Ra-dee-o-seu-ta

While Radio Star wasn't a smash-hit here in Korea, it had a surprising long run. Being a big fan of Park Joong Hoon and Ahn Sung Kee, I went to see the movie without getting my hopes up about the storyline. Little did I know that I was to be proved wrong. Radio Star is a story about a washed-out singer Choi Gon and his agent Park Min Soo. Choi Gon was a superstar in the 80s, yet in the present year 2006, his only job is singing at a second rate cafe. His manager Min Soo spends his hours covering up for all the drunk driving and illegal drug cases that Choi Gon blew. When he runs out of ideas to borrow money, the only solution for Choi Gon is to become a radio DJ in the small town of YongWol. Gon whines and complains, still thinking of himself as the star that he was in the 80s, unfit for a low job as a radio DJ. But surprisingly, his radio program becomes a legend in the city of YongWol. I'll say this, it's not a movie that you'll come out of the theater thinking that you had the time of your life. Radio Star isn't like that. It's the kind of story that will never get a wide release in Hollywood. But if you want to see a movie that will teach you about the real friendship that is lost in the present world, I suggest that you see this movie.

I think the film's biggest sin is that none of the performances were memorable or outstanding. Park Joong-hoon, as the main character of this movie, was more dark and distant than anything else. This made the redemption arc even less interesting. Some of the supporting characters are interesting. The producers were cool, the chefs were funny, and the rock bands were interesting. However, the manager's personality was very predictable. Fortunately, the two leads are great, and of the dozens of roles that Ahn Sung-ki has played, I think this one is one of the most charming and very memorable in his extensive catalog. Masu. While not Lee's best work, it's still a solid piece of directorial work from him, and his cameo in this film was also hilarious and brought a smile to my face. Radio Star is a warm and fun time. Recommendation. What intrigued me is that even on the best of days he doesn't seem excited and that's why he's angry at his loyal manager. Why? I think the answer to that is he's just one of the reasons to consider it. The film is an ode to many years of professional friendship.