woo turned the the place of memory that has turned into
female character, Crush and Blush was in sentiments of a girl who is incomplete and ruins thinking over for the first time what
fact like a birthday and Christmas present irregular yet full of infinite affirmation into her sister's death had meant. During the
put together. The character SEO Jong-hee her own. Despite the low viewing rates, two months of shooting, SEO Woo dashed
played by SEO Woo was much talked about Tamraneundoda received much attention for through 10 years of a woman's life, endlessly
by audiences and critics alike, as a character its superb quality and explorative spirit, once shifting from a tomboy to a modest lady,
with many sides. Although a gloomy girl again confirming the commercial potential and again to an adult lost and agonizing,
hated by the entire class because of her of SEO Woo. impressively expanding her acting spectrum.
father who's a teacher at the same school, On the other hand, she returned to the Although she rigorously mastered her acting
she is all the while enjoying the excitement screens with a new role completely different skills on set, not at school, she confesses this
of typing dirty messages over internet from her previous self. Her gestures are was a tough process even for her. It was a
messenger. The role was practically cut out serious and her steps grave. Anxiety and critical responsibility for her to make Eun-
for SEO Woo. Freely shifting expressions suspicion, jealousy and confusion fill mo's incomprehensible desires, wanting
created by her large eyes, nose and mouth, her eyes. Those lips that wouldn't stop to run but forced to return again, into
her small height, chubby body and a special chattering for a moment and those eye something understandable and deliver it to
movement only she can create, are just a few brows full of mischief are now solemn. PARK the audience.
of her charms, and from her existence a new Chan-ok, director of Jealousy is My Middle Yet it seems Paju and its story, under
future became possible for Korean films. Name is releasing his newest film Paju and a veil that SEO Woo herself could not
Then in 2009, sweeping up all the rising in this film SEO plays Eun-mo, a woman understand and had doubts about, will
actress awards with Crush and Blush, lost amidst the mysterious death of her once again undoubtedly be a big sensation
SEO Woo became de facto the ‘blue only sister and the longing for her brother- as another standout movie for SEO Woo.
chip of Chungmuro' and after TV drama in-law. In Paju SEO Woo is “a twisted girl Fearlessly throwing herself at these difficult
Tamraneundoda she returned once again who was hurt because of money when she riddles and, through the process startlingly
with the film Paju. As ‘Beojin,' a Jeju was young, and as an orphan who was growing, as an actress, SEO Woo leaves
woman diver, in Tamraneundoda SEO Woo never loved by anyone.” Moreover, her love a clearer more definite impression to the
grew into a popular star, maximizing her is a “love that starts from suspecting, and viewers. Considering this is only her second
cute and unusual charms from Crush and depending on the person who took care of film in a main role, to what heights she will
Myung Film

Blush through a romantic comedy. Beojin is her like parents, like family when everything rise in her future career is still unknown.

44 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 45

 HOT
MOVIE

WOOCHI
Directed by CHOI Dong-hoon
Cast GANG Dong-won, KIM Yoon-suk, LIM Soo-jung
Release Date December 23, 2009
International Sales United Pictures.

By KIM Sukyun

A bizarre hero from the Joseon Dynasty era is revived in present day Korea! A scholar and a from a tempered gentleman, Woochi cares little for goblins hunting and gets busy falling in
Taoist Wizard, Woochi is said to be an actual person who lived during the Joseon era, and love with a woman who looks just like his first love. Unlike other heroes such as Superman,
one of the most famous Korean heroes along with HONG Gil-dong, whose name had been Spiderman, or Batman who agonize over human race and society or feel obligated to protect
handed down to present day through folklore. It is said he used Taoist magic to trick the justice, Woochi will be an anti-hero who pulls pranks and makes his teachers anxious. All the
king and with king's gold helped the poor and others who suffered misery. On the other attention WOOCHI has been getting is not simply because it is a blockbuster with a massive
hand, he was also a playful rogue who seduced women by often changing his appearance investment of 10 billion won. It's the third film of director CHOI Dong-hoon who was wildly
using magic. WOOCHI is a Korean style superhero action film centering on this infamous supported by critics and audiences alike for his two hits The Big Swindle and Tazza: The High
hero but bringing him forward into the modern world. After being unfairly framed and Rollers, starring Korea's number one handsome guy GANG Dong-won, as well as major stars
trapped in a picture scroll for 500 years, Woochi is summoned free in the present day to hunt such as KIM Yoon-suk, BAEK Yoon-sik, LIM Soo-jung, YOO Hae-jin and YUM Jung-ah. At
troublesome goblins when he accepts a bargain offered by the high and ancient hermits, who AFM (American Film Market), the film was pre-sold to 9 countries in just two days after the
are worried when the goblins cause havoc around the world. But being man worlds apart market opened, proving how much attention it is getting both in and out of the country.

