“Concrete Utopia” opens with a riveting visual narrative, tracing Seoul’s remarkable journey from post-war ruins to becoming one of the costliest real estate markets in the world. This frenzied period of phenomenal economic growth allowed many Seoulites to get rich overnight just by buying and selling their precious apartments. This backdrop sets the stage for…
Who hasn’t wondered, What if? “Past Lives” tells a remarkably tender story of the quiet devastation that can remain when people leave. In Celine Song’s film, it’s the engineer who’s the dreamer and the playwright who prefers decisions based on practicality over possibility. In Song’s world, the sweep of in-yun, or fate, is introduced by…
On the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War, “Ode to My Father” (2014) stands as one of the most moving films about a war that divided thousands of families caught in the crosshairs in the battle for Korea. It was reported earlier this month that approximately 16,000 elderly South Koreans have died over the past…
If you’re one of the millions of “Squid Game” fans patiently waiting for Season Two, catch Lee Jung-jae in a gem of a thriller from earlier in his career. Streaming now in North America is “New World”, a gripping Korean crime saga directed by Park Hoon-jung (“I Saw the Devil”) with excellent performances by “Squid…
Korean film “Broker” was a favorite at Cannes and is now available to view in theaters for a limited time.
By Hong Taek Chung and Sarah Paik What does a gifted filmmaker do with an almost unbelievable story that happens to be true? Make cinematic tour de force, of course. This year’s Baeksang Awards‘ Best Film winner, “Escape from Mogadishu” was based on actual events preceding and during the outbreak of a Somalian civil…
The 58th Baeksang Arts Awards recently honored the best in Korean film, television and theater. Touted as the most prestigious awards ceremony in Korea, the Baeksang Awards are the Oscars, Emmys and Tonys all rolled up into one glittery night. The 58th Baeksang Arts Awards were hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum and sparkled especially bright…