10 Minutes (2014 Film)

10 Minutes (Korean: 10분) is a 2014 South Korean drama film directed by Lee Yong-Seung. The film focuses on the complexities of office politics, job insecurity, and the struggle for professional stability in contemporary South Korea.

Promotional poster for 10 Minutes — Promotional poster for the film 10 Minutes.

Plot

The story follows Kang Ho-Chan (played by Baek Jong-Hwan), a young man burdened by the need to support his retired parents who are struggling with debt. After failing to secure a position as a television producer, Ho-Chan accepts a temporary internship at a government office. Although he is initially led to believe that a full-time position will eventually be offered to him, he soon discovers that the realities of the workplace hierarchy and office politics are far more complicated than he anticipated.

Scene from 10 Minutes — A scene featuring the protagonist in an office setting.

Production and Release

The film was written by Kim Hye-Min and produced by Kim Ki-Chul. It held its world premiere on October 4, 2013, at the 18th Busan International Film Festival. Following its festival run, the film was released theatrically in South Korea on April 24, 2014. It has a runtime of 93 minutes.

Reception and Awards

10 Minutes received critical attention during its festival circuit. At the 18th Busan International Film Festival in 2013, the film was awarded the KNN Movie Award and the FIPRESCI Award. It also held its international premiere at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival in 2014 as part of the Forum section.

Cast

Baek Jong-Hwan as Kang Ho-Chan
Kim Jong-Goo as Department Head
Jung Hee-Tae as Union Head
Lee Si-Won as Song Eun-Hye
Jang Liu as Han Young-Mi
Jung Seung-Gil as Jung Yong-Jin
Kwon Gwi-Bin as Nu-Ri
Kwon Oh-Jin as Director
Lee Sung-Kyung as Kang Ho-Chan's mother