46 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 47

 new films
CHA Ji-wook were already
Good Morning, written some time ago,
President while HAN's story was added
before the production began.
Directed by JANG Jin While JANG unfolds three
Cast JANG Dong-kun, LEE Sun- stories chronologically in an
jae, KO Doo-shim omnibus structure, he also
•A Brand New Life •Let the Blue River Run •Searching for the Elephant •Today and the Other Days •Sky & Ocean
•Good Morning, President •Fly, Penguin •Where is Jung Seung-Phil? •Flying Giants •The Relation of Face, Mind
Release Date October 22, 2009 interweaves all the stories in
•A Good Rain Knows •Blind River •City of Fathers •A Camel Doesn't Leave and Love a larger frame. In doing so, he
•The Executioner •Hello, My Love •Kiss Me Kill Me Desert •Visitors
By HAN Sunhee focuses on personal lives and
•How to Live on Earth •Tears in Artic •Fortune Salon •Maybe Having won a 21-million dollar inner conflicts of 3 presidents,
lottery, KIM Jung-ho, an aging who stands on top of the
president who is about to nation's power system. Scenes distanced perspective, the film
resign, agonizes over whether from the kitchen of the Blue
A Good Rain captures the nature of love:
film during the production
stage. However, the director
to stay true to his words about
donating the money should he
House(Presidential residence)
interconnect each episode.
Knows love comes around but when
it is not grasped, it is cursed by
skillfully leads the narrative in a win the jackpot. CHA Ji-wook, JANG always shows his Directed by HUR Jin-ho passing time.
persuasive way by observing the who succeeds KIM, is a widower talent in telling a story of irony Cast JUNG Woo-sung, GAO Entirely shot in Chengdu,
children of an orphanage, such with a son. He has feelings for coming from gaps between Yuanyuan this feature film was originally
as a physically handicapped Yi-yun, former president KIM's internal desires of human Release Date October 8, 2009 planned to be a part of an
child who has stayed in the daughter, whom CHA has been beings and external restrictions omnibus film titled Chengdu,
orphanage for a long time in love for a longtime, but he of a society, as seen from By HAN Sunhee My Love. And the film tells one
because of his disability, a child does not know how to show his previous works such as During his business trip to of the project's original ideas,
who dreams of being adopted her his feelings. HAN Kyung-ja, Guns and Talks, The Spy and Chengdu, China, Dong-ha, showing the effects of the
by a foreigner and a child who the first elected Korean woman Someone Special. Again, Good a manager of construction earthquake to people's lives
still believes his parents will president, stays in a state of Morning, President shows his company, encounters May, an and spirits in China's Sichuan
come back for him. Although tension to stay in power as the interest in human irony, from old crush from his school days province. This film is another
some conflicts occur in the president, but she gets involved an easily approachable format in the US, who has come back piece of HUR that proves
orphanage, the film doesn't in a real estate scandal due to for the wide audience members. after graduation and now works again his talent in capturing
dramatically amplify them her husband. Taking a friendly look at the as a tour guide. Their reunion delicate world of melodrama,
because the conflicts between Good Morning, President, presidents and imagining that keeps them feeling closer just as his previous films such
Jin-hee and kids around her the opening film of this year's they also have problems in life for each other, but the film as Christmas in August and
are less essential than the Pusan International Film just like ours, the film asks a reveals that each has different One Fine Spring Day. It is filled
A Brand New Life efforts are futile. Gradually,
she adapts to the life in the
him the script. Upon reading
the script, LEE was so compelled
psychological conflicts between
Jin-hee and the surroundings.
Festival, is a project JANG Jin
has been preparing for a while.
question in return on how we
can find happiness in our own
memories of the past. Before
returning back to Korea, Dong-
with all the subtleties of human
emotion. Restless mind from
Directed by Ounie LECOMTE orphanage, and comes to realize by it, how it could touch a KIM Sae-ron, starring as Jin- Stories of KIM Jung-ho, life. ha delays his departure for a the encounter with a person
Cast KIM Sae-ron, KO A-sung, that kids there are taken on wide range of audiences and hee, deserves to be mentioned day in order for him to express whom you're falling for, the
PARK Do-yeon a journey one by one with a decided to produce it. For the above all. Her dazzling his feelings for her and another uncontrollable emotions from
Release Date October 29, 2009 stranger. Jin-hee now waits her director LECOMTE, who doesn't performance stands out in secret of May is revealed. the very first physical contact,
turn to be taken away. have detailed memories from this small film. One scene in The film, a Korea-China the sense of liberation from
By HAN Sunhee A Brand New Life is based her childhood in the ‘70s, LEE particular, in which she smashes co-production directed by HUR violating all the routines for the
After spending a pleasant on the personal experiences of infused more lively details of a doll and buries it in the Jin-ho, is based on a motif sake of love, the anxiety caused
moment with her father, Jin- the director, Ounie LECOMTE, the script, such as suggesting ground remarkably visualizes from the first line of poetry by small misunderstandings
hee is taken to an orphanage. who was adopted to France in the song of Jin-hee, “You May the despair of a 9-year-old girl by Du Fu from Tang dynasty. opens up a landscape of irony
Her father tells her as he's 1975. When she completed the Not Know”, which was a Korean being isolated from the world. Originally meaning that a good in human relationship from
leaving, “be nice to kids here,” screenplay based on her own popular song at the time. However, Jin-hee's emotions rain knows the best time when the weight of everyday life and
but Jin-hee can't believe that experiences, she encountered Set in an orphanage as are never fully externalized it comes for the nature's sake, social restraints. With gentle
she is abandoned in this strange director LEE Chang-dong, who a main stage and casting and controlled by this brilliant the film's title implies mystery yet thoughtful touches to these
place. She refuses to eat and was visiting France for the amateurs and child actors, director's intuition and natural of time that Dong-ha and detailed emotions, the film
tries to escape in order to release of Secret Sunshine, and this film distinctively took a instinct at a certain level. And May face back in the moment attains the virtue of popular
return to her father, but her took the opportunity to show different way of making the the result is superb. of love. Through a slow and melodrama at its best.

