Getting interested in Sun Young, a woman who has moved into an apartment facing mine, ‘I’ begin stalking her through a telescope, and soon discover that she’s a mistress of a wealthy businessman. As my obsession deepens, ‘I’ impersonate a Mr. M to approach her, and after showering her with calls and gifts, even break into her apartment. Director BAE Chang Ho rose fast as the 1980’s Korean film industry’s most celebrated newcomer. His fame resulted from the success of his debut piece Iron Men and second film People of Ko-bang Neighborhood. The Flower at the Equator (1983) is his third one, based on the same-titled bestseller by CHOI In Ho, one of the most popular writers of the time. Unlike his previous movies heavily influenced by realism, The Flower at the Equator is a fine union between genre film styles and his populist sensitivity, packaged brilliantly with outstanding directing and sophisticated craft. Ranking first in the box-office in 1983, the film confirmed BAE’s ability to produce successful commercial films. Apartments, which began to dominate the landscape of Korean urban housing in the late 1970’s, offer a physical space enabling the voyeuristic obsession — a symbol of the condensed collective consciousness of the era. The film is the first of a few collaborations between BAE Chang Ho, CHANG Mi Hee, and AHN Sung Ki, aka top musketeers of the 80s’ popular Korean films. (Jin PARK)