By Karim Hammam
South Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong has returned with his first feature in eight years, "Possible Love," now streaming on Netflix. The 72-year-old director, whose 2018 thriller "Burning" was the first South Korean film shortlisted for an Oscar, said he waits until he has something worthwhile to say rather than produce movies on a schedule.
Inspired by 2009 Ssangyong Motor layoffs
Lee drew inspiration from the 2009 mass layoffs at Ssangyong Motor Co., where about one-third of the workforce lost their jobs. The ensuing plant occupation, police confrontations, and a wave of suicides among workers and family members convinced Lee the event would fundamentally reshape Korean society and the lives of ordinary people.
Meta-narrative shaped by co-writer Oh Jung-mi
After struggling with whether a dramatic film could meaningfully address the subject, co-writer Oh Jung-mi proposed connecting the laid-off workers' story with that of a filmmaker trying to capture it. The breakthrough gave Lee a structure that blended social commentary with self-reflection on the ethics of storytelling.
Two couples illustrate widening class divide
The film centers on two couples: Mi-ok (Jeon Do-yeon) and Ho-seok (Sul Kyung-gu), a working-class pair devastated by his layoff and subsequent depression; and Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), a documentary filmmaker, and her wealthy husband Sang-woo (Zo In-sung). Mi-ok welcomes Ye-ji's interest, hoping the project might help her husband heal, while Ho-seok remains guarded.
Contrasting masculinities and the power of capital
Lee uses the male leads to explore two Korean masculinities. Ho-seok embodies a traditional sense of heavy familial responsibility and brotherhood with coworkers, shattered by job loss and police violence. Sang-woo represents a newer, softer masculinity — kind, attentive, and helpful — yet masking a tightly controlled violence tied to wealth and capital.
Venice acclaim and Oscar submission
"Possible Love" won the runner-up prize at the Venice Film Festival and has been selected as South Korea's official entry for Best International Feature at the 99th Academy Awards. Despite the accolades, Lee downplayed anticipation for his work, prompting star Jeon Do-yeon to call him a "liar" in affectionate disbelief.