48 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 49

new films

article on prison officers who of lost youths. For the first University, delivering a realistic his family who went overseas robbing the customers who visit
The Executioner have a hard time getting over
the shock they get after they
time, with this movie she tries
settling into the production
atmosphere with the vivid
Yanbian dialect. It was recipient
for children's education. The
last story focuses on the
the motel. One day a young
man, who is not quite fluent
Directed by CHOI Jin-ho carry out the execution.” Most system through Indiestory, an of Korean Film Council HD Film subject of late divorce, told in Korean, stays a night. He's
Cast CHO Jae-hyun, YOON of the film was shot at Yeoju independent film production/ Production Support Program. through the problem of lack an Australian adoptee who
Kye-sang, PARK In-hwan Correctional Institution and distributor. The story starts of communication between came back in search of his
Release Date November 5, 2009 Hwaseong Vocational Training out with bored alien Yeon-u. Madame SONG, mother of Mr. birth mother. He strangely feels
Correctional Institution right
before its opening, intending
Enduring day by day trying to
be careful around his Earthling gap between the ideal and the
Fly, Penguin KWON and her husband who
does not appreciate her enough.
innately close to these two
women at the motel. Around jae who left for France to study
to unveil the life of the prison wife Hye-lin with whom all hard reality of ethnic Koreans Directed by YIM Soon-rye The film's director LIM Soon- the same time, a pregnant cooking. To Ho-jeong, he is her
officers and inmates in a communication has been cut living in China's Yanbian area. Cast MOON So-ri, PARK Won- rye has shown her talent in teenage girl So-yeon escapes only hope and family. With her
most intimate way. It stars off, the only thing Yeon-u's Swearing they will “always sang, SON Byung-ho, JEONG portraying humanistic moments from the hospital while getting straightforward way of talking,
CHO Jae-hyun known for his does is scribble some poems. live pure”, innocent young Hye-seon, PARK In-hwan, CHOI in everyday life with Three an abortion. Without any plans, she is ever so popular hosting a
performance in director KIM His friends from the literary teenager Sugi and Cheori are Kyu-hwan Friends, Waikiki Brothers, and she stays at a small one-room radio show. Adding to that, when
Ki-duk's early works Crocodile circle are his only social close classmates who encourage Release Date September 24, 2009 Forever the Moment. Title lodging in Daegu and gives her long-awaited love returns
and Bad Guy and former idol activity and are just as dull. and console each other. One of the film comes from the birth there. home there is nothing more she
By SONG Soon-jin turned actor YOON Kye-sang, as But when he finds out he can day Cheori's mother declares term ‘Penguin Father' used Blind River is a feature wants in this world. However,
A prison surrounded by well as experienced actors like communicate mentally with to her husband she will go to in the film, used to describe debut of director AN Seon- there is one thing that gets on her
countless iron bars and walls. PARK In-hwan, KIM Jae-geon Se-a, who he met by chance South Korea to make money financially incompetent fathers. gyeong, who takes its motive nerves. It's Dong-hwa, a business
Jong-ho, an experienced prison and CHO Seong-ha. at the circle, Yeon-u's zest for and leaves home. Since then The title shows hope in the from Albert CAMUS's play colleague and school buddy whom
guard of 10 years welcomes life is restored. Meanwhile, a Cheori's life too shows delicate lives of common people who The Misunderstanding. This Won-jae returns home with from
a new colleague Jae-gyeong. secret government agent under yet fatal changes. Worried fight hard to survive their film, which shows two sides of France. Just when Ho-jeong starts
Thrown into this brutal
How to Live on cover as a common public about his wife, the father tough lives, projected through motherhood that both creates to feel neglected by Won-jae,
environment all by himself, Jae-
gyeong endures every day by
Earth official, Hye-lin receives her
first assignation order from her
becomes feebler and the
mother who went to Korea By KIM Su-yeon
penguins which aren't able to
fly no matter how hard they try.
and refuses life, was invited
to competition section of this
she is even more shocked when
by accident she sees Dong-hwa
learning from Jong-ho who Directed by AHN Seul-ki boss. While chasing after the lives by doing hard labor in a Fly, Penguin is the first feature year's Zurich Film Festival. and Won-jae making love. Still,
easily gains control over the Cast PARK Byeong-eun, CHO target, she discovers it is her tough environment, feeling her film planned and produced Various sides of the ‘mother' in Ho-jeong cannot let go of her
inmates, and the eldest senior
officer KIM, who treats inmates
Si-nae, Sun-woo, JANG So-yeon
Release Date September 24, 2009
husband's lover Se-a whom
she has to kill. While Hye-lin is
life is under threat. With the
money his mother sent him,
by National Human Rights
Commission of Korea. Although
Blind River the film were each remembered
as noteworthy characters thanks
love of 10 years, and asks Won-
jae to give her the same chance as
on death row like friends. confused, her boss and lover, Cheori buys the motorcycle he it's directed by one director, Directed by AN Seon-gyeong to the passionate performances Dong-hwa.
Meanwhile, hideous serial killer director Han, demands that she wanted but starts to skip school the feature is comprised of Cast PARK Ji-a, LEE Hwa-si, by two principal actresses. With his short film Greenhouse
JANG Yong-du is sent to this pull the trigger, and when the and gets caught in the neon four episodes. However, the PARK Sang-hun, KIM Ye-ri Legendary actress LEE Hwa-si, and feature debut La La
prison, and those inside start to four of them get together in nightlife. Looking at him, Sugi stories are linked in structurally, Release Date November 5, 2009 who was known as director KIM Sunshine, director KIM Aaron
stir. 3 prisoners including JANG one place they are inevitably tries to bring him back to his for example main character Ki-young's persona in the 1970s, was largely noted in overseas
are ordered to be put to death, thrown into a battle. Recipient old self, but the effort is in vain. of one episode appears as stars as the old woman, and the film festivals. Hello My Love is
an order that has not been of Committee Special Award, The scene of the teacher the supporting role in the talented actress PARK Ji-a from his first actual commercial film.
given in the last 12 years. As the 2008 Seoul Independent Film and students gathered in consecutive episodes and the KIM Ki-duk's Breath plays the While there had been an increase
execution date closes in, all the Festival. the same class, and the flow of the story changes young woman. in the number of Korean films on
officers try to make excuses to By SONG Soon-jin friendship and love of a young naturally. In the first episode homosexuality since 2006's No
avoid the duty, and it is not easy. Claiming to be a Sci-Fi love family dismantled by money. the conflict between mother Regret by director LEESONG Hee-
The Executioner helmed by affair of passion, How to Live
Let the Blue Describing the lights and and child arises because
Hello, My Love il, this film unravels the story of
newly rising director CHOI Jin-
ho looks straight into the issue
on Earth is the third feature
film by director AHN Seul-
River Run shadows of Yanbian people,
Let the Blue River Run is based
of mother's heightened
enthusiasm for the child's By KIM Su-yeon Directed by KIM Aaron
a love triangle jumping back and
forth between the world of gay
of the death penalty. For the ki, who won the Grand Prix of Directed by KANG Mi-ja on the novel written by actual English education, although An old woman and a young Cast JO An, MIN Seok, RYU and straight using the tool of
last decade, execution had not Public award for ‘New Asian Cast KIM Ye-ri, NAM Cheol, high school teachers of the the child dreams of becoming woman depend on each other Sang-uk romantic comedy. With a classic
been implemented in Korea, but Cinema Section' at the Lyon IM Seon-ae area, shot mainly at Hunchun, a firefighter. The second story to live while running a beat- Release Date October 8, 2009 backdrop shot in Seoul's Insa-
as serial murders broke out one Asian Film Festival with Five is Release Date October 8, 2009 China. Except for KIM Ye-ri, picks on the twisted culture down motel at a closed down dong and Jeonju Hanok Village,
after another lately the topic Too Many. Both a film director who also starred in Paju, in of a company dinner. The mining village somewhere in By SONG Soon-jin JO An from Lifting King Kong,
became highly controversial. and a high school teacher, AHN By SONG Soon-jin the role of Sugi, most of the third episode is about Mr. Gangwon-do. The two who Ho-jeong is all alone in this new face MIN Seok and RYU
The director says he started Seul-ki has made films on the The feature debut by director cast was played by actors from KWON of that company, a look like mother and daughter world, but she stubbornly Sang-uk all present passionate
this film when he “read an theme of despair and hope KANG Mi-ja is a film set in the the Art College of Yanbian lonely father separated from make a living by killing and holds on to her love for Won- performances.

