Harmony (2010 South Korean Film)

Harmony (Korean: 하모니; RR: Hamoni) is a 2010 South Korean drama film directed by Kang Dae-kyu. The film explores themes of motherhood, redemption, and human connection within the confines of a women's correctional facility.

Promotional poster for the film Harmony.

Plot

The story centers on Jeong-hye (Kim Yunjin), a woman serving time in prison for killing her abusive husband. During her incarceration, she gives birth to a son. Due to prison regulations, she faces the heart-wrenching reality of having to give her child up for adoption once he turns 18 months old. To secure a chance to spend a day outside the prison with her son, Jeong-hye initiates the formation of a prison choir.

She is joined by Moon-ok (Na Moon-hee), a former university music professor serving time on death row for a crime committed in response to years of domestic abuse. Moon-ok takes on the role of the choir's conductor. As the women work together to master their music, the choir becomes a source of emotional healing and solidarity for the inmates and the prison staff.

Kim Yunjin as Jeong-hye — Kim Yunjin portrays Jeong-hye.

Na Moon-hee as Kim Moon-ok — Na Moon-hee portrays Kim Moon-ok.

Production

The film was directed by Kang Dae-kyu, with a screenplay written by Lee Seung-yeon, Yoon Je-kyun, Kim Whee, and Kang Dae-kyu. Principal photography concluded on August 20, 2009. The final scene filmed was the epilogue, which features the female inmates singing together.

Gang Ye-won as Kang Yu-mi — Gang Ye-won portrays Kang Yu-mi.

Jang Young-nam as Bang Kwang-jang — Jang Young-nam portrays Bang Kwang-jang.

Lee Da-hee as Kong Na-yeong — Lee Da-hee portrays Kong Na-yeong.

Jung Soo-young as Ji Hwa-ja — Jung Soo-young portrays Ji Hwa-ja.

Park Jun-myun as Kang Yeon-sil — Park Jun-myun portrays Kang Yeon-sil.

Scene from the film — A scene from the film.

Release

Harmony was released in South Korea on January 28, 2010, and was distributed by CJ Entertainment. It was later screened at the 5th London Korean Film Festival in November 2010.