Woman on the Beach 2008

Film director and screenwriter Kim Jung-rae embarks on a road trip with his friend Won Chang-wook from their homes in Seoul to the picturesque resort town of Shinduri, located on the western coast of South Korea. Initially hesitant, Chang-wook agrees to the journey on the condition that he brings along Kim Mun-suk, a composer and aspiring singer he refers to as his girlfriend. In the midst of this trip, Jung-rae is working on a treatment for his film “About Miracles,” a narrative that delves into the intriguing ties that bind everyday life, echoing themes often explored by Hong Sang-soo.

As the trio travels, Mun-suk quickly clarifies that she doesn’t see herself as Chang-wook’s girlfriend, leading to a growing connection between her and Jung-rae. While driving, Mun-suk reflects on her time living in Germany, sharing her experiences of past relationships with Europeans—a revelation that unnerves both men. Disturbed by Jung-rae’s response, Mun-suk expresses her disappointment, stating, “You’re not like your films.” Despite this tension, a romantic moment unfolds between Mun-suk and Jung-rae on the beach, resulting in them sharing a passionate kiss and spending the night together in a modest hotel room.

However, as the trio returns to Seoul the following day, Jung-rae withdraws from the emotional closeness he shared with Mun-suk. Just two days later, he finds himself back at the beach, feeling the weight of his actions as he attempts to flirt with two women, one of whom bears a resemblance to Mun-suk. Introducing himself as a film director, he pitches an interview for his screenplay, ultimately seducing Choi Sun-hee in a manner reminiscent of his earlier interaction with Mun-suk.

While sharing a night with Sun-hee in the very same beachside motel, Jung-rae is taken aback when Mun-suk returns, pounding on his door loudly in the middle of the night. In a rush, he discreetly ushers Sun-hee out through a separate exit. The next morning, he finds Mun-suk passed out at his door, suffering from a hangover. In an attempt to repair their relationship, Jung-rae fabricates a story about his previous night with Sun-hee, but his dishonesty is evident to everyone involved. Ultimately, having alienated both women, Jung-rae heads back to Seoul, inspired by a sudden creative breakthrough for his screenplay.