50 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 51

new films

from that of the TV version. while finance specialist Jin- sweeps the film with his comic seok is a boss of mafia and has young woman, Jin-young. She famous female fortune-teller
Tears in Artic But staying true to the original hyeok secretly meets Su-yeon,
Where Is Jung acting and KIM Min-sun in struggled to survive in the wild recently has been dumped by in the town, Tae-rang lives a

Directed by HEO Tae-jeong,

version, popular Korean actor
AHN Sung-ki narrates this
his first love who is the wife
of Min-seok while Min-
Seung-Phil? Portrait of a Beauty appears
as JUNG's fiancé. The director
gangster world, not knowing
the existence of his son. Now,
her long lover and has failed
to suicide several times, so
luxurious life with wealth and
beautiful appearance as well.
JO Jun-muk version as well. $1.7 million seok, a plastic surgeon, has Directed by KANG Suk-bum of the film, KANG Suk-bum, as a father goes against the eventually hires a killer to kill With an expensive sport car
Narration AHN Sung-ki was invested into the film, an meaningless sex with countless Cast LEE Beom-soo, KIM Min- has shown his commercial wild world for his stepson and herself. Being disappointed and a mansion, she has one
Release Date October 15, 2009 exceptional amount for a local women. However, Min-seok sun sense previously in an action another father dose the same as a professional killer, Hyun- problem, that she has to meet
documentary, and by using all finds out about Jin-hyeok and Release Date October 8, 2009 melodrama Sunflower and a for his biological son, three jun lets her go and comes back the man pre-arranged by her
types of high tech utilities and Su-yeon's affair and the three comedy film, Mr. Handy. men start their desperate fights home. However, since then, god in order to live. One day,
300 days on location, the doc friends become involved in an toward the world to survive in he can't concentrate on his she encounters a man named
captures a series of spectacular irreversible event. the backstreets of the city. KIM work because of her and keeps Seung-won, in a car accident
images.
Majestic sceneries and lives
The film shows interesting shift
of genres: a thriller turns into
City of Fathers Young-ho, starring as Tae-seok
who appeared on Night and
encountering her on streets.
After making several mistakes
and finds out that he is the one.
But, Seung-won is a loser living
fighting for survival are spread fantasy spiced with slasher Directed by PARK Ji-won Day and Portrait of a Beauty, in his tasks, he comes to get a miserable life without a job
on the screen, moving the horror, then a melodrama that Cast KIM Young-ho, GO Chang- delivers his charismatic acting a final opportunity as a killer and future. Can she change the
hearts of viewers. suddenly turns into science seok, YOO Seung-ho and GO Chang-seok portrays career and conflict between man into a winner? Meanwhile,
By KIM Su-yeon fiction, then again drama with Release Date October 15, 2009 well a person living as despaired love towards Jin-young and as her first love comes back
This is the theatrical version action. By LEE Hyong-suk man. Above all, YOO Seung-ho, the final opportunity, the last in her life they fall into the
of Tears in the Arctic, a TV
Searching Another side that's as A legendary financial manager starring Jong-chul, appeared on murder. triangle relationship.
documentary series that
achieved record high viewing
for the Elephant interesting as the dramatic
genre shift is the emotional
handling 50 billion won,
suddenly disappears just before
The Way Home and currently
makes vast waves in Korea and
Having delivered skillful
comedy acting in previous
Blending the story of
Cinderella with the fortune-
rate of 11.4% in Korea when it Directed by JEONG Seung-gu expression of the characters his wedding day. On arguing becoming a superstar. films, Guns and Talk and telling culture in Korea, PARK
was broadcasted in 2008. It was Cast JANG Hyuk, JO Dong- that's created by CG. Overly with his fiancé, JUNG Seung- Marrying the Mafia series, Ye-jin, who made her screen
a special documentary made hyeok, LEE Sang-woo, LEE Min- dream-like and at times cynical, phil leaves his car to buy a SHIN Hyun-jun continues to debut in Memento Mori
to celebrate ‘The International
Polar Year', recording the arctic
jeong
Release Date November 5, 2009
the scenes about their internal
torments are commented as
cigarette and hasn't come
back then. A detective takes
Kiss Me Kill Me deliver his signature, comedy
performance, well and KANG
and recently gaining huge
popularity via a TV reality show,
ecosystem and environment ‘bold and fresh'. The team the case for his career and By LEE Hyong-suk Directed by YANG Jong-hyeon Hye-jung, starring in Old Boy takes the leading role and IM
for the first time in Korea. By KIM Su-yeon invested 6 months just for CG the press takes up the case as City of Fathers is an action- Cast SHIN Hyun-jun, and On the Way Home, reveals Chang-jung, a gifted comic
The vast landscape of North The three lonely urban men in in order to set up the style of a mystery of the year. While melodrama based on the city of GANG Hae-jung her extraordinary and spunky actor, proves his talent in comic
Pole, the story of animals their 30s, Hyeon-u, Min-seok, the narrative. the tumultuous situation, his Busan and about three men's Release Date November 5, 2009 charms in the film. acting once again.
on the verge of extinction Jin-hyeok are old time friends. With this feature debut, colleagues use the chance to struggling who live a bottom
due to global warming, and These men who already have director JEONG Seung-gu who snatch JUNG's clients and the life. The Korean title of this
the Innuits who hunt these money and fame have different also wrote the script, received press discovers the fact that his film, Busan, is the city of Pusan
Fortune Salon Today and the
animals, were praised by many.
The documentary proved its
ways of tending their loneliness.
Photographer Hyeon-u consoles
many invitations from various
overseas film festivals including
fiancé enrolled a life insurance
in the name of JUNG just
International Film festival and
also implies “city of fathers” as Directed by KIM Jin-young
Other Days
success both commercially and his yearning for the lover Warsaw, Stockholm, Sao Paolo, before his missing. But, as JUNG the English title intends. Cast PARK Ye-jin, IM Chang-jung Directed by CHOI Wee-an
artistically when it received who left him with marijuana, and Leeds. comes back, the ridiculous Kang-soo(GO Chang-seok) Release Date November 11, 2009 Cast HA Hee-kyeong, JUNG
an award from 36th Korea reason behind his missing is is a middle age man and still Jae-jin, AHN Jin-woo
Broadcasting Prizes. It was sold revealed. into gambling despite of being Release Date October 29, 2009
to various European national Where is Jung Seung- harassed with a loan shark. By LEE Hyong-suk

