▲ A file photo of Korean rom-melo film "One Fine Spring Day" (2001), starring actress Lee Young-ae and actor Yoo Ji-tae. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, May 3 (Yonhap) -- "I also want to explore the love stories of young people these days. To do that, I feel like I need to perceive the differences (from the older generation)."

 

Film director Hur Jin-ho (61), known for directing the melodramas "Christmas in August" (1998) and "One Fine Spring Day" (2001), expressed this sentiment during a press conference held at a hotel in Jeonju on the 2nd. Hur is visiting Jeonju while attending the 25th Jeonju International Film Festival, which opened the previous day.

 

At this year's festival, Hur has been selected as the "Programmer of the Year" and will oversee the "J Special" section. In this section, the Programmer of the Year has the opportunity to watch several of their own works or favorite films with the audience and engage in discussions.

 

▲ Film director Hur Jin-ho speaks during a press conference for the 2024 Jeonju International Film Festival held in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, on May 2, 2024. Hur was selected as the "Programmer of the Year" in the JIFF. (Yonhap)

 

Hur has selected five films for this section, including his own "One Fine Spring Day" and "April Snow" (2005), Ha Gil-jong's "The March of Fools" (1975), Wim Wenders' "Paris, Texas" (1984), and Yasujirō Ozu's "Tokyo Story" (1953). "Going Home" will be screened in 35mm film, evoking nostalgia.

 

Reflecting on why his works like "One Fine Spring Day" have remained in the public's memory for so long, Director Hur mentioned the iconic line spoken by Eun-soo (played by Lee Young-ae) to Sang-woo (played by Yoo Ji-tae), "Do you want to eat ramen before you go?" He noted that this film, along with "Christmas in August," resonated with audiences because they portrayed stories derived from everyday life. He speculated that even though these films are from the past, audiences today might still find them relatable.

 

Director Hur's passion for melodrama remains strong. He expressed, "I love telling love stories because they allow for expressing a range of emotions, such as joy, sorrow, anger when hurt, and longing when separated."

 

During the screening of "One Fine Spring Day" in the "J Special" section, lead actor Yoo Ji-tae will also be present. Yoo Ji-tae is currently serving as a jury member in the international competition section of the film festival.

 

Hur chuckled as he reminisced about seeing Yoo Ji-tae's youthful charm in "One Fine Spring Day" during the London Korean Film Festival last November. He also shared memories of watching "March of Fools" at a local theater in his elementary school days.

 

Regarding the selection of "Tokyo Story," Hur explained, "I went backpacking to Paris, France, and saw this film as part of a special Oz retrospective. I thought, 'Movies can delve so deeply into life.' I think my early films were also influenced by Director Ozu."

 

Hur's new film, "A Normal Family," is set to be released soon. The story revolves around two brothers with different beliefs who accidentally confront a terrifying secret. The film stars Seol Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-ae, and Soo-hyun.

 

Hur described "A Normal Family" as "an enjoyable film that discusses how Korean society views educational and ethical issues related to children." He anticipates its release in the coming autumn.

 

Originally from Jeonju, Hur reminisced, "When I was in the first year of high school and ran away from home, I came to Jeonju alone." He added, "I've attended the Jeonju International Film Festival about six times, and each time I leave with fond memories."

 

 

▲ The opening ceremony of the 25th Jeonju International Film Festival takes place at the Sori Arts Center in Jeonju, about 190 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 1, 2024. (Yonhap)

 

 

 

 

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