5th Toronto Korean Film Festival 2016

LIFE IMPRINTED

무늬

5th annual Toronto Korean Film Festival

JUNE 17 - 24, 2016 Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave.

OPENING NIGHT ON JUNE 17TH Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St. WWW.TKFF.CA

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Table of Contents

Welcome to TKFF 2016 3 Schedule At a Glance 4 Congratulatory Letters 5 Welcome Message 7 Thank Yous

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About the Theme 9 Jury & Awards 10 Feature Presentation 12 Korean Diaspora

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Korean-Canadian Showcase 27 Korean Shorts Competition 31 Korean Classic 35 Festival Credits 36

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Welcome to TKFF 2016 ABOUT TORONTO KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL With the mission ‘To Advance Diversity Through Korean

attracted more than 220 entries from filmmakers locally and

Cinema’, Toronto Korean Film Festival (TKFF) is a non-profit

abroad. TKFF also co-hosted a project-funding workshop with

organization with four major goals: to present authentic

Toronto Arts Council for Korean-Canadian filmmakers in 2013.

Korean cinema to the Canadian community; to support local Korean filmmakers; to engage in academic research of

With a more diverse film selection than ever before, TKFF is proud to continue celebrating the cultural diversity of Canada.

Korean cinema; and to bridge together the Korean and Canadian film industries.

Every year the festival contributes to Toronto’s rich and enthusiastic film culture, delivering 80 Korean films to local audiences since its inauguration in 2012. TKFF also aims to

TICKETS General admission (single): $12 Full Festival pass (single): $80

be the showcase for emerging talents and their works. This is

Tickets and passes are available for purchase by the door

achieved via the initiative Korean-Canadian Programme and

or online at www.tkff.ca.

the Korean Shorts Competition Showcase, which this year

For inquiries, please contact tkff.info@gmail.com.

VENUES June 17 (Opening Night):

June 18 - 24:

Toronto Centre for the Arts (5040 Yonge St.)

Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Ave.)

FOLLOW US

SUBTITLES

Facebook: /tkfffilmfest Twitter: @tkfffilmfest Instagram: @torontokoreanfilmfest

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All films will have English subtitles.

Schedule At a Glance

Please note: the times listed below are the screening start time. Doors open 30 minutes prior.

DATE

TIME/LOCATION

PROGRAMME

FILMS

Friday, June 17

5:00pm

Korean-Canadian

My Enemy, My Brother Dead Friends

Toronto Centre for

Showcase

Julio

Sunny Shower

Sun

Treasure King

Flamenco

The Box

Negative Reversal

The Monkey Hunter

the Arts

Negative Strobe 7:30pm

Opening Night

Toronto Centre for

Feature Presentation

The World of Us 우리들

the Arts Saturday, June 18

5:00pm

Korean Diaspora

Get Up (Steh Auf) A Crybaby Boxing Club 울보 권투부

Innis Town Hall Feature Presentation

Snow Paths 설행_눈길을 걷다

Feature Presentation

Troublers 불온한 당신

Feature Presentation

Eyelids 눈꺼풀

Feature Presentation

Stop 스톱

Korean Classic

A Coachman 마부

7:00pm

Korean Shorts

The Chicken of Wuzuh 우주의 닭

Innis Town Hall

Competition

Searching for Bong 봉준호를 찾아서

7:30pm Innis Town Hall Sunday, June 19

2:00pm Innis Town Hall 5:00pm Innis Town Hall 7:30pm Innis Town Hall

Monday, June 20

7:00pm Innis Town Hall

Tuesday, June 21

Late Summer 여름의 끝 Her, Rose 허장미 사망사건의 전말 Fishy Family 생선구이 다리집 Prey 먹이 Greed 아귀 Wednesday, June 22

Feature Presentation

Karaoke Crazies 중독 노래방

Korean Diaspora

I am Sunmu 나는 선무다

Feature Presentation

The Unfair 소수의견

7:00pm

Closing Night

Dong-ju: The Portrait of a Poet 동주

Innis Town Hall

Feature Presentation

7:00pm Innis Town Hall

Thursday, June 23

5:00pm Innis Town Hall 7:30pm Innis Town Hall

Friday, June 24

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Congratulatory Letters

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Welcome Message A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear friends,

a life defined through one’s actions and

It is my honor to welcome you all to

experiences. We will also hold our

the 5th anniversary edition of Toronto

annual showcases of Korean Shorts

Korean Film Festival (TKFF).

and Korean-Canadian films. The 2016

Since our beginnings in 2012, it has

Vino Kim TKFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

festival is TKFF’s newest set of unique

been our continuous goal to enrich

imprints on the artistic

cultural diversity in Toronto by showcas-

and cultural landscape of Canada.

ing authentic Korean cinema and all

Five years have passed, but TKFF still

its production processes, ideas, and

has ways to go. We are extremely thank-

final works.

ful towards all sponsors and donors,

It is also the TKFF tradition to launch

and the enthusiasm and cooperation of

every annual festival under a certain

all partners. I also applaud the dedication

theme. For 2016, the theme is “무늬: Life

and hard work of our festival staff and

Imprinted”. “무늬” (mooni) is the Korean

volunteers. Last but not least, TKFF is not

word for “pattern”. For TKFF, using

without the support of our audiences.

the art and culture of cinema, 무늬

To those who have been here before,

symbolizes the unique print of patterns

thank you for your continuous apprecia-

that is an individual’s life. This year,

tion of Korean cinema; and to our newest

we screen eight feature-length presen-

patrons, thank you for joining us in our

tations, each of which is a snapshot of

celebration of culture and the arts.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Dear friends,

tion and Korean-Canadian films to help

It is my honor to sit on the Board of

showcase Korean culture.

