Always (2011 South Korean Film)
Always (Korean: 오직 그대만; RR: Ohjik Geudaeman) is a 2011 South Korean romantic melodrama directed by Song Il-gon. The film stars So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo. It premiered at the 16th Busan International Film Festival on October 6, 2011, serving as the festival's opening film, before its general theatrical release in South Korea on October 20, 2011.
Plot
The story follows Cheol-min (So Ji-sub), a man with a troubled past who works as a night-shift parking lot attendant. His life intersects with Jung-hwa (Han Hyo-joo), a woman who is visually impaired. Jung-hwa frequently visits the parking booth to watch television dramas, initially mistaking Cheol-min for the previous attendant. As they spend time together, a bond forms between them, though their lives are complicated by past events that link them in unexpected ways. Their relationship deepens after Cheol-min intervenes to protect Jung-hwa from a dangerous situation, leading them to live together as a couple.
Production
The film was directed by Song Il-gon, who also contributed to the screenplay alongside Roh Hong-jin and Yoo Young-a. Principal photography took place between March 31 and June 30, 2011. To prepare for his role as a former boxer, lead actor So Ji-sub underwent professional boxing training.
Cast
- So Ji-sub as Cheol-min
- Han Hyo-joo as Jung-hwa
- Yoon Jong-hwa as Min Tae-sik
- Kang Shin-il as Choi
- Park Chul-min as Coach Bang
- Cho Seong-ha as section chief Choi
- Jin Goo as pottery store owner