New Year Blues (2021 Film)
New Year Blues (Korean: 새해전야; RR: Saehaejeonya) is a 2021 South Korean ensemble romantic drama directed by Hong Ji-young. The film depicts the intersecting stories of four couples as they navigate personal challenges and romantic uncertainties during the week leading up to the New Year.
Plot
The narrative follows four distinct couples, each dealing with unique life transitions:
- Ji-ho and Hyo-young: Ji-ho (Kim Kang-woo) is a former detective now working in civil service, while Hyo-young (Yoo In-na) is a rehabilitation trainer seeking a divorce. Their paths cross when Ji-ho is tasked with protecting Hyo-young from her former partner.
- Jae-hun and Jin-a: Jae-hun (Yoo Yeon-seok) is experiencing professional burnout and has relocated to Argentina to work as a wine delivery person. He encounters Jin-a (Lee Yeon-hee), who has traveled to the same region after a difficult breakup.
- Yong-chan and Yaolin: Yong-chan (Lee Dong-hwi), a travel agency owner, faces financial hardship due to a scam just before his planned marriage to his Chinese fiancée, Yaolin (Chen Duling). The situation is complicated by the skepticism of his sister, Yong-mi (Yum Hye-ran).
- Rae-hwan and O-wol: Rae-hwan (Yoo Teo), a Paralympic athlete, struggles with the societal prejudice directed toward his relationship with his girlfriend, O-wol (Sooyoung).
Production
The film was directed by Hong Ji-young and written by Ko Myung-joo and Ham Hyung-kyung. Principal photography for the project commenced on November 19, 2019, and concluded on January 17, 2020. The film was distributed by Acemaker Movie Works and received a theatrical release in South Korea on February 10, 2021.
Cast