Directors as its Chair for the 5th annual

Cindy Zimmer TKFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

Toronto Korean Film Festival (TKFF);

to thank all those who attended and

and on behalf of the board, I’m delighted

supported us during our first four years;

to welcome you to our 2016 festival.

as well as those who are new to TKFF.

Beyond our shared passion for

We are also very grateful to the wonder-

films, TKFF’s vision to “advance diver-

ful sponsors, donors and partners of this

sity and creativity in Canadian society

year’s edition. Your support has helped

through authentic Korean cinema

us grow our festival and showcase

and its production” is incredibly essential

Korean film to help enrich Toronto’s

in our multicultural society. There has

diverse fabric.

never been a better time to foster and

And of course, TKFF could not

encourage artistic expression from

happen without the fabulous festival

a variety of sources and backgrounds.

staff and volunteers; thank you for your

Film is an important medium to tell

hard work, perseverance and passion

stories, encourage discussion, enter-

in making TKFF a reality.

tain, and educate. TKFF will screen a full program including eleven feature-length presentations, a Korean Shorts competi-

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The Board of Directors would like

I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the festival.

Thank Yous SPONSORS

KOREAN

HOUSE

CUISINE

코 | 리 | 아 | 하 | 우 | 스

KOREAN

HOUSE

CUISINE

코 | 리 | 아 | 하 | 우 | 스

SCREENING PARTNERS

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS & DONORS Mari Jang

Kelly Jinkyoung Lee

Thomas Kim

Siyoung Byun

Ian Chew

Jong Suk Kim

Myungyul Park

Amneet Thind

Grace Alsdud

Emily Zhu

Rachel Arlene Singh

Satoko Norimatsu

And all our anonymous donors!

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About the Theme

무늬: LIFE IMPRINTED The literal meaning of 무늬 (‘mooni’) is ‘pattern’,

whorls, arches and loops that make up a finger-

a set of repeating forms, structures or designs.

print, this is the unparalleled definition of

Metaphorically, 무늬 symbolizes the snapshot of

one’s identity.

one’s life, a unique print of patterns by which

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This year’s screenings of eight feature-length

one is defined. The creation, occupation and

films shines the spotlight on individual stories.

reformation of time and space, through a series

From what is seemingly ordinary to the extraordi-

of calculated decisions and miscalculations,

nary, from the historic to the contemporary, this

unforeseen struggles and ultimate achievements

is a celebration of every experience that forms

are what forms one’s 무늬. Ultimately, like the

the patterns and permanence of life.

Jury & Awards The seven short films of the Korean Shorts Competition Showcase (pg. 31) are eligible for 2 awards, which will be presented at the Awards Ceremony preceding the Closing Night Feature Presentation on Friday, June 24.

TKFF BEST KOREAN SHORT AWARD The Best Korean Short will be selected by our panel of jurors:

ANN SHIN

CATHERINE KIM

JASON ANDERSON

HONG KAL

Ann grew up on a farm in Fraser

Born and raised in Toronto,

Jason is a programmer for

Hong Kal is an Associate

Valley, British Columbia, and

Catherine Kim has proven

the Toronto International Film

now lives in Toronto with her

her dedication to the both

Professor in the Department

Festival’s Short Cuts pro-

two daughters. She has worked

the Korean community as well

of Visual Art and Art History

gramme and is the Director

in the film and television indus-

as the larger multi-cultural

of Programming for the Kings-

at York University. Kal teaches

try for the past 20 years, and is

community in Canada.

ton Canadian Film Festival. He

an award-winning film and

Currently, Catherine is the

also writes regularly about film,

new media Director, Producer

Executive Director of Dosaan

music and the arts for such

and principal of Fathom Film

Foundation, a registered

publications as Sight & Sound,

Group. Her latest documentary

charity in Toronto whose main

Cinema Scope, Uncut mag-

“MY ENEMY, MY BROTHER”

directive is to assist Asians in

azine, Movie Entertainment,

political art, art and social

premiered at Tribeca Film

need. Catherine is employed

Men’s Fashion and the Toronto

trauma, urban spectacles and

Festival, was shortlisted for

as a Public Librarian in Toronto

Star. He teaches criticism and

exhibition politics in Korea.

a 2016 Oscar, and won Best

and actively juggles her time

journalism at the University of

She is the author of Aesthetic

Short Documentary at the

between her family, employ-

Toronto and Ryerson University;

Constructions of Korean

Traverse City Film Festival

ment, and community service.

art and visual culture of East Asia. Her research interests include public and community art, artistic intervention to urban redevelopment,

and is also a writer and script

Nationalism: Spectacle, Politics

and the Sepanta Award, and

consultant for the Viceland

Humanitarian Award by Best

and History (Routledge, 2011).

television series VICE Guide

Shorts International Festival.

to Film.

She is currently working on several feature films and augmented reality interactive projects, including the feature

TKFF AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD

version of “MY ENEMY, MY

The TKFF Audience Choice Award recipient will be selected by votes cast by the attending audience. As

BROTHER” and co-directing

award recognition is vital for the career of any emerging filmmaker, we encourage all audience mem-

“SUGAR SISTERS” with the CBC.

bers to fill out the ballots following the KOREAN SHORTS COMPETITION screening.

