About Kim Sohee

"Next So-Hee" is a haunting portrayal of systemic failure and individual despair, illustrating a world where oppressive forces render people powerless and voices are stifled. The film delves into the tragic life of So-Hee, a young girl who becomes emblematic of a broader societal malaise where everyone seems to compromise and retreat into resignation. It paints a somber picture of a society where each institution-schools, educational authorities, labor departments, employers, police, and families-appears to operate with impunity, creating a labyrinth of excuses that ultimately dismiss the gravity of So-Hee's plight.

South Korea is one of the only country that managed to make the switch from military dictatorship to democracy within a few decades. Scientists claim this transition happened so fast because of civil disobedience and massive protests in reaction to an unjust government.

Next Soohee is a film about injustice and the protagonists react intensely emotional to it, thereby keeping the Korean tradition alive. The parody on the classic 'Keep calm and carry on' in the title of this review, should be seen as a tribute to South Korean resilience.

After Broker, Doona Bae is brilliant again as a police detective. This role fits so well to her personal appearance. I would love to watch multiple seasons of a crime series with her in the leading role.

Korean director once again used concise and powerful shots to criticize a certain kind of difficult-to-solve structural defect in society.

The first half of the film is a bit tedious, but the story progresses gradually and vividly reflects common workplace culture. The second half of the film turns sharply, and the film begins to question relevant departments sharply. The shots in this section are powerful and inspiring. Interestingly, when you look back at it, all kinds of trivial descriptions in the first half are indispensable and extremely vivid. The whole movie is seamless and neat. There are no superfluous scenes, and each character is designed appropriately and full of details.

Someone can use this as a topic to expose the universality of corporate trampling on labor laws, which is a brave and admirable behavior in East Asia where governments often fail to protect workers' rights. I am very pleased with this.

The actors were great. Through the entire first half of the movie I felt uncomfortable in a good way. We are presented with situations where any of us can relate as some basic level, and top of great acting, we are not sure what the right answer is to the situation at first signs. The 2nd half of the movie feels a little out of place at the beginning, but after a little bit, it starts to pick up, and everything starts to come together very nicely which implies current issues in South Korea work culture. There is not much soundtrack in the movie which I did not mind. I will be expecting more from this director.

"Next Sohee" is a poignant and socially conscious film that quietly builds emotional weight as it unfolds. It explores harsh realities faced by young people entering the workforce, and the pressure and neglect that can lead to devastating consequences.

The film is split into two parts, and while the first half focuses on the titular character and her struggles, the second half shifts perspective in a way that feels both jarring and effective. This narrative structure adds depth, even if it may not resonate equally with everyone.

Visually, the movie is restrained but purposeful, and the performances-especially by Kim Si-eun as Sohee-are subtle yet impactful. There's a lingering sadness throughout the film that stays with you, though at times the pacing can feel a bit slow or stretched.

"Next Sohee" doesn't offer easy resolutions, but it handles its themes with sensitivity and care. It's a solid film that's not always easy to watch, but certainly worth it.