My Tutor Friend (2003 Film)

My Tutor Friend (Korean: 동갑내기 과외하기; RR: Donggabnaegi Gwawoehagi) is a 2003 South Korean romantic comedy film directed by Kim Kyung-Hyung. The film stars Kim Ha-Neul and Kwon Sang-Woo in the lead roles.

Poster for the film My Tutor Friend — Promotional poster for My Tutor Friend (2003).

Plot

The story follows Su-Wan (Kim Ha-Neul), a college sophomore who works as a private tutor to fund her education. After several difficult experiences with previous students, she is hired to tutor Ji-Hoon (Kwon Sang-Woo), a wealthy and rebellious high school senior who is repeating his final year for the third time. Known for his fighting skills and troublemaking, Ji-Hoon is initially resistant to the lessons. Su-Wan struggles to maintain her composure, but continues the job due to pressure from her mother.

Production and Origins

The film is based on a series of internet episodes titled Su-wanee - My Tutor Friend, written by Choi Su-wan, an English Literature major. Starting in June 2000, the episodes detailed her real-life experiences as a tutor and gained significant popularity on the website puha.co.kr. The material was later adapted into a comic series titled He and I by Shim Hye-jin, which was published in a single volume by Daewon C.I. in 2001, the same year the screenplay was developed.

Cast

Kim Ha-Neul, who portrays the tutor Su-Wan.

Kwon Sang-Woo, who portrays the student Ji-Hoon.

Kim Ha-Neul as Su-Wan
Kwon Sang-Woo as Ji-Hoon
Kim Ji-Woo as Ho-Kyeong
Gong Yoo as Jong-Soo
Baek Il-Seob as Ji-Hoon's father
Kim Ja-Ok as Su-Wan's mother

Scene from the film — A scene featuring the main characters.