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DONG-JU: THE PORTRAIT OF A POET 동주 (pg. 21)

Feature Presentation TKFF 2016’s presentations of feature-length films, selected under the theme “무늬: LIFE IMPRINTED”

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FEATURED PRESENTATION (OPENING)

The World of Us 우리들

GA-EUN YOON | KOREA 2016 | 95 MIN | DRAMA | KOREAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES FRI JUNE 17 | DOORS OPEN 7:00PM | SCREENING STARTS 7:30PM | TORONTO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

OPENING NIGHT FEATURE PRESENTATION

SYNOPSIS

Free Screening

vacation, she meets Jia, who is new in town. As Sun shows

At an age when perhaps friends mean more than mothers, 10 year-old Sun is an outcast at school. During summer Jia around the neighborhood, play at each other’s houses and share secrets, they become best friends. But when the new semester starts, upon noticing a strange vibe between Sun and everyone else, Jia begins to distance herself from Sun. This narrative of innocence and pain casts a light on the world of children, which may be more complex and delicate than that of adults.

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS AND AWARDS: Berlin International Film Festival, 2016 Udine Far East Film Festival, 2016 TIFF Kids International Film Festival, 2016 DIRECTOR’S BIO Born in 1982, Seoul, Yoon majored in History and Religious Studies at Sogang University, and later moved on to study Film Directing at Korea National University of Arts. She then worked with children and youth via film clubs in middle and

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high schools, and worked to develop media education during

shattered by mistrust and manipulation. Memories they

her time at the Korean Film Museum. She has shown constant

once cherished are used to attack each other’s weaknesses.

interest in the intimate, personal lives of children and adoles-

The story skillfully avoids the stereotypical “good girl versus

cents living in the present age; and their intrinsic worries and

abusive parents and mean friends” trope. Rather, the girls’

troubles through her work. Her short film “GUEST” (2011) was

contrasting circumstances keep the viewer engaged in this

the first Asian film to win the Grand Prix in the International

realistic portrayal of youth. Yet, the tender colors and gentle

Competition section at the 34th International Short Film

cinematography evoke a vision of childhood that, despite

Festival - Clermont Ferrand. Her next short film “SPROUT”

the complex social dynamics, remains delicately beautiful.

(2013) won the Best Short Film (Crystal Bear) Award at the 64th

— HAZEL KANG

Berlin International Film Festival, Generation Section. “THE WORLD OF US” is Yoon’s first feature-length film.

The Opening Night Feature Presentation of “THE WORLD OF

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

US” is a SPARK project for the Cultural Hotspot in partner-

Life for the two girls in this film is not as simple as adults

ship with the City of Toronto.

might think. Family, friends, ability, wealth, and popularity are serious issues for children too. Their naïve friendship is easily

PRESENTING SPONSORS

CO-PRESENTERS

COMMUNITY PARTNER

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Snow Paths 설행_눈길을 걷다

HEE-JUNG KIM | KOREA 2015 | 98 MIN | DRAMA | KOREAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES SAT JUNE 18 | DOORS OPEN 7:00PM | SCREENING STARTS 7:30PM Canadian Premiere

INNIS TOWN HALL

SYNOPSIS

short films such as “PORTRAIT OF THE FATHER”, “THE

Jeong-woo is sent to a sanitarium deep in the mountains to

APPOINTMENT”, and “ONCE….SOMEDAY”, which were invited

overcome his alcoholism. There he meets a young nun named

to numerous film festivals including Clermont-Ferrand,

Maria, who has a special ability to see through people. In this

Edinburgh, Munich, Chicago International Film Festival and

isolated sanitarium, Maria is the only person who seems to

Busan International Film Festival. After graduation, Hee-jung

care for him; and he soon feels drawn to her. While struggling

finished the screenplay for “THE WONDER YEARS” in The

with withdrawal, Jeong-woo experiences a fantasy where

Résidence du Festival (part of the Cinéfondation at Festival de

his reality is different from what he believes. The further he

Cannes). Her second feature film, “GRAPE CANDY”, received

escapes from his alcoholism, the closer he confronts a past he

critical acclaim and invitations to a number of festivals.

has denied for years.

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS AND AWARDS

Wintery whiteout everywhere, “SNOW PATHS” tells the tale of a

Goteborg Film Festival, 2016

psychological mirage. Starring gifted rising-stars So-dam Park

Seoul Independent Film Festival, 2015

and Tae-hoon Kim as a nun and an alcoholic, the film explores

Jeonju International Film Festival, 2015

spirituality with a bricolage of religious belief, individual

DIRECTOR’S BIO

convictions, and elusive destiny through the characters and plot. The result is a cinematic maze where everyone is lost

Hee-jung Kim was born in Seoul in 1970. After graduating from

altogether and found by themselves alone. “SNOW PATHS” is

Playwriting in Seoul Institute of the Arts, she entered The

sure to provide a sumptuous opportunity for renewal as yet

Polish National Film School in Lodz in 1996. There she made

another leafy Summer awaits us in the circle of life.

— JIHONG KIM

COMMUNITY PARTNER

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Troublers 불온한 당신

YOUNG LEE | KOREA 2015 | 98 MIN | DOCUMENTARY | KOREAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES SUN JUNE 19 | DOORS OPEN 1:30PM | SCREENING STARTS 2:00PM North American Premiere

INNIS TOWN HALL

SYNOPSIS

Créteil, Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival,

“You do not belong to this world!” This film reflects South Korea’s

Frameline Film Festival, and several others.

culture of phobia, as seen through the eyes of a lesbian filmmaker.

