69-Year-Old (Film)

69-Year-Old (Korean: 69세) is a 2020 South Korean drama film written and directed by Lim Sun-Ae. The film addresses sensitive social issues, including sexual assault, ageism, and the systemic challenges faced by victims seeking justice within the legal system.

Poster for the film 69-Year-Old — Promotional poster for the film 69-Year-Old.

Plot

The story follows Hyo-Jung, a 69-year-old woman who is sexually assaulted by a 29-year-old nursing assistant named Joong-Ho while receiving medical treatment. Following the incident, Hyo-Jung discloses the assault to Dong-In, a man she lives with, and decides to report the crime to the police. The narrative focuses on the subsequent struggle for justice as Hyo-Jung faces skepticism from law enforcement and those around her. Joong-Ho claims the encounter was consensual, leading to a legal battle that intensifies when the court rejects an arrest warrant for the accused. Despite these obstacles, Hyo-Jung continues her pursuit of accountability.

Production and Release

The film was written and directed by Lim Sun-Ae. It held its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival on October 6, 2019, and was subsequently released in South Korean theaters on August 20, 2020. The film has a runtime of 100 minutes and was distributed by Atnine Film.

Cast

Ye Soo-Jung as Sim Hyo-Jung
Ki Joo-Bong as Nam Dong-In
Kim Joon-Kyung as Lee Joong-Ho
Kim Joong-Ki as Detective
Kim Tae-Hoon as Nam Hyun-Soo
Park Ga-Young as Nam Hyun-Soo's wife
Lee Myung-Ha as Counselor
Jang Sung-Yoon as Nurse Lee