Spirits' Homecoming (2016 Film)

Spirits' Homecoming (Korean: 귀향; RR: Gwihyang) is a 2016 South Korean drama film written, produced, and directed by Cho Jung-Rae. The film addresses the historical experiences of "comfort women," a term used for women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Japanese occupation of Korea.

Promotional image for the film Spirits' Homecoming — Promotional poster for the 2016 film Spirits' Homecoming.

Plot

The narrative is set in 1943 during the Japanese occupation. The story follows 14-year-old Jung-Min, portrayed by Kang Ha-Na, who is forcibly separated from her family by Japanese soldiers. Alongside other girls, including the character Young-Hee (played by Seo Mi-Ji), she is transported away from her home, marking the beginning of their ordeal.

Production and Release

The film was released in South Korea on February 24, 2016, with a runtime of 127 minutes. It was distributed by WAW Pictures. A follow-up documentary titled Spirits' Homecoming, Unfinished Story (Gwihyang, Ggeutnaji Anheun Iyagi) was released in 2017.

Cast

Kang Ha-Na as Jung-Min
Choi Ri as Eun-Kyung
Son Sook as Young-Ok (Young-Hee)
Seo Mi-Ji as Young-Hee
Oh Ji-Hye as Jung-Min's mother
Jung In-Gi as Jung-Min's father
Baek Soo-Ryun as Song-Hee
Kim Si-Eun as Bon-Sook
Park Ji-Hee as Soon-Yi
Hong Se-Na as Ok-Boon
Kang Hak-Soo as Lee Il-Gyu
Yoon Jung-Ro as Kuroda
Kim Dong-Won as Matsumoto
Jeong Mu-Seong as Kinoshita
Nam Sang-Ji as Zhao Yifei

Reception and Awards

At the 53rd Daejong Film Awards held on December 27, 2016, the film received recognition, including the Best New Director award for Cho Jung-Rae and the New Rising Award for actress Choi Ri.