Living in South Korea as an LGBTQ makes one an easy target for

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

hatred. They are perceived as dangerous to the nation’s safe-

The hateful violence and discrimination against sexual minorities

ty, future, and well-being. In Lee’s pursuit for sustainability of a

shown explicitly in the film is not its only message. The groups

marginalized life, she encounters Lee Muk, an ordinary 70-year-old

protesting against LGBT rights as well as threats to the current

Korean living a double life as “Mr. Pants”; and a Japanese lesbian

government overwhelm the film with their angry shouting and

couple, Ten and Non, who are also living precarious lives. As a

cursing. The quiet lives of Mr. Pants, a “senior” to the lesbian

growing number of citizens become targets of “witch-hunting” in

filmmaker, and the Japanese couple, Ten and Non, are interwoven

South Korea, the true faces of haters are slowly revealed.

between scenes of violent homophobia and the impenetrable peace surrounding the Blue House, the Korean presidential

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS & AWARDS

residence. The result is a discomforting contrast of violence and

Seoul Independent Documentary Film & Video Festival, 2016

peace that questions who are really the “troublers” in the country.

Gangneung Human Rights Film Festival, 2015

— HAZEL KANG

Seoul Independent Film Festival, 2015 DMZ International Documentary Film Festival, 2015:

FILM TALK

Special Jury Award

Following the screening will be a panel discussion on the

DIRECTOR’S BIO Young Lee founded a documentary filmmaking group WOM

Korean / Korean-Canadian queer experience, courtesy of our Community Partner Queerean Town.

DOCS (Feminist Visual Activism WOM) in 2001. Since then she has worked on documentary filmmaking, filmmaking education, and

CO-PRESENTER

media policy. All of her films aroused great resonance in Korean society by dealing with new issues and stories of invisible subjects in unique ways. Through the film “TROUBLERS”, she explores the documentary style of composing social events with individuals’

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

daily lives. “TROUBLERS” earned the Special Jury Award at the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival. Her earlier work “OUT” was screened at the Festival International De Films De Femmes de

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Eyelids 눈꺼풀

MUEL O | KOREA 2015 | 85 MIN | DRAMA | KOREAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES SUN JUNE 19 | DOORS OPEN 4:30PM | SCREENING STARTS 5:00PM INNIS TOWN HALL

International Premiere

SYNOPSIS

his career as a filmmaker, which began in 2003 with two

An old man living an ascetic life on the remote island of

short films, “PUTTING ON LIPSTICK THICKLY” and “FLOWER

Mireukdo (미륵도) whiles his days away meditating, tending

FOR A HEAD”. He went on to direct his first feature-length

his yard, and making things out of what he owns, and what

“NOSTALGIA” in 2009, followed by “PONG DDOL” in 2010 and

floats to shore. When the phone rings and visitors come, he

“WIND OF ISLAND” in 2011. His breakthrough film was his

prepares rice cakes for them. Those who perish at sea seem

fourth feature, “JISEUL”, which won four prizes at its World

to be the island’s most frequent visitors. With trance-like

Premiere at the 17th Busan International Film Festival. It then

cinematography and evocative symbols delivered through an

became the first Korean movie to ever win the World Cinema

arthouse approach, “EYELIDS” is Muel O’s eulogy for the 304

Grand Jury (Dramatic) at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

souls lost by the Sewol Ferry disaster in Korea in 2014, many of whom were high school students.

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE This film is a requiem for those who have died at sea. The old

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS AND AWARDS

man in the island consoles those who leave and those who

Busan International Film Festival, 2015:

remain by making the last meal on behalf of mourners who

CGV Arthouse Award, DGK Award

were not given a chance to bid the last farewell. Director O indirectly conveys his condolences over the loss from the

DIRECTOR’S BIO

Sewol ferry disaster through this film. This film also delivers

Born and raised on Jeju Island, South Korea, Muel O first

a message to society to be wary of turning a blind eye to

studied Korean painting at Jeju National University before

injustice through its use of the tale of the monk Bodhidarma.

— ELIN HEE RYUNG LEE

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Stop 스톱

KI-DUK KIM | KOREA, JAPAN 2015 | 87 MIN | DRAMA | JAPANESE W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES SUN JUNE 19 | DOORS OPEN 7:00PM | SCREENING STARTS 7:30PM | INNIS TOWN HALL

North American Premiere

SYNOPSIS

then, Kim has been hailed by both critics and audiences for

Underpinned by the veteran filmmaker’s ‘statement against

his hard-to-express characters, shocking visuals, and unprec-

human errors made to nature,’ “STOP” depicts a story of a

edented messages. He continued on making internationally

young couple Sabu and Miki, who move to Tokyo from their

acclaimed films such as “SAMARITAN GIRL” (winner of the Silver

home within the ‘danger zone’ following the 2011 Fukushima

Bear award for Best Direction in Berlin, 2004); “3-IRON” (Winner

nuclear disaster in Japan. The beginnings of their new life is

of the Silver Lion award for Best Direction in Venice, 2004);

marked by the discovery of Miki’s pregnancy, causing fears that

“ARIRANG” (winner of the Un Certain Regard Prize in Cannes,

their newborn may be affected by the exposure to radiation.

2011); and “PIETA” (winner of the Gold Lion award for Best Film

Miki believes the right decision is to get an abortion, but Sabu

at Venice, 2012). His latest film, “ONE ON ONE”, was screened in

tries to convince her otherwise. In the meantime, blaming the

Venice as the opening film of the 11th Venice Days in 2014.

dependency on electricity for the nuclear meltdown in the first place, Sabu meets Take and together they initiate a plan to cut off power flowing into the city.

