Program Note
The film depicts the tragic love and life of Yun Sim-deok, the first Korean soprano who majored in vocal music in Japan as the first government-sponsored student in 1919, and playwright Kim Woo-jin. The two fall into a forbidden love, ultimately boarding the Kanbu Ferry to return to Korea, where they jump into the Genkai Sea together, facing social taboos and the despair of their times. Their story, known as one of the most tragic yet beautiful loves, has been adapted into musicals, dramas, and more beyond the film. The movie begins with the narration of Hong Nan-pa, who secretly loved Yun Sim-deok, and calmly follows her from her brightest days as a student abroad to her final moments. This structure, presented from an observational perspective, gives the film a strong biographical feel. Actress Chang Mi-hee, who vividly portrays Yun Sim-deok’s multifaceted character—from a confident and charming student to a proud and top Korean popular singer who grows stronger and refuses to give up on her lifelong love despite any ordeal—won Best Actress awards at numerous film festivals, including the Grand Bell Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards. (MO Eun-young)