Time to Be Strong
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Theatrical Screenings
Kinoteka 3
Kinoteka 2
Online Availability
Additional Materials
Film description
Three young people arrive on the beautiful Jeju Island, a popular destination among Korean tourists. They appear to be ordinary twenty-somethings on a trip, but they share an unusual past they are reluctant to talk about. Not long ago, they were part of the K-pop industry, dreaming of becoming major stars, but now they are struggling with trauma and are unsure of their future. Spending time together away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, and encountering the local residents offers them a chance to heal and rediscover themselves. Will they be able to seize this opportunity?
“Time to Be Strong” is the strongest proof that low-budget cinema in Korea is in excellent shape. The difficult and important subject of the toxicity of show business is handled with great sensitivity by the director. Sun is not interested in cheap sensationalism. By focusing on her fragile characters, she reveals what they have been through, questioning whether they will find the strength to return to a healthy life. The film won three awards at the Jeonju Film Festival (including the Grand Prix), and these accolades are thoroughly deserved.
text:
Marcin Krasnowolski
Sun Namkoong
Born in Seoul, Sun Namkoong studied architecture at Seoul National University and film at the Korea National University of Arts. She wrote and directed the feature film “Ten Months” as well as several critically acclaimed short films.
2021 Sib-gae-wol / Ten Months
2024 Czas się ogarnąć / Himeul nael sigan / Time to Be Strong
2025 Gobaekeui yeoksa / Love Untangled
Festival guests
Sun Namkoong