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE Ki-duk Kim is one of Korea’s most provocative and controversial master filmmakers. Although “STOP” lacks Kim’s trademark

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS AND AWARDS

explicit sex and violence, it is no less a shocking film. Adding to

Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, 2015

the raw and desperate atmosphere of this drama, Kim shot this

Busan International Film Festival, 2015

film with a bare-bones crew and budget. In addition to writing and directing the film, he was also the cameraman, editor, and

DIRECTOR’S BIO

producer. This North American premiere screening will be a

After studying art in Paris, Ki-duk Kim returned to Korea to

rare opportunity to see this unique film, as it is currently not

begin his career as a screenwriter. He made his directorial

scheduled for release in Korea.

debut with a low-budget movie, “CROCODILE”, in 1996. Since

— CARTER BRUCE

CO-PRESENTERS

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Karaoke Crazies 중독 노래방

SANG-CHAN KIM | KOREA 2016 | 106 MIN | FANTASY, COMEDY, THRILLER | KOREAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES WED JUNE 22 | DOORS OPEN 6:30PM | SCREENING STARTS 7:00PM INNIS TOWN HALL

Canadian Premiere

SYNOPSIS

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

As Sang-chan Kim’s newest feature since his debut in 2007

Sung-wook runs the ‘Addiction Karaoke’ in a small town. After

with “HIGHWAY STAR”, “KARAOKE CRAZIES” has reeled interest

the local factory closed, business slowed so he decides to hire

since word of its production in 2014, followed by little to no

a couple of karaoke helpers. He ends up with quite an odd

information in the public sphere leading up to its release. The

pair: Ha-suk, a reclusive computer game addict and Na-ju, an

film follows Sung-wook, a porn-addicted hermit whose sole

extroverted professional singing helper. This black comedy

enterprise is a karaoke complex called Addiction Karaoke.

grapples with surprisingly weighty issues like trauma, loss,

When business is slow, he hires singing helper Ha-Suk, a girl

addiction, and how these can lead to disconnection and lone-

in her early 20s. She’s a hopeless game addict, but somehow

liness. However, despite the film’s dark and twisted humor,

lures customers in. Na-ju joins the crew and brightens up

it also shows a healing process through communication and

the miserable place with her bubbly character. Just when

understanding among those with similar experiences.

everything starts turning for the better, little do they know that a serial killer on the loose in town is after something in the karaoke.

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS & AWARDS SXSW Film Conference and Festival, 2016 Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival, 2016 Chattanooga Film Festival, 2016 Boston Underground Film Festival, 2016

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— CHOONG-HO PARK

The Unfair 소수의견

SUNG-JE KIM| KOREA 2015 | 126 MIN | DRAMA | KOREAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES THURS JUNE 23 | DOORS OPEN 7:00PM | SCREENING STARTS 7:30PM INNIS TOWN HALL

Canadian Premiere

SYNOPSIS

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

A court-appointed attorney, Jin-won, is hard at work on

Veteran actors and a strong story come together to form this

his latest case, one involving of the deaths of a 16-year old

riveting courtroom drama. Based on a true story, the film

boy and a police officer. The boy had been killed by a cop

captures a legal battle against unjust government forces who

named Hee-taek, who the boy’s father, Jae-ho, murders in

try to hide the truth of the death of 16-year-old teenage boy.

revenge. Jin-won senses something amiss, and with the help

A police operation to clear protesters occupying the building

of a passionate journalist, he vows to reveal the truth behind

against eviction turned chaotic and violent. The screenplay is

Hee-taek’s actions and accuses the court of attempting a

adapted from Ah-ram Sohn’s novel Minority Opinion 소수의견,

cover-up. Faced with an uphill battle, losing hope and on the

which dealt with the Yongsan disaster that lead to 6 deaths

verge of giving up, Jin-won’s quest for truth and justice is given

in 2009.

new life when Jae-ho asks Jin-won to defend his case. Through

— CHOONG-HO PARK

a solemn and tense courtroom narrative, “THE UNFAIR” questions whose side the law is really on by offering a rare, realistic look at Korea’s legal system.

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Dong-ju: The Portrait of a Poet 동주 JOON-IK LEE | KOREA 2016 | 113 MIN | DRAMA, BIOGRAPHY | KOREAN, JAPANESE W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES FRI JUNE 24 | DOORS OPEN 6:30PM | SCREENING STARTS 7:00PM INNIS TOWN HALL

CLOSING NIGHT FEATURE PRESENTATION

When the Japanese force upon Koreans Japanese names and identities, the two head to Japan to study, leaving their home country in turmoil. There, Mong-gyu becomes more involved in resistance movements while Dong-ju expresses through his poems, deepening the clash of differences between the two.

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS & AWARDS SYNOPSIS During the Japanese occupation, when few things were

Seoul International Agape Film Festival, 2016 Jeonju International Film Festival, 2016

allowed to Koreans, two cousins of the same age, Dong-ju and

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Mong-gyu, are born in the same house and grow up together.

DIRECTOR’S BIO

The pair are close friends, despite their differences: Dong-ju

‘Master director’ Joon-ik Lee is the first-ever Korean director

dreams to be a poet, while Mong-gyu is a die-hard activist.

who drew more than 10 million in admission sales with his

Canadian Premiere

period film “THE KING AND THE CLOWN” in 2005. He has since

Along with Ha-neul Kang’s delicate performance, this biopic

crossed genres with over ten various works; those most

magnificently depicts a poet’s agony, frustration, and creativity

notable include “ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE BATTLEFIELD,”

under the weight of oppression.

“RADIO STAR”, “SUNNY”, “HOPE” and “THE THRONE”.

— CHOONG-HO PARK

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

This presentation will be preceded by the TKFF 2016 Awards

This is a film about the life of Dong-ju Yoon, who is perhaps

Ceremony, where the winners of the TKFF 2016 Korean Shorts

the most beloved Korean poet. He lived during the era of

Competition will be announced.

Japanese colonial rule, the so-called “era of darkness”, when Korean literature and culture were heavily suppressed.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Director Lee successfully evokes that particular historical setting with excellent black and white cinematography; and Yoon’s poetry is woven into the dialogue as narration.

