Director Lee Chang-dong Returns to Venice with 'Possible Love,' Raising Questions on Ethics and Desire

Director Lee Chang-dong has made a triumphant return to the Venice International Film Festival, winning the Silver Lion (Jury Prize) for the first time for a Korean film, eight years after his last feature, 'Burning.' The film explores the collision of two vastly different worlds: a couple of laid-off workers and a documentary filmmaker and her wealthy husband, raising profound questions about the ethics of creation and hidden human desires.

On September 21, a press screening and conference for the Netflix film 'Possible Love' (directed by Lee Chang-dong) took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul. Attendees included director Lee and actors Seol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong, while Jeon Do-yeon participated via video due to overseas commitments.

'Possible Love' tells the story of a laid-off worker and his wife, who meet a documentary filmmaker and her affluent husband as they attempt to capture their lives on film. The narrative is inspired by a large-scale layoff and strike that occurred in 2009, along with the subsequent violent suppression of protests.

Lee stated, "The reality and world we live in are not simple and hide many complexities. I wanted to discuss this with the audience. It is a story about laid-off workers, class conflict, the ethics and attitudes of filmmakers, and human relationships."

He noted that the dilemma faced by the character Yeji (played by Cho Yeo-jeong), who is filming the documentary, resonates with his own struggles as a creator. "As a creator depicting the lives of others, the essential question I have grappled with throughout my life is, 'How much can I capture their stories as their own?' This remains a challenge I have yet to resolve. I wanted to convey my ethical concerns about how to view their lives without reducing them to mere stories for consumption," he explained.

'Possible Love' has garnered significant attention globally even before its release. It made history by winning the Silver Lion at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, marking the first time a Korean film has received this honor. This is also a notable achievement for Lee, who last won the Silver Lion for Best Director in 2002 with 'Oasis.' Additionally, the film has been selected as Korea's entry for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.

In response to the overwhelming global acclaim, Lee expressed humility, saying, "While it is an honor, awards are merely the result. I was most pleased that audiences deeply engaged with the questions the film raises, despite it not being a sensational or easy film to watch."

Seol Kyung-gu and Jo In-sung shared emotional moments from the film's world premiere in Venice, where they were moved to tears by the audience's standing ovation. Seol recalled, "As the audience applauded, memories of filming in Goheung flashed before me like a panorama, and I became completely immersed. I felt embarrassed receiving so many messages after returning to Korea," adding that Jo's presence provided comfort during the emotional moment.

The strong ensemble cast of trusted actors from Chungmuro enhances the film's quality. Seol plays Ho-seok, a laid-off worker whose identity has been shattered by the aftermath of the strike, while Jeon Do-yeon portrays his fiercely supportive wife Mi-ok, reuniting with Lee for the first time since 'Secret Sunshine.'

Jeon reflected, "I was nervous about working together again due to memories from 'Secret Sunshine,' but I was surprised to find the set to be a healing and comfortable environment."

Lee responded, "In the past, I believed that the actors held the answers, so I would intentionally withhold the 'OK' sign to challenge them. However, I have realized that this is no longer a matter of stubbornness. This time, the four actors created excellent teamwork, allowing me to work comfortably."

Jo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong collaborated with Lee for the first time. Cho described her character Yeji as someone who sought to delve into the lives of others. Jo, who plays Yeji's husband Sang-woo, noted, "I believe money can be toxic. Sang-woo embodies the uncomfortable kindness of a capitalist, creating fractures through his greed for more."

'Possible Love' is set to be released in theaters on September 23 and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting November 6.