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In ‘Possible Love,’ a South Korean auteur returns with a story of marriage, labor and class
Compiled Nov 6
What happened
Lee Chang-dong's latest film "Possible Love" is now streaming on Netflix.
The detail
His previous film "Burning" was the first South Korean feature shortlisted for an Oscar.
The detail
The story was inspired by the 2009 Ssangyong Motor Co. mass layoffs in South Korea.
The detail
The film stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Cho Yeo-jeong and Zo In-sung.
How it unfolded
2007: Jeon Do-yeon starred in Lee Chang-dong's "Secret Sunshine," winning a best actress prize at Cannes. · 2009: Ssangyong Motor Co. laid off about one-third of its workforce, sparking a two-month plant occupation and clashes with police. · 2018: Lee Chang-dong's "Burning" became the first South Korean feature shortlisted for an Oscar. · about two years ago: Cowriter Oh Jung-mi suggested linking the layoff story with a filmmaker trying to capture it. · earlier this year: Lee Chang-dong spoke to The Associated Press about the film. · at the Venice Film Festival: "Possible Love" premiered and won the runner-up prize.
By the numbers
2009 year of layoffs · one-third portion of workforce laid off · more than two months length of plant occupation · 72 Lee Chang-dong's age · 99th Academy Awards edition