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23

GET UP (STEH AUF) (pg. 25)

Korean Diaspora Two feature-lengths and one short that highlight the experiences of ethnic Koreans overseas.

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A Crybaby Boxing Club 울보 권투부 International Premiere

DIRECTOR’S BIO

IL-HA E | KOREA 2014 | 86 MIN | DOCUMENTARY | KOREAN, JAPANESE W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES

Born in Korea, Il-ha E moved to Japan in 2000. E completed his Bachelor’s degree at Tama Art University, his Master’s

SAT JUNE 18 | DOORS OPEN 4:30PM |

at the graduate school of Nihon University, and his Doctorate

SCREENING STARTS 5:00PM | INNIS TOWN HALL

in Documentary at the graduate school of Osaka University of Arts.

SYNOPSIS “Leave Japan. There is no place for you here.” The Japanese

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

right hold a public protest against a high school in Tokyo for

A film about young men who are foreigners in their own

Korean residents in Japan. During school hours, just like any

country, fighting, crying, comforting each other to be united.

other high school, students are peaceful in between filling the

The Zainichi people are six hundred thousand Koreans in

halls with noise. Yet after school, shouts of concentration

Japan, who have been residing there for generations for over

and the smell of sweat are emitted from the gym, where

a century. Despite blatant racism from the mainstream society,

the young members of an after school boxing club train hard

the youth of one Korean high school boxing club in Tokyo

for an upcoming varsity tournament and their dreams

demonstrate how the minorities can make strides towards

beyond graduation.

achieving their dreams, with the support of their family and community.

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS & AWARDS

— YUSUKE TANAKA

6th DMZ International Documentary Film Festival, 2014: Opening Film Wildflower Film Awards Korea, 2016: Best Director, Documentaries preceded by

Get Up (Steh Auf) SEUNG HYUN CHONG | GERMANY 2014 | 24 MIN | DRAMA | GERMAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES

SYNOPSIS Tae-shik, a 26 year old German-born Korean, is in turmoil.

Despite his Korean upbringing, he doesn’t quite identify with the Korean ways that his parents want him to be. He remains adrift; his only passion is boxing; but the adversities to boxing seem too much to deal with.

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Canadian Premiere

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

I am Sunmu 나는 선무다

DIRECTOR’S BIO Sjöberg, the founder of LOOSE LUGGAGE MEDIA, is a documentary filmmaker whose work has taken him to over 60 countries. His recent film, “SHAKE THE DUST”, was a collaboration with hip-hop superstar Nasir “Nas” Jones - an epic global film about the power

ADAM SJÖBERG | USA 2015 | 80 MIN | DOCUMENTARY |

and dignity of youth in the slums that are using breaking

ENGLISH, KOREAN & CHINESE W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES

and hip-hop to change their world. “I AM SUNMU” is his second

THURS JUNE 23 | DOORS OPEN 4:30PM | SCREENING STARTS 5:00PM INNIS TOWN HALL

feature film.

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE Sunmu blends pop art style with his propaganda training to create art that is both a delight to behold and also delivers daring political

SYNOPSIS

messages of hope. Adam Sjöberg’s captivating documentary

Operating under a pseudonym which means “no boundaries”,

about this singularly interesting and inspiring Korean artist has

North Korean defector Sunmu doesn’t just paint about his

the energy of an action thriller. It is almost like a heist film, but re-

troubled life in the world’s most reclusive and repressive state—

versed. Will Sunmu and his team be able to keep his art on display?

he paints images of hope. Sunmu’s work is imbued with nuance

Or will political forces intervene and put an end to the exhibition?

and heartbreak, political pop art that inverts the propaganda work he used to paint for the North Korean regime. In July of 2014,

— CARTER BRUCE

Sunmu is offered an historical, though potentially dangerous, opportunity: a solo exhibition in the capital of Asian art, China.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

As he prepares his show undercover, an unexpected twist of events puts Sunmu and all of his friends and family in danger.

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS & AWARDS

CO-PRESENTER

DMZ Docs Film Festival, 2015 Raindance Film Festival, 2015 DOC NYC, 2015 Human Rights Watch Film Festival (USA, Canada, Great

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Britain), 2015 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, 2015

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Korean-Canadian Showcase TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 70 min FRI JUNE 17 | DOORS OPEN 4:30PM | SCREENING STARTS 5:00PM TORONTO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

SUN (pg. 29)

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PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

Free Screening

Canada is home to an abundance of extraordinarily talented Korean-Canadian

FILM TALK

filmmakers. Whether they are first

This evening’s featured filmmakers

generation immigrants, or born-and-

will be in attendance for a post-screening

raised in Canada, these filmmakers have

Q&A session.

unique perspectives that cross cultural and geographic borders. Eleven outstanding recent short films from nine of these filmmakers will be on display in this year’s showcase. This diverse program includes delightful animated shorts, fascinating documentaries, and touching dramas.

Local filmmakers will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A session.

— CARTER BRUCE

The Korean-Canadian Showcase is a SPARK project for the Cultural Hotspot in partnership with the City of Toronto.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

CO-PRESENTERS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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Korean-Canadian Shorts

1. My Enemy, My Brother

2. Julio

3. Sun

EUI YONG ZONG | CANADA 2015 |

EUI YONG ZONG | CANADA 2015 |

ANN SHIN | CANADA 2015 | 14 MIN |

5 MIN | DOCUMENTARY

11 MIN | DRAMA

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

17-year-old Claudia is left on her own to take

Sun works at a hair salon at the mercy of the

Zahed and Najah are two former enemies

care of her brother while living as an undocu-

owner. One day, a man she has been secretly

from the Iran-Iraq War who become blood

mented migrant in Brazil.

in love with drops by for a haircut.

