A group of Korean high-school students from around the world arrive in Seoul for a summer program to help them connect with their heritage. Check out the trailer and then read on for more about Seoul Searching.
Set in 1986, a government-sponsored summer camp sees a variety of young Koreans gather together to take part in a number of classes and activities designed to help learn more about their history and culture. Rebellious and unfocused party-goers, they head in all the wrong direction of course, but in time will come to find a greater respect for their past and themselves, plus maybe make some friends and even fall in love.
Purposefully created to give homage to the 80s films of the late John Hughes, the multi-language film directly references much of that era’s culture while still keeping the story feeling fresh. Based on writer/director Benson Lee‘s own experience as a ‘gyopo’, a Korean born outside of Korea, the story captures the heart and passion of the 80s with music, costumes and attitude while layering it with the highly-popular Korean drama approach, making for a unique film.
Boasting a strong cast of young actors, the film looks to be full of energy and on the right side of homage, not taking the tropes of the 80s into parody but holding true to that time’s influences, keeping it light and entertaining but with some emotional punches along the way. It’s international release was critically praised for its ensemble cast and potential for the Asian American film industry.
Seoul Searching opens this month in select theaters.
Director:
Benson Lee
Writer:
Benson Lee
Stars:
Justin Chon, Jessika Van, In-Pyo Cha, Teo Yoo, Esteban Ahn, Rosalina Leigh