The Romantic President (2002 Film)

The Romantic President (Korean: 피아노 치는 대통령; RR: Piano Chineun Daetongryeong) is a 2002 South Korean romantic comedy film directed by Jeon Man-Bae. The film explores the intersection of professional duty and personal life through the story of a South Korean president and a dedicated teacher.

Promotional poster for The Romantic President

Plot

The narrative centers on Choi Eun-Soo, an eccentric and highly dedicated teacher who has faced dismissal from multiple schools due to her unconventional methods. Upon starting at a new school, she encounters a rebellious student named Young-Hee. When Eun-Soo struggles to manage Young-Hee's behavior, she contacts the student's parent, only to discover that Young-Hee is the daughter of the nation's president, Han Min-Wook.

Despite the president's status, Eun-Soo remains undeterred, treating him as she would any other parent. She reprimands him for his daughter's actions and requires him to complete a disciplinary assignment. This interaction sparks a complex relationship between the president and the teacher, balancing the demands of the Blue House with their growing personal connection.

Cast

The film features a prominent cast of South Korean actors:

Ahn Sung-Ki as President Han Min-Wook
Choi Ji-Woo as Choi Eun-Soo
Lim Soo-Jung as Han Young-Hee
Kim Hyeong-Il as Head of President's bodyguards
Lee Joo-Hee as Secretary Kim
Lee Beom-Soo as a man at the subway station

Scene from the film — A scene from the film

Production

The film was directed by Jeon Man-Bae, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Kwak Jae-Young. It was distributed by CJ Entertainment and released in South Korea on December 6, 2002, with a total runtime of 95 minutes.