4. Flamenco

5. Negative Reversal

6. Negative Strobe

GLORIA UI YOUNG KIM | CANADA 2015 |

SAMUEL KIEHOON LEE | CANADA 2015 |

SAMUEL KIEHOON LEE | CANADA 2015 |

12 MIN | DRAMA

3 MIN | EXPERIMENTAL, VISUAL ART

3 MIN | EXPERIMENTAL, VISUAL ART

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

A film about lust, loneliness and obsession,

Time is symmetry. Each character walks

Walking, shopping, parking. Witness the world

“FLAMENCO” follows the love triangle be-

through the scene, once forward, and once

they live in, the pursuit of consumption and

tween Camilla, Alexander and Lola. Feelings

backwards. Through their silhouettes we

memories as silhouettes suddenly freeze

climax to an unexpected conclusion, leaving

catch a glimpse of the world they live in.

in a strobe and leave behind a brief residual

us questioning what is real, and how far

Shot in Seoul’s Hongdae area, silhouettes of

image. In this moment, trailing behind

obsession can take you...

people walk left and right through the screen.

each person/car/cyclist is a latent image of

Many are couples, looking for a place to eat

themselves, a ghostly footprint that quickly

or lounge. As the third installment of Lee’s

disappears. Except for their own bodies,

“Staggered Time Walking Videos” series, this

they take nothing forward with them. Do

piece investigates Seoulites and their quest

they keep the memories they make? Do they

for belonging.

quickly forget what they have done?

DOCUMENTARY

brothers for life. 25 years after one saves the other’s life on the battlefield, they meet again by sheer chance in Canada. Considering the recent coverage of the Middle East this emotional documentary story of Najah and Zahed is a surprising affirmation of humanity that cuts across political borders.

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Korean-Canadian Animation Shorts

1. Dead Friends

2. Sunny Shower

CHANGSIK LEE | CANADA 2015 |

HYUNJOO YANG | CANADA 2010 |

1 MIN 45 SEC | ANIMATION

1 MIN 20 SEC | ANIMATION

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

Decades after a mysterious and incurable

A stuffed bear and rabbit start their...magical

zombie virus spreads worldwide, mankind is

flying car? Get ready for an adventure!

in danger of going extinct. Among the infected, there is an old zombie, accompanied by his loyal dog and the hopes that one day he will be human again.

3. Treasure King

4. The Box

5. The Monkey Hunter

JIHYEON ANNIE JANG | CANADA 2015 |

RUBY LEE | CANADA 2010 |

TAYLOR YEO | CANADA 2009 |

1 MIN 25 SEC | ANIMATION

1 MIN 42 SEC | ANIMATION

7 MIN | ANIMATION

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

A child finds a magical place in his attic and

A girl jubilantly discovers a mysterious green

A monkey hunter takes advantage of his

tries to take back his toy.

box on the street. However, every attempt

target’s greediness, which turns into a

of opening this box summons weird-looking

dangerous situation in which the hunter

creatures from the garbage who try to steal it

finds his own greed tested.

from her.

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Korean Shorts Competition TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 120 min TUES JUNE 21 | DOORS OPEN 6:30PM | SCREENING STARTS 7:00PM INNIS TOWN HALL

31

SEARCHING FOR BONG 봉준호를 찾아서 (pg. 33)

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE This year’s Korean Shorts

This annual competition and showcase

Competition Showcase offers

makes up one of TKFF’s key initiatives in

more than just a collection of seven

nurturing the prospect of Korean cinema

fantastic short films – it offers a look

by featuring emerging filmmakers from

into passionate, zany, poignant

Korea, or filmmakers of Korean-inspired

life stories. Particularly notable is

works. Out of 220 submissions from Korea

the presence of children and their

and internationally, the festival’s largest

imaginative point of view. The family

amount of entries to date, seven films were

searching for itself as a unit is also

selected by TKFF 2016 to present this year.

worthy of attention. Included in this

The films in this showcase are eligible for

program are “CHICKEN OF WUZUH”,

two awards, which will be presented at the

which screened at Busan International

Awards Ceremony preceding the Closing

Film Festival and Seoul Independent Film

Night Feature Presentation on June 24. Two

Festival; “LATE SUMMER”, which was

films will be selected for the following: the

awarded at Seoul International Youth

Best Korean Short Award (more information

Film Festival; and “PREY”, which won

on pg. 10), and the TKFF Audience Choice

awards in Sapporo, Moscow, and

Award, to be granted to the film most

Hong Kong.

favored by the attending audience. As award recognition is vital for the career of — JENNY LEE

any emerging filmmaker, we encourage all audience members to fill out the ballots following this screening.

CO-PRESENTERS

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Korean Shorts Competition

The Chicken of Wuzuh 우주의 닭

Searching For Bong 봉준호를 찾아서

SUNG-BIN BYUN | KOREA 2015 | 12 MIN | DRAMA

HA-RIM JEONG | KOREA 2015 | 21 MIN | DOCUMENTARY

CANADIAN PREMIERE

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

Wuzuh, a girl with Down Syndrome, has a secret crush on her

Jeong is a grade 12 film production student at Korea

teacher. One day she discovers that a hair accessory her

Animation Secondary School, who, along with friends, have

teacher gave her as a gift he also gave to another student.

dreams of becoming great producers. The future of the film

Feeling betrayed, Wuzuh brings a chicken she has been raising

industry described to them by adults, however, is gloomy.

for her teacher to class, causing chaos.

Devastated, they go on a journey to look for their idol Bong Joon-ho, director of critically acclaimed films such as “THE HOST” and “MOTHER”.

