▲ This image, provided by Lotte Entertainment, shows South Korean filmmaker-screenwriter Yang Woo-suk who directed film "About Family." He is widely known for heavy-hitting films like "The Attorney" and "Steel Rain." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- “Family is the most significant topic in Korea. Over the past one or two generations, the forms and meanings of family have changed a lot in this country. That’s why I thought a family film was what audiences needed most now.”

 

Director Yang Woo-seok, known for tackling social and political themes in films like "The Attorney (2013)," inspired by former President Roh Moo-hyun’s career as a lawyer, and "Steel Rain (2017)," which dealt with a coup in North Korea threatening South Korea, has turned his focus to a family drama with his latest work, "About Family."

 

▲ This image provided by Lotte Entertainment shows a scene from the Korean comedy-drama "About Family" set for release on Dec. 11, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Scheduled for release on December 11, About Family tells the story of Moo-ok (played by Kim Yoon-seok), the owner of a dumpling shop who is estranged from his son Moon-seok (Lee Seung-gi), a Buddhist monk. The plot unfolds as grandchildren Moo-ok has never met appear in his life, leading to a humorous and heartwarming exploration of the true meaning of family.

 

Meeting with reporters on December 4 in Seoul, Yang described About Family as even weightier than his previous works. “The story in About Family is something that could happen to anyone and is universally understood, making it a delicate subject to handle,” he said.

 

Yang explained his transition from political thrillers to a family film: “As a filmmaker, I’ve spent the past decade addressing societal needs. The Attorney was about the legal profession demanding accountability, and Steel Rain simulated potential conflicts on the Korean Peninsula. About Family was born from the belief that now is a time to nurture and support one another in our homes.”

 

The film portrays three generations: Moo-ok, a self-made man who fled to South Korea during the Korean War; Moon-seok, who left medical school to join the monastery; and children claiming to be Moon-seok’s offspring. Each character undergoes transformation as they navigate their strained relationships, moving from resentment and obsession to understanding and growth.

 

▲ This image provided by Lotte Entertainment shows a scene from the Korean comedy-drama "About Family" set for release on Dec. 11, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Yang called the film a “growth drama,” emphasizing, “Though it appears to be a comedy and family drama, it shows the growth of children, parents, and grandparents alike.”

 

The director deliberately avoided melodramatic clichés, often labeled as “tear-jerkers,” and instead incorporated Buddhist philosophies, such as the interconnectedness of all beings. Memorable lines like, “For a child, their parents are the universe; for parents, their child is a god,” aim to evoke reflection and healing.

 

In light of recent political turmoil, including the declaration and subsequent repeal of martial law by President Yoon Suk-yeol, Yang addressed the impact on the entertainment industry. Some promotional activities were canceled, but Yang proceeded with his interview as scheduled.

 

Recalling his reaction to the events, Yang commented, “Our generation memorized the quorum needed in parliament to lift martial law. I told the film crew that things would likely return to normal within three days.” He added, “It wasn’t a natural disaster like a volcanic eruption or an earthquake. I wondered, ‘Why was this even necessary?’”

 

Despite the current climate, Yang expressed hope that About Family would provide a moment of healing for audiences. “In these exhausting and bewildering times, I hope people can find solace in this kind-hearted film.”

▲ Filmmaker-screenwriter Yang Woo-suk, known for heavy-hitting films like "The Attorney" and "Steel Rain." speaks during a press conference for his upcoming film "About Family," held in Seoul on Nov. 12, 2024. (Yonhap)

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