Starring Kim Ha-neul, Kwon Sang-woo, Gong Yoo, and Kim Ji-woo. <동갑내기 과외하기>is a Korean film produced in 2020 with a running time of 117 minutes. Full admission price.
Soo-wan, whose father lost his job, forced the whole family to run a chicken restaurant. As a second year college student, she begins taking expensive tutoring to pay for tuition. However, Gangnam, South Korea, where the entrance exam winds are blowing. It is difficult to compete with high school students who enjoy a lively night life at a nitro billiards room. Every time he tries to give up on tutoring, he strengthens his resolve by seeing his mother’s bloody swordsmanship, saying that without tutoring, there is no tuition… Soo-wan meets Ji-hoon, his greatest enemy. The son of a wealthy family, Ji-hoon, who is the same age as Soo-wan, who graduated from high school for two years, is a non-smoker and a cold-blooded boy, and possesses such incredible fighting skills that he is considered a school legend. Each tutor has a terrifying history of making him run away in tears within an hour. Soo-wan is also on the verge of giving up due to the barrage of insults and fear from their first meeting, but grits his teeth and fights. The tutoring becomes more difficult day by day, and a series of terrible events unfold around them…
The twists and turns of romance between 21-year-old Ji-hoon and Soo-wan, both of the same age. It was a box office success, exceeding 2 million viewers nationwide within 10 days of its release and attracting a total of 4.8 million viewers. A sequel was later produced. Kwon Sang-woo won the Best New Director Award at the 26th Golden Cinematography Awards, and the Best New Actor Award at the 39th Baeksang Arts Awards and the 40th Grand Bell Awards.
◆ Director: Kim Kyeong-hyung
Graduated from Kyunghee University Department of Journalism and Broadcasting
2003 <동갑내기 과외하기> supervision
2004 <라이어> Screenplay, Director
2007 <대한독립만세> supervision
2015 <우주의 크리스마스> supervision
EBS’ ‘Korean Film Special’, a program where you can see the past, present, and future of Korean films, is broadcast every Sunday at 10:40 pm.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun Photo = EBS Korean Movie Special
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Title: Insights on “Tutoring With Peers of the Same Age” with Director Kim Kyung-hyung
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with director Kim Kyung-hyung about his film “Tutoring With Peers of the Same Age,” which is being featured on EBS1’s ‘Korean Movie Special.’ Kim, thank you for joining us!
Director Kim Kyung-hyung: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the film.
Interviewer: The film, produced in 2020, is an intriguing exploration of the challenges faced by college students like your protagonist Soo-wan. What inspired you to tell this story?
Director Kim: The story of Soo-wan resonated with me because it reflects the pressures many young people face today, especially in South Korea’s competitive academic environment. I wanted to shed light on the sacrifices and struggles of students trying to navigate their futures while dealing with family hardships.
Interviewer: Soo-wan’s journey is particularly compelling. Can you elaborate on her character’s motivations and the challenges she faces in the pursuit of education?
Director Kim: Absolutely. Soo-wan is determined and resilient; her family’s financial struggles push her to take up expensive tutoring to pay for her tuition. The fierce competition, especially in a place like Gangnam, adds an extra layer of pressure. She battles not just external challenges like her wealthy rival Ji-hoon but also her internal conflict and fear of failure.
Interviewer: Speaking of Ji-hoon, he seems to be a complex character as well. How did you approach developing their rivalry?
Director Kim: Ji-hoon represents the privilege and pressure of his own background. While he appears cold-blooded, he too has his struggles. Their rivalry is more than just academic; it’s a clash of different worlds. I wanted to show that behind their competition, there are deeper issues at play—like expectations from family, personal growth, and the quest for identity.
Interviewer: The film features a stellar cast, including Kim Ha-neul and Kwon Sang-woo. How did their performances contribute to the film’s narrative?
Director Kim: Their performances brought depth to the characters. Kim Ha-neul embodies Soo-wan’s determination and vulnerability perfectly, while Kwon Sang-woo adds layers to Ji-hoon’s character. The chemistry between the actors enriches the tension and emotional stakes, making the audience truly invested in their journeys.
Interviewer: This film also addresses the broader societal issues surrounding education and career paths in South Korea. What message do you hope audiences take away?
Director Kim: I hope viewers recognize the importance of empathy and understanding towards those facing similar struggles. Education should empower, not overwhelm. The film encourages conversations about mental health and the need for a balanced approach to education and life.
Interviewer: Interesting! As we move into a new era of storytelling in cinema, what do you think the future holds for films that tackle such pressing social issues?
Director Kim: I believe that films addressing social issues will continue to resonate with audiences, especially in a fast-evolving world. As filmmakers, we have a responsibility to reflect societal challenges and create narratives that spark dialogue and provoke thought.
Interviewer: Thank you, Kim, for sharing your insights into “Tutoring With Peers of the Same Age.” We look forward to watching your film and are excited for the conversations it will inspire!
Director Kim: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing the film, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!