TV networks, demonstrating to Phil? is a tumultuous comedy He has a son, Jong-chul(YOO Kiss Me Kill Me is a comedy By PARK Hae-eun

the world how good Korean film created by a simple Seung-ho), but continues on film about a romance between A fatalistic woman lives in this
documentaries can be. misunderstanding. While JUNG living a wretched life without a merciless killer and a young violent world. She dreamt of
The theater version is edited is being trapped in a place by hope and happiness. One woman who keeps trying to becoming a cellist as a child,
in a significant way, composed accident, a detective, a reporter, day, as Kang-soo finds out suicide due to a heartbroken but she became a mute after
into four season format, his colleagues and his fiancé that Jong-chul is dying of a love. Hyun-jun is a professional an accident and now lives by
showing the harsh reality of merely conjecture his missing kidney problem and a kidney killer who has done his jobs By LEE Hyong-suk organizing music notes in a
North Pole, and enhanced it and gradually come to disclose transplant surgery is the only perfectly when asked. One day, A town Chungdahm-dong shabby house with her aged
with orchestral score. In doing their selfishness and private solution, he finally decides to he gets an offer to kill a man in Seoul is “Manhattan of father, suffering from dementia.
so the film delivers another desires as the case goes. LEE come and meet Jong-chul's and attacks the designated Korea” full of expensive When her father was young,
level of sensation different Beom-soo, as a leading role, biological father. In fact, Tae- place, but what awaits him is a fashion brand shops. As a his violent temper ruined the

52 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 53

new films

team, Lotte Giants, which author, actor and the president seol, a taxi driver suffering from and then decides to live with simultaneously. A well-known costs and full support for
has the most fanatical fans
A Camel Doesn't of Joog Joog Theater Company, heart disease, at the airport. Haneul. A mischievous pizza Japanese writer, Sizuka OISHI their creativity. Celebrating
in the league. Although Lotte
Giants is one of the oldest
Leave Desert KIM has won several awards
including Best Play of the Year
Getting to know each other
over a short period of time,
delivery man, Jin-gu, comes
to Haneul's house to make a
of Two Kids(NHK, 1996) and
First Love(TBS, 2002), wrote
the 10th anniversary of the
Film Festival, HONG Sangsoo
teams with 30-year history, Directed by CHO Kyu-jang at 2008 Korean Theater Awards they gradually come to face delivery, where he is lured by a the script and a famous Korean from Korea, Naomi KAWASE of
they haven't played in the Cast KIM Nak-hyung, CHOI with Macbeth and has directed their old wounds. wad of money in the house. But TV drama producer LEE Jang- Japan and Phillipines' Lav DIAZ
playoffs since 2000 so that Young-hwan, PARK Cha-ik Equus, A Dandelion Becomes When the president of FEMIS realizing Haneul's innocence, soo of Stairway to Heaven(SBS, participated this year. Koma
the fans nicknamed the team Release Date November 12, 2009 Wind and other major plays. visited Korea a few years ago, they all become friends. By 2003) directed this film. Such directed by KAWASE is about a
family and silenced Sung-jae. “Ggoltte”, a play on ‘Lotte' This film was screened at Indie he mentioned JU as “one of the staying together and relying on collaboration showcases many third generation Korean living in
Her attitude toward her father and ‘last place'. However, Forum 2008 as the closing film most promising film students each other, they enjoy a brief advantages that respective Japan who visits a town called
contains full of contempt Lotte Giants have bounced and was also introduced at the at FEMIS.” JU made his feature moment of happiness. However, countries have to offer to each Koma to deliver his grandfather's
and surrender. Although he is back in the 2008 season from Seoul Independent Film Festival film debut in France with their eventual separation is just other. In other Telecinema 7 will. The camera sensitively
sick, he is still aggressive and the bottom and emerged as in the same year. Toothache and made the first around the corner. projects, they have produced picks up the feelings exchanged
sometimes sexually molests a strong candidate for the feature film debut in Korea CHANG Na-ra, a popular Korean 19-Nineteen, Postman to between the man and the young
Sung-jae. Still she stands by championship and the fans' with this film. JANG and SUNG star in China, comes back on Heaven, Triangle, Paradise, daughter of the house he visits.
her father's side because of
the brittle hope of her brother
expectation and supports have
reached an unprecedented
Maybe worked on the film without
any payment, and former idol
screen with this film after 6
years of absence and her cute,
After the Banquet, and A
Dream Comes True; totaling 7
HONG Sangsoo's episode, Lost
in the Mountains, is a comedy
coming back home someday. peak. Flying Giants catches By JANG Byung-won Directed by JU Ji-hong star SUNG is making her screen pure image and her signature films together. Starting with about a young woman aiming
Living like a prisoner, she starts the moment of the inside The story of A Camel Doesn't Cast JANG Hyuk, SUNG Yuri debut with this film, potentially playful acting, are well blended the release of The Relation of to be writer some day, and the
dreaming of escaping from dugout and the fever of the Leave Desert, portraying a Release Date October 22, 2009 kick-starting her acting career. in the film. Face, Mind and Love, these commotion that occurs when she
her fossilized life when she fans during this period. From twisted life of a local scamp, films will be distributed in gets together with her former
happens to witness a fugitive. the grief of an ace pitcher who must be familiar to the Korean theaters consecutively lover/teacher, his girlfriend/
Based on the novel by OH can't help the team win and audience. In the same category
Sky & Ocean The Relation and then air in Japan via Asahi old acquaintance, and current
Jung-hee, Today and the the joyful tears of a player, there are a number of good
of Face, TV drama channel. boyfriend. Butterflies Have No
Other Days portrays how the
patriarchal violence destroys a
who played in the minor
league for a long time, when
reference films such as The
Rules of the Game, Failan, Cruel
Directed by O Dal-gyun
Cast CHANG Na-ra, Juni, YU A-in
Mind and Love Memories by Lav DIAZ is a story
of people living on an island
fragile spirit of a woman and
the director CHOI discloses
he comes up to the majors, to
the reactions of coaches and
Winter Blues and Breathless.
The main character, JU, returns
Release Date October 28, 2009 Directed by LEE Jang-soo
Cast KANG Ji-hwan, LEE Jia
Visitors that plan to kidnap a Filipino-
Canadian woman visiting
her repressed inner-side by staffs in anger when a player to his hometown after his Release Date November 5, 2009 Directed by HONG Sangsoo, her hometown. While Naomi
crossing over between Sung- gets injured by a bean ball. release from prison. Welcomed By JANG Byung-won Naomi KAWASE, Lav DIAZ KAWASE captures the theme of
jae's fantasy represented by a This documentary successfully like an uninvited guest, JU takes Maybe is a healing story of a Cast JUNG Yu-mi, Kazuki a historical, traditional sense
fugitive and this violent reality. portrays a number of lively the inheritance his mother left man and a woman through an KITAMURA, Yuko NAKAMURA of bonding, HONG Sangsoo as
HA's performance, playing moments that occurred in and behind and invests it in a local unexpected encounter. As a Release Date November 12, 2009 he has always done makes an
Sung-jae, is memorable and out of the stadium. Above re-development plan. He then work of a promising director, acute satire out of microscopic
this film won Special Award all, the most appealing point marries a widow and his life JU Jihong, who graduated By KIM Sukyun power games between the
at 2009 Yubari Fantastic Film of the documentary is the seems to be settling down but from FEMIS in France, this The 2009 ‘Jeonju Digital genders. Lav DIAZ reveals how
Festival. energy of the fans. The scenes, his luck doesn't last very long. film delivers unusual sides By CHO Sung-jun Project', is an omnibus feature the poor developing countries
putting an orange plastic back Often getting in troubles due of JANG Hyuk and SUNG Haneul is an adult with stunted wherein three directors are are being environmentally and
on their heads, waving brushes to his high temper, his life is Yuri, who are popular stars intelligence of a 6-year old, By JANG Sung-ran selected by Jeonju International economically exploited once and
Flying Giants made of newspapers and
chanting a cheer together, are
about to be torn apart with
vicious rumors surrounding
in Korean entertainment
world. As the director notes
but she has splendid memory.
She still remembers even the
After a car accident, KANG
suffers a short-term vision
Film Festival each year, and
receive aid for production
again through ‘development' by
the Western world.
Directed by KWON Sang-ju thrilling moments as much as his wife and the fact that the on the film, “when I was in littlest things that happened disorder. He sees ugly woman
Cast LEE Dae-ho, KANG Min-ho the baseball games. re-development plan blows up France, I saw adopted people years ago and can also play any as a beautiful one. KANG thinks
Release Date September 26, 2009 in his face. asking themselves about melodies by hearing them just he has met the most beautiful
What makes this film their identities and led me to once. Living alone after losing woman in his life, but in reality
so special is the dazzling conceive a story of pain and her parents in a car accident, she is a repulsive girl with
By PARK Hae-eun performance of KIM Nak-hyung healing by employing their she encounters Bada living freckles and buckteeth.
Every baseball team has its as JU and his portrayal of a stories.” May, an adoptee to a next door and becomes close The Relation of Face, Mind
10th player, their fans. A sport surplus existence who always New Yorker family, returns to to her. Bada, whose dream is and Love is the first work of
documentary, Flying Giants is confronts the reality is superb. Korea to find her biological to become a singer, also has Telecinema 7 Project which
about a Korean pro-baseball As a remarkable stage director, mother and encounters Eun- troubles with her stepmother targets film and TV markets

