Scarlet Innocence (2014 Film)

Scarlet Innocence (Korean: 마담 뺑덕; RR: Madam Bbaengduk) is a 2014 South Korean romantic thriller directed by Yim Pil-Sung. The film serves as a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Korean folktale The Story of Simcheong (Simcheong Jeon).

Promotional poster for the film Scarlet Innocence.

Plot

The narrative follows Hak-Kyu (Jung Woo-Sung), a university professor who relocates to a small town following a scandal. While working as a literature instructor at a local culture center, he enters into a passionate affair with Deok-Yi (Esom), a young woman employed at an amusement park. When Hak-Kyu is eventually reinstated at his university in Seoul, he abandons Deok-Yi, leaving her behind in the small town.

Eight years later, Hak-Kyu has achieved success as a writer, though his personal life is fractured; his daughter, Cheong (Park So-Young), blames him for her mother's suicide. As Hak-Kyu begins to lose his eyesight due to a degenerative condition, a new woman named Se-Jung moves into the apartment next door. It is revealed that Se-Jung is actually Deok-Yi, who has returned to seek retribution for the betrayal she suffered years prior.

Actor Jung Woo-Sung — Jung Woo-Sung portrays Professor Hak-Kyu.

Production

The film was written by Jang Yoon-Mi and Yim Pil-Sung. Principal photography commenced on March 5, 2014, with the opening scene filmed at an amusement park in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, South Korea. The production was distributed by CJ Entertainment.

Release and Reception

Scarlet Innocence held its world premiere at the 39th Toronto International Film Festival on September 4, 2014, as part of the City to City program. The film was released theatrically in South Korea on October 2, 2014.

Actress Park Si-Woo — Park Si-Woo portrays Cheong-Yi.

Still from the film — A scene from the production.