On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate
On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate (Korean: 생활의 발견; RR: Saenghwalui balgyeon) is a 2002 South Korean drama film written and directed by Hong Sang-soo. The film is noted for its exploration of mundane human interactions, social awkwardness, and the cyclical nature of romantic encounters.
Plot
The narrative follows Gyung-soo, a struggling stage actor in Seoul who faces professional disappointment after a film project fails. Seeking a change of pace, he travels to Chuncheon to visit a friend. During his stay, he meets a dancer named Myung-sook. Despite his friend's unexpressed interest in her, Gyung-soo and Myung-sook begin a brief, complicated relationship that leads to interpersonal conflict.
Seeking to move on from the tensions in Chuncheon, Gyung-soo boards a train to Gyeongju. On the journey, he encounters a woman named Sun-young who recognizes him from his acting work. The film follows his attempts to pursue a connection with her, highlighting the recurring patterns of his behavior and his search for romantic fulfillment.
Cast
- Kim Sang-kyung as Gyung-soo
- Chu Sang-mi as Sun-young
- Ye Ji-won as Myung-sook
- Kim Hak-sun as Seong-wu
- Kim Choo-wol as Sun-young's aunt
- Ahn Kil-kang
Production and Release
The film was released in South Korea on March 22, 2002. With a runtime of 115 minutes, it reflects the minimalist and observational style characteristic of director Hong Sang-soo's body of work. In 2011, the film was featured as part of a complete retrospective of the director's work at the 13th Deauville Asian Film Festival.