Once in a Summer (2006 Film)

Once in a Summer (Korean: 그해 여름; RR: Geuhae Yeoreum) is a 2006 South Korean romantic drama film directed by Jo Geun-sik. The film explores themes of memory, love, and the impact of political turmoil on personal lives.

Poster for the film Once in a Summer — Promotional poster for the 2006 film Once in a Summer.

Plot

The narrative is framed by a modern-day search for a long-lost person. A TV producer's assistant attempts to convince a reclusive, elderly academic, Professor Yun Suk-young, to appear on a television program dedicated to reuniting separated individuals. The professor's reluctance is rooted in a profound experience from his youth.

The story shifts to 1969, a period of significant political tension in South Korea under the administration of President Park Chung-hee. A group of university students, including the young Suk-young, travels to the countryside for a summer service project. During this time, Suk-young meets Seo Jung-in, a local woman who remains indifferent to his charms. As they develop a relationship, their bond is tested by the secrets surrounding Jung-in's family history and the encroaching political instability of the era.

Lee Byung-hun as Yun Suk-young — Lee Byung-hun portrays the character Yun Suk-young.

Cast

The film features the following primary cast members:

Lee Byung-hun as Yun Suk-young
Soo-ae as Seo Jung-in

Soo-ae as Seo Jung-in — Soo-ae portrays the character Seo Jung-in.

Supporting cast members include Choi Duk-moon, Jung Suk-yong, Lee Hye-eun, Lee Se-eun, Na Ki-soo, Oh Dal-su, and Yu Hae-jin.

Still from the film — A scene from the 2006 production.

Production

The film was directed by Jo Geun-sik, with a screenplay written by a team including Kim Eun-hee, Jo Geun-sik, Lee Sook-yun, Son Hyun-hee, and Min So-yeon. It was produced by Park Mu-seung and distributed by Showbox. The film was released in South Korea on November 30, 2006, with a runtime of 121 minutes.