![]() |
A scene from the film "Spring Day" / Courtesy of Contents Panda |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
"Spring Day," a movie about a man struggling to come to terms with both his unfortunate past and undesirable present, is a moving and melancholic family drama, according to actor Son Hyun-joo.
In the film, Son plays the role of Ho-sung, a reticent and somewhat mysterious man who has been released after serving eight years behind bars. He returns home to find out that his father passed away. The death of his father saddles him with the unexpected responsibility of looking after his troubled brother, Jong-sung (Park Hyuk-kwon), and two children, who despise him for neglecting the family for such a long time.
Ho-sung is a devastated man who is still picking through the wreckage of his life, but yearns for a second chance to make things better. He plans to collect condolence money from the guests at his father's funeral and flee. However, things don't work out as he intended as two rival gangs arrive at the funeral.
Director Lee Don-ku explained that the film is set at a funeral because the setting offers a chance to dive deeply into sadness and despair.
"The movie also tackles everyday problems ― a dysfunctional family, a struggling business and overbearing siblings and children," he said during a press conference for the film, Wednesday.
![]() |
From left, actors Park Hyuk-kwon, Son Hyun-ju, Park So-jin and Jung Seok-yong pose during a press conference for the film "Spring Day" in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Contents Panda |
"Ho-sung has the desire to live a new life because of his family. He really does his best to start fresh. During the production, I kept asking myself 'Am I doing my best?'" he added.
Son revealed that the film was shot about a year ago.
"It felt more like filming a daily TV series. We became really comfortable around one another, and had a great chemistry on the set. We often hung out together after shooting," he said.
The veteran actor took the chance to praise singer-turned-actor Park So-jin, who is also a member of the K-pop group Girl's Day. She plays the role of Eun-ok, Ho-sung's daughter.
"I had no idea that So-jin was a musician. She played a multi-layered character so well and the audience will be able to see the various facets of her in the film. I cannot wait to see her next project," he said.
Park said she really wanted to be a part of the film.
"It is a rare opportunity to be able to work with such veteran actors. Son is very kind and caring, but when the camera rolls, he completely immerses himself in the role. That really made me focus and do my part," she said.
"Spring Day" will hit local theaters in April.