Late Summer 여름의 끝

Her, Rose 허장미 사망사건의 전말

CHO-YE LIM | KOREA 2015 | 19 MIN 26 SEC | DRAMA

MIN-JI KIM | KOREA 2015 | 20 MIN | COMEDY, DRAMA

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

WORLD PREMIERE

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

Despite living a daily routine with her father and older

Ju-yeon is waiting to hear back from a job interview when

sister, ten-year old Gyeongmin feels isolated. Taking

her mother, Heo Rose, suddenly dies in the hospital fol-

place at the end of a hot summer, this is a story about

lowing a physical confrontation. Ju-yeon goes on a quest

childhood, growing pains and its scars, which adults say

to answer her mother’s dying wish: who really killed her?

is all part of growing up.

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Fishy Family 생선구이 다리집

Prey 먹이

BONG-JOO KIM | KOREA 2015 | 25 MIN | DRAMA

BO-YOUNG KIM | KOREA 2014 | 4 MIN | ANIMATION

NORTH AMERICA PREMIERE

CANADIAN PREMIERE

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

Divorced and dumped by her former extramarital lover, Jae-hee

A small fish in a tank dreams of the beautiful world she sees

has settled into a mundane life with her mother, the owner of a

on the other side of the glass. She grows bigger, succeeds

grilled fish restaurant. Things take a bit of a turn when she gets

leaping out of the tank, but into a world nothing like what

surprise news that her adolescent (thus hormonal) son Eun-Chan

she dreamt of.

is coming down to visit her.

Greed 아귀 WOO-JIN SONG | KOREA 2014 | 19 MIN 26 SEC | DRAMA NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

SYNOPSIS A nurse, who is in need of money, accepts an offer of a simple anaesthetization job. She tries to escape when she finds out that she has instead gotten involved in a insurance fraud scheme, but stays trapped in an ambulance where things spiral out of control.

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A Coachman 마부

DAE-JIN KANG | KOREA 1961 | 95 MIN | DRAMA | KOREAN W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES MON JUNE 20 | DOORS OPEN 6:30PM | SCREENING STARTS 7:00PM | INNIS TOWN HALL

An academic and celebratory retrospective of the golden

ment of Theatre and Film at Sorabol University of Arts, he worked

age of Korean Cinema in the 1960s.

as an assistant director under director Shin Sang-ok for 3 years.

This screening is: • FREE for seniors and students • Seniors: 65+ and above • Students: must present valid school ID SYNOPSIS Widower Chun-sam is a coachman who drives carts for a living.

At the age of 27, he made his directorial debut with the comedy, “LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON” (1959). After his debut, he concentrated on making melodramas or teenage movies such as “A COACHMAN” (1961), and “FISHERMAN” (1961), that focus the lives of the working-class people. His other significant works include, “TIMES OF LOVE AND HATRED” (1962), “DON'T BREAK DAMAGED REEDS” (1962), and “THE STEPMOTHER” (1963). After all these works, he passed away on April 1987, at the age of 54.

He lives with four children: eldest son Su-eop, who is studying for the civil service examination; his mute elder daughter, who is

PROGRAMMER’S NOTE

married but is constantly run out by her husband; his younger son,

Chun-sam is a coachman drawing a cart every day. Though his

whose only talent is to get into fights; and his youngest daughter

children are adults and live with him, but he is the only consistent

Ok-hui, who is discontented with her family's poverty and dreams

breadwinner in the house. Still, they endure the ardor of poverty

of improving her life. Suwon-daek, a maid in the household of a

and consistent setbacks. This film won the Silver Bear award at

horse owner, helps out Chun-sam both financially and emotionally,

the 11th Berlin International Film Festival in 1961. It was the first

and the two share deep feelings for each other. After overcoming

Korean film to win such an award at an international film festival.

a lifetime of misfortune, Chun-sam and Suwon-daek are engaged

Kim Seung-ho delivers an incredible performance, and the film

to be married, and the whole family walks along the snow-covered

vividly depicts Korean society as it experienced rapid modernizing

street together with renewed hope.

transitions in the 1960s.

— CHOONG-HO PARK

FESTIVAL INVITATIONS & AWARDS 11th Berlin International Film Festival (1961) Silver Bear Extraordinary Jury Prize

DIRECTOR’S BIO Dae-jin Kang was born in 1933. After graduating from the Depart-

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Festival Credits

Board of Directors

Department of Marketing

Cindy Zimmer (Chair)

Director of Marketing: Steve Sungwon Yoon

Nuo Chen (Vice Chair)

Marketing Staff: Jihae Im, Minjun Cho, Seulki Im,

Choongho Park (Treasurer / Secretary)

Soyeon Yoon

Eugene Kitaek Hong (Founder) Yusuke Tanaka

Department of Operations

Daekun Hwang

Director of Operations: Seoyoung (Jenny) Cho

Chris Park

Executive Director Vino Kim

Department of Programming

Operations Staff: ChangHyun (Chang) Park, Denise Ng, Haseong Kim, Hwa Mok (Harmony) Kang, Yeongji Ho

Department of Design & Production Designers: Minkyung Kim, Caitlin Chu Production Staff: Minjung Kim, Sumin Yun

Senior Programmers: Choongho Park, Carter Bruce Programmers: Han-Gyeol (Hazel) Kang, Dahye Bell Kim Programming Staff: Elin Hee Ryung Lee, Jihong Ghim, Jenny Jin Hee Lee Programming Correspondents: Randy Han Byul Lee, Jenny Jae Hee Lee, Jiang Shiyi Advisor: Yusuke Tanaka

Development and Outreach Amy Thind

IT and Web Development Jason Min

Department of Communications Director of Communications: Bianca Gomez Communications Staff: Sihwa Kim, Hyewon Shin, Youbin Kim

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