Goodbye, Boy (2011 Film)

Goodbye, Boy (Korean: 굿바이 보이; RR: Gootbayi Boyi) is a 2011 South Korean drama film written and directed by Roh Hong-Jin. The film, which premiered at the 2010 Pusan International Film Festival, depicts the challenging transition from childhood to adolescence against the backdrop of late 1980s South Korea.

Promotional poster for the film Goodbye, Boy.

Plot

Set in the winter of 1988, the story follows Jin-Woo (played by Yeon Jun-Suk), a middle school student living in a dysfunctional household. His father is an unemployed alcoholic, and his mother struggles to maintain the family, often attempting to leave due to her unhappy marriage. Jin-Woo's older sister, Jin-Sook (Ryu Hyun-Kyung), expresses deep resentment toward their mother's situation.

Seeking to support his family, Jin-Woo begins working as a newspaper delivery boy. At the distribution plant, he befriends Chang-Geun (Kim Dong-Young), a peer who introduces him to the harsher realities of life, including smoking and drinking. As Jin-Woo navigates these new experiences, he begins to view the world as a difficult, competitive environment. His disillusionment deepens when he discovers his mother working at a bar, a secret he keeps from his peers. The film captures the end of his innocence as his family dynamics continue to fracture.

Actor Yeon Jun-Suk — Yeon Jun-Suk, who portrays the protagonist Jin-Woo.

Production

The film was directed and written by Roh Hong-Jin. During its development, the project was known by the working title Gae Gateun Insaeng, which translates literally to "Life Like a Dog." The film was produced by Choi Soon-Sik, Kwak Kyoung-Taek, and Song Joon-Hyoung, with cinematography by Lee In-Won.

Actor Ahn Nae-Sang — Ahn Nae-Sang plays the role of Jin-Woo's father.

Actress Kim So-Hee — Kim So-Hee portrays Jin-Woo's mother.

Actress Ryoo Hyoun-Kyoung — Ryoo Hyoun-Kyoung plays the sister, Jin-Sook.

Actor Kim Dong-Young — Kim Dong-Young plays the character Chang-Geun.

Actress Yeo Min-Joo — Yeo Min-Joo plays the character Soo-Jin.

Release

Goodbye, Boy held its world premiere at the 15th Pusan International Film Festival in October 2010. It received a general theatrical release in South Korea on June 2, 2011, distributed by Indiestory.