Shin Sang-ok and Choi Eun-hee Centennial: A Retrospective on Their Cinematic Life

Korean Film Archive Presents Special Exhibition: "The History of Love"

A special exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of director Shin Sangok and actress Choi Eunhee, known for laying the industrial foundation of Korean cinema, will be held.

Poster of The History of Love: Shin Sangok×Choi Eunhee / Korean Film Archive.

The Korean Film Archive will host "The History of Love: Shin Sangok×Choi Eunhee" at Cinematheque KOFA in Sangam-dong from October 15 to 31. A total of 34 works will be screened, including major films by Shin and Choi as well as documentaries about their lives. Highlights include "Seong Chunhyang" (1961), which attracted 4 million viewers in color and cinemascope, and "Min Daughter-in-Law" (1965), directed by Choi Eunhee herself.

Three films—"Not Her Fault" (1959), "Till the End of My Life" (1960), and "The Cruel Story of the Joseon Woman" (1969)—will be presented for the first time in newly restored 4K versions. "Dongshimcho" (1959) will be shown in 35mm film format. Works produced during the pair’s abduction in North Korea, such as "Salt" (1985)—which earned Choi Eunhee the Best Actress Award at the Moscow International Film Festival—and "Escape" (1984) will also be screened.

The opening ceremony on October 15 will feature retrospectives by director Lee Jangho and editor Oh Seonghwan, along with the release of a video essay by director Kim Taeyang. In the CineTalk sessions, director Bae Changho will compare two versions of "Dream" from 1955 and 1990, while directors Kim Dongryeong and Park Kyungtae, as well as critic Kim Byungkyu, will analyze the cinematic worlds of Shin and Choi.

Movie The Cruel Story of the Joseon Woman still cut.

There will be five lectures. Secretary General Jo Junhyeong will discuss the significance of Shin Film's introduction of the producer system; Professor Park Yoohee will address the division of Korea and motherhood; Professor Ham Chungbeom will explore Choi Eunhee’s directorial vision; critic Geum Donghyeon will discuss acting details; and Professor Lee Hwajin will examine "Manjong" and contemporary perceptions of disabilities. All screenings and events will be free of charge.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.