54 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 55

Masters of Korean cinema 4

Kim Soo-yong
the influence of a prolific
craftsman's imagination
Kinship Seashore Village Flames in the Valley

By KIM Young-jin director with experimental tendencies, but many others that copied the screenplays of
In this series spotlighting directors that have left great imprints on Korean Although Korean film directors for the as to his filmography that was so expansive Japanese films. None of them embodied
film history, the fourth director is the prolific craftsman KIM Soo-yong. The most part are like this, it is hard to get to as to be second to none, he admitted, “I the sentiments of Koreans.
the gist of KIM Soo-yong as a director. wasn't able to choose films to create my “So I looked back and there were the
trends and styles of Korean films that penetrated the 1960s and 1970s by Not because he is a director that “stands own color.” He was a director that left his novels of LEE Hyo-suk, KIM Yu-jung,
way of the proper noun ‘KIM Soo-yong', belong simultaneously to that age apart”, but because he made such a great signature on Korean film history with his HYUN Jin-gun, and YEOM Sang-sup. In
number of films. Having debuted in 1958 prolificacy in which he maintained a certain those, there are human beings and the
and to KIM Soo-yong. with The Henpecked Husband(Gongcheoga), level of quality. smell of people. And they weren't copies of
KIM Soo-yong shot 110 films - up to Scent others', so the stories were very respectable.
of Love(Chimhyang) which was released The Signature Left So it came about that we should use the
in 2000, and is, in his own words, “likely in 110 Films novels instead of making up stories. The
competitive for the new Korean record.” KIM Soo-yong confessed that after producers of course at first were opposed
Amongst these, there are excellent works debuting in 1958 and moving into the to it. ‘Literature is stiff, and it's the masses
and poor works. The long list of his many 1960s, he was driven by the compulsion that watch films, so we don't want to
films tells us that, like his contemporaries that he had to survive no matter what he invest,' is what they said, but I just pushed
YU Hyun-mok and KIM Ki-young, he had had to do. That compulsion to survive it through and made a film based on
no will to leave the signature of an auteur. made him follow the path of the rest of the Maupassant's First Love, adapted by IM
He steadily shot films commissioned by film Korean directors who were popular at the Hee-jae,” he said. The title of that film was
companies, but was not even interested in box office and went back and forth from The Man Who Returned(Dola-on Sanae).
creating a brand of his own like SHIN Sang- comedies to melodramas, but what made After that, KIM Soo-yong made KIM
ok. Directing six to seven films a year from KIM Soo-yong different from others at So-wol's Unforgettable(Mot Ijuh) into a
the mid-1960s to 1970, he was the typical this time was that he was quietly making a film with money he convinced a hometown
prolific craftsman. name for himself as a literary film director. person to invest, and Kinship(Hyeolmaek),
The trends and styles of Korean films But KIM Soo-yong himself actually shows a made into a film from KIM Young-soo's
that penetrated the 1960s and 1970s by subtle rejection of the definition of ‘literary play, won the 3rd Grand Bell award for
way of the proper noun ‘KIM Soo-yong', films'. “Literary films? I don't know if there Best Picture in 1964. From then on,
belong simultaneously to that age and to is such a term or not. It means a work into production companies took the initiative
KIM Soo-yong. What ‘belonged to KIM which a due amount of artistic qualities are in coming to him to coax him to make
Soo-yong' were literary films, modernism put by turning literature into film, and the novels into films, and films made at that
films, and purpose-oriented films, etc. that term is from Japan,” he said. According to time even included Mi-ae(Cheongchun
fell into the general category of Korean KIM Soo-yong, he was the one who first Mujeong), adapted from Thomas HARDY's
films of that time, but even within that started out on the idea that some sort of Tess of the d'Urbervilles, and such films as
frame, the etching of KIM Soo-yong's point of contact had to be found between Freezing Point(Bingjeom), adapted from a
personal signature could be traced on them. cinema and literature. Korean films in the Japanese novel.
He considered himself a film technician early 1960s were at the level of shooting The films adapted from novels that he
unequalled in Korean film history, a any story as long as the makeup of it was continually made throughout the 1960s
cultivated person of literature, and a film interesting, and if not that, there were included Mist(Angae), Spring(Bombom),

