Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
Little-known South Korean filmmaker Yoon Ga-eun has received nationwide recognition after her latest film, The World of Love, emerged as an unexpected box-office success and was widely hailed as South Korea’s Movie of the Year.
Released in October, The World of Love quickly captured public and critical attention, earning praise for its sensitive storytelling and emotional depth. Speaking to BBC Korean in Seoul in late November, director Yoon Ga-eun expressed gratitude and disbelief at the overwhelming response, admitting that the scale of the film’s impact had yet to fully sink in.
The film centres on the life of a teenage survivor of sexual violence, but deliberately shifts focus away from the crime itself. Instead, it portrays the survivor’s everyday struggles and small triumphs as she navigates school life, family relationships, friendships, and young romance. This nuanced approach has resonated deeply with audiences, who praised the film for its honesty, restraint, and humanity.
Local media outlets widely described The World of Love as the “movie of the year,” while audiences reflected their approval through strong box-office numbers and online ratings. Since its release, the film has earned over $1.1 million at the South Korean box office and received an impressive 9 out of 10 rating on major search platform Naver.
The film’s acclaim was further solidified when internationally renowned director Bong Jun-ho publicly praised the work, calling it a “masterpiece.” His endorsement brought additional attention to Yoon Ga-eun, whose previous work had largely remained outside the mainstream spotlight.
Industry observers note that the success of The World of Love reflects a broader cultural shift in South Korea, where discussions around sexual violence, trauma, and the treatment of survivors are increasingly gaining visibility and public engagement. The film’s impact suggests a growing audience appetite for socially conscious cinema that prioritizes empathy and realistic storytelling.
With its powerful message, understated direction, and emotional authenticity, The World of Love has not only achieved commercial success but also secured a lasting place in South Korea’s cinematic landscape.
