KIM~CHI!

Directed by Park Cheol-hyeon (박철현)

Written by Park Cheol-hyeon (박철현)

108min | Release date in South Korea: 2026/03

Filming: 2024/03/10~2024/04/09
Synopsis
Deok-goo: A kind-hearted old gentleman, sending his granddaughter off to kindergarten every morning, sits outside and waves at the front gate, hoping to have a pleasant day. With no granddaughter to see him off, only happy memories of his past linger in his mind. He was a proud old man, a traditional Korean musical actor and Vietnam War veteran. After losing his granddaughter in a car accident, he succumbed to dementia and a debilitating illness that ultimately led to his death.

Min-kyeong: After defiantly confronting her boyfriend's betrayal, an abortion, and the relentless sexual harassment of her former boss, Min-kyeong, a "third-rate" photographer follows in her father's footsteps and turns to photography.

By chance, novice photographer Min-kyeong captures Deok-goo, a man with dementia, waving to a seemingly empty space with a cheerful smile. Their encounter will remind us of the people we hold dearest.

This is a story of warm and heartfelt exchanges between two people who seem outwardly isolated and lacking. It's a story of communication and connection between neighbors. Unbeknownst to them, they will forever influence each other. Time flows from a withering flower, and it becomes healthy and young again.

A seemingly unrelated neighbor influences and transforms my life. A community where we must live together, like an organic organism. This is the story of "KIM~CHI!."