56 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 57

Masters of Korean cinema 4

The Sound of Magpies(Ggachi Sori), The Reality of Reflection internal landscape. Amongst these, KIM
Seashore Village(Ggaetma-eul), and As Opposed to a Reflection Soo-yong particularly showed an excellent
Affection(Yujeong), which became the of Reality sense of style in following with segmented
occasions for etching KIM Soo-yong's name When Kim Soo-yong says he focused on narrative the stream of consciousness
in the midst of his abundantly numerous other elements of cinematic expression that is experienced when the group
productions. Seashore Village took the rather than on stories, that signified an consciousness shared by the majority of
1966 Grand Bell Best Picture Award, Flames experimentation with style which was in Korean people of a sense of having lost their
in the Valley(Sanbul) took the 1967 Blue line with the general trend in contemporary roots in the process of modernism clashes
Dragon festival's Best Picture Award, Mist cinematic language that spoke of the reality with the confused aspects of urban life.
took the '67 Asia Film Festival and Grand Representative examples are Night Voyage
Splendid Outing Girl Going to the City Scent of Love
Bell Best Director awards, and Affection set and Splendid Outing.
a box office record when it was released in Portraying the surreal story of a female
1966 by taking 330,000 admissions in Seoul. president of a large corporation who is island village are both overlapped, and several people's points of view. It is not a elements. The height of tragedy was the
If there is a sarcastic significance hidden in kidnapped to a remote island and forced the film shows the internal prospects of hard thing to read in this story the metaphor 1986 film Nonsense (Huteun Sori). This
the name of ‘literary films' saying they were to live as a slave-like wife to a fisherman, Korean society, still unable to find a place about the state of Korean society at the film, which dealt with the life history of the
films clothed in a due amount of artistic Splendid Outing has the underlying material to settle after modernization, through the time. Buddhist monk Jung-gwang, had more than
scents from literature, a part of KIM Soo- of identical twins as a MacGuffin, but it is image of a middle-aged woman reflected But KIM Soo-yong's such endeavors met 10 parts cut out, and although KIM Soo-
yong's works were able to elude this trap. not a film that shows scrupulously cause in a confused mirror, calling it a “splendid with considerable resistance from society. yong insisted that it was justified expression
Amongst these especially, Mist portrayed a and effect in the story. It is hinted that the outing”. It was in this way that KIM Soo- The representative example of this was Girl of ideology, the censorship authorities did
sophisticated sensibility which followed a heroine GONG Do-hee, who lives as the yong's style achieved a considerably Going to the City(Doshiro gan Cheonyeo). not accept it and KIM voluntarily chose to
stream of consciousness rather than actions president of a large corporation, and the impressive accomplishment, in boldly taking After living with the novelist KIM Seung- retire for a time from the film industry. After
in the dark and languid landscape of 60s existence of her twin sister, suggested by a novel's internal monologue or stream ok near a bus stop on the outskirts of town the 1990s, KIM Soo-yong only made two
Korean society when it was stuck in the a shaman's words, might be in a way the of consciousness based on the density of and gathering information for three months, films. The Apocalypse of Love (Sarang-
shadow of military dictatorship, on the portrait of the Korean people after and language and making it into a film like this. he shot a sort of reportage film on the lives eui Mookshirok), shot with financing from
doorstep of dramatic economic growth. before the era of developmental dictatorship of female bus attendants. But it ran into a Korean-Japanese living in Japan, was a
As a director who was considerably modernization. The seaside village at which Speaking about the Reality problems with censorship and when it barely biopic that dealt with the life of a Japanese
popular amongst producers in the 1960s, KIM Soo-yong shot GONG Do-hee happens to arrive after of His Times managed to get released, a government- woman who ran an orphanage in Mokpo.
KIM Soo-yong sought out change as he
entered the 70s. In the bleak era when the
what he called, driving a car in the beginning of the film
is the image of Korean society in the time
KIM Soo-yong always tried to do both box
office films and auteur films, but that was
organized labor union got together people
and more than 300 bus attendants to
And then KIM Soo-yong shot Scent of Love
(Chimhyang) in 1999.
Yushin Revitalizing Reforms administration “stories about before modernization, and the image of not easy. In the midst of this, KIM Soo- demonstrate in front of the theater and KIM Soo-yong himself is proud to have
started in 1972 and Korean cinema people changing tradition degraded as barbaric and shabby yong made films that tried to speak upon take down the film. KIM remembers, “The continually made films for more than 40
was speeding down a path to downfall,
KIM Soo-yong pushed forward with the
with the influence of and something to be rejected after the
Saemaeul Movement. [Translator's note:
the realities of the politics and society of his
time. For instance, Water Spray(Mulbora),
announcer of a certain radio program that
used to be broadcast in the mornings at
years, from 1958 to 2000. He shot what he
called, “stories about people changing with
contemporary style of cinematic expression foreign civilization, Started in 1970, the Saemaeul Movement based on OH Tae-seok's original, is set on an the time said, the impudent scriptwriter the influence of foreign civilization, stories
he had tried in Mist, with a slightly more stories about people was a pan-national movement to develop island ruled by an old shipowner and tells the that portrayed pitiable bus attendants as about people alienated from society.” In
flowing method. “In the 1960s, I tried to
gather all the technical skill in the land
alienated from regional societies on the basis of the spirit
of diligence, self-reliance and cooperation.]
tragic story of a young woman who was his
plaything, the man who loved her, and how
people who were moved by a few pennies
and wrote that sort of story, and the director
the shadow of those stories, there was a
theme that often runs through all Korean
to make films, but in the 70s I decided, society.” That image is of a crazy woman running he dies after criticizing the old shipowner. that put actresses in front of a camera culture, the portrait of people running
‘Let's abandon the methodologies I've around and staring, burning with hostility, This film's story unfolds in an unexpectedly to play such roles should repent. It was adrift between the clash of tradition and
been using. Let me find it myself.' And at a Westernized city woman - the image complicated manner. In the beginning of flabbergasting. It was in such times that modernization. He dealt with it coming
sometimes I succeeded. My films don't just of reflection rather than the reflection of Korean society's past making itself ‘the the film it shows the village men all bearing people lived.” and going between traditional storytelling
have drama, they also have poetry. At least of reality. Instead of using editing, other' as it reflects itself in the mirror of witness and insisting that they have slept Pierrot and the Chrysanthemum language and a reflective modernism style.
in a few scenes they have poetry,” he said. cinematography and sound effects as Western modernization. The film does not with the young female protagonist, while in (Pierrowa Gukhwa), which was shot as a Again, it is within this that the auteuristic
Amongst his works of the time, the ones dramatic tools to carry a story, KIM Soo- critique that era. All it does is overlap the the meantime, behind the drama of love and purpose-oriented film, had to re-shoot a signs that would be bound together by the
that can be counted as accomplishments yong endeavors in this era to experiment two prospects of the lives of two eras with a lust, there is also the worldly-mindedness of good deal of its footage because it was said proper noun KIM Soo-yong and Korean
of such experiments include Night Voyage with modernism films that tried to maximize little depth under the frame of a stream of people who want to preserve and take over to have portrayed North Korean intellectuals films' contemporaneous facial expression are
(Yahaeng), Splendid Outing(Hwaryeohan the effect of editing and cinematography consciousness. the island's order which the old shipowner sympathetically, and Lee Chung-joon's novel simultaneously buried. Seeking out those
Wichul) and The Sound of Laughter in order to flexibly capture the point of The sophisticated life in a city and controlled, and the film scrupulously Stupid and Idiot had to give up on being vestiges with a bit more delicacy, that is the
(Usoomsori). contact between society and a character's the poor and oppressed life in a remote progresses by going back and forth from made into a film because it had homosexual courtesy due such a prolific auteur.

