Director Kim Tae-yong, known for his works like and , is making a comeback with a new project after an eight-year hiatus.
Unlike his earlier films that explored deep emotional themes, his latest endeavor, tentatively titled , is a heartwarming human drama.
Reflecting on his experiences in his 30s, Kim aimed to create a story that radiates warmth.
The inspiration came from the omnibus novel , which he felt was the right fit after much contemplation.
The film follows Ha-min (Choi Woo-shik), a young man who witnesses the dwindling number of times he can enjoy his mother’s cooking.
In adapting the first short story from the novel, Kim emphasized Korean sentiments by shifting the setting from Japan to Seoul and Busan, enhancing the emotional connection between the two cities.
He also replaced the original dish of curry with Gyeongsang-do beef soup, drawing from his own Busan roots.
Choi Woo-shik, who reunites with Kim after 11 years, portrays Ha-min, showcasing his growth as both a person and an actor.
For the role of Ha-min’s mother, Eun-sil, Kim sought an actress familiar with the Busan dialect and local sentiments, ultimately choosing Jang Hye-jin, who previously starred alongside Choi in “Parasite.”
Production is handled by Semicolon Studio and Studio Double M, with Kim Tae-yong as the director.
The film features performances by Choi Woo-shik, Jang Hye-jin, and Gong Seung-yeon, and will be distributed by Poem Studio, set for release in 2025.
Director Kim Tae-yong highlights a pivotal moment in the film, where Choi Woo-shik’s character, Ha-min, arrives at a train station on his journey from Seoul to Busan. This scene, which explores various mother-son dynamics, prompts Ha-min to reflect on why he instinctively seeks out his mother in times of trouble, embodying the film’s core emotional theme that he aimed to capture with great care.
