Program Note
The sensation of the body merging with the flow of waves, or the sensation of delving into the heart of a lover, seemingly known and yet unknown. The Eighth Sense depicts the natural process of two inexperienced men who are not good at adapting to society’s rules, feeling each other as they adapt to the currents while surfing. Jihyun, a new student who came to Seoul from another province, remains introverted and stands on the outskirts of department gatherings. Jaewon, a senior in the club, naturally approaches Jihyun. Despite not being an extrovert himself, Jaewon takes care of Jihyun, without\ drawing attention or arranging noisy gatherings. During a surf club trip, Jaewon becomes Jihyun’s mentor, teaching him everything from the basic posture before entering the ocean, to sensing the waves and feeling the gentle currents. As Jihyun, who was awkward in conversation, fully relies on Jaewon, both on the ocean and on the surfboard, the two develop a relationship in which they soothe each other’s wounds. The film sensitively portrays the tumultuous love and subtle power dynamics within a university club, as well as clumsily revealing past scars and the push-and-pull of affection in one’s twenties. (KIM Songhee)