58 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY november·december 2009 59

from the editor

how shall we prepare for KOFIC

the next decade? Publications
Korean Cinema Korean Film Who’s Who Korean
is catalog of Korean Database Book in Korean Film Cinema Today
films produced each is updated every two Industry is the new name
year. years to establish and series deals with of Korean Film
promote a consistent key people and their Observatory that
Recently, two items of bad news came one after the other. One press recognizes it. Instead of ignoring or abandoning the issue, way of listing Korean profiles every year. launched as a
was about a pirate selling PARK Chan-wook's vampire feature both the industry and press have agreed on the removal of piracy
film titles and the The Who’s Who in bimonthly insider
Thirst on-line, and the distributor is now taking action on it. The markets in order to make the Korean film industry better.
other dealt with the rotation screening(two films are shown in On the other hand, as seen with the case of The Executioner,
names of the directors Korean Film Industry: magazine in 2009.
rotation on one screen) of The Executioner, a Korean film about the monopoly over the nation's screens has not been solved yet. and actors. Producers and Investors Korean Cinema Today
the inhumanity of the death penalty, with the Hollywood film One particular film keeps dominating over 1000 cinemas, which is and the Who’s Who in reports of the current
2012. It happened 2 weeks after The Executioner's release, and more than half the total number in Korea. Therefore small scale or Korean Film Industry: state of the Korean film
the film's producers made accusations of this misfortune at a press independent films lose their spaces. There is ongoing criticism of
Directors have been industry, film policies
conference. the lack of diversity as well as the narrow choice of films
In fact, on-line piracy has long been a trouble for the audience. However, it is hard to improve published. Newly and changes that are
for the Korean film industry. This past summer, upon this since each cinema holds the right of published Who’s Who affecting the industry.
the film Haeundae, which became the 5th commercial pursuits. in Korean Film Industry: It is distributed to major
highest grossing Korean film of all time, Actually there has been an effort to
Actors presents major production companies,
taking in over 10 millions admissions, also restrain the monopoly over screens. There
lost profits of over 30 billion because of has been a suggestion after the monopoly
actors in the Korean distributors, film
the illegal market. In the case of Thirst, of The Host in 2006, which took up more film industry. festivals, institutions,
it made producers feel anxious since they than 700 screens, that one particular organizations and
were expecting to release the DVD in North film should not be played more than 30% media worldwide.
America in a few days. Director PARK Chan- in a multiplex. Nevertheless it was never
wook felt sorry to hear the news just as he realized. It could not overcome the nature
was putting the finishing touches on making of the ‘market' and also the exhibition sector's
the DVD. Moreover, these piracy incidents are reluctance to have any regulations.
discouraging just now when several Korean films have Korean films are starting to get energetic again Korean Cinema Korean Film Database Book
been nailing it at the box-office. after over 2 years of stagnation. We cannot, however, tell
Noticing how serious it is, the country is trying to prevent yet if it is temporary or the starting point of its second golden
illegal downloading through tougher policy in the industry. Film age. But one thing for sure is that this is a new chance. Korean
companies are taking legal actions against heavy uploaders and film professionals are asked how they should prepare for the next
KOFIC is running a campaign in cinemas, about the ill effect of 10 years, in order to take a great leap. And I believe the answer
illegal downloading. Besides, many directors and actors have joined consists in solving the problems of illegal downloading and the
this campaign as well. Legal on-line downloads are also being monopoly over screens.
supported. The main portal sites in Korea have started to do an
on-line film market. As some films have made a good amount of Who’s Who in Korean Film Industry Korean Cinema Today
profit through the downloading service, this platform has proven
itself possible to realize.
Although the cases of Haeundae and Thirst reflect the current For further information on the films that are mentioned in this books,
situation of illegal downloads, it is significant that the Korean CHOI Kwang-hee, Editor-in-chief please visit KOFIC website (www.kofic.or.kr/english) and see the film database menu.

60 KOREAN CINEMA TODAY

Korean Film
Directors:
Revealed
Appreciating
2009 Series
the Greatest
in Korean Film
Across
All
Ages
LEE Man-hee

2006 Series

IM Kwon-taek KIM Ki-young LEE Chang-dong PARK Chan-wook HONG Sangsoo KIM Dong-won JANG Sun-woo

2007 Series

LEE Doo-yong
YOO Hyun-mok LEE Myung-Se IM Sang-soo LIM Soon-rye Four Rookie Directors

2008 Series

BONG Joon-ho KIM Jee-woon RYOO Seung-wan SHIN Sang-ok KANG Woo-suk Rookie Directors I Rookie Directors II

•Available now at www.Amazon.com & www.seoulselection.com!

LEE Jang-ho •For any inquiry, send an email to [email protected] or call +82 2 734 9565.