Directed by
Ji-woo Jung
Made by
Netflix
Discover the intricate plot of Tune in for Love (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1994, we meet Hyun-woo, who has just stepped out of the confines of prison life and is in search of a fresh start. He takes on a part-time job at Mi-soo’s bakery, a quaint little place that becomes a pivotal point of connection for him, Mi-soo, and her mother, Eun-ja. As they bond over shared experiences and laughter, Hyun-woo begins to open up about his past, sharing moments of vulnerability with Eun-ja.
However, as Christmas nears, the serene atmosphere of the bakery is disrupted by the arrival of Hyun-woo’s old friends, who come to visit amid construction for new apartment buildings in the area. This reunion stirs up tension, leading to an uncomfortable confrontation when Eun-ja ultimately insists they leave. Just as Hyun-woo prepares to follow them out, he pauses to ask Mi-soo if he can receive his wages in advance, leaving both women pondering whether he will ever return to their lives. That very night, while reminiscing about their late friend Jyeong-hyeop at a local soju bar, their gathering turns chaotic as a brawl ignites.
Fast forward to 1997, and the bakery that once served as their cozy retreat has closed its doors. Mi-soo has transitioned into the role of a newspaper editor, while Eun-ja now manages a noodle shop. Hyun-woo, meanwhile, is making his living as a furniture mover. One day, after work, a coworker requests Hyun-woo to escort his elderly mother home. Strangely, on their path, Hyun-woo spots Mi-soo outside the old bakery, igniting memories that lead them to share intimate moments in her apartment. Mi-soo candidly reveals that she waited in vain for him to return on the day he left, while Hyun-woo confesses that he yearned to come back but was thwarted by a setback during his probation due to the fight at the bar.
As the sun rises, Mi-soo, motivated by a desire to stay connected, sets up an email account for Hyun-woo and urges him to write to her while he embarks on his military service. Little does she realize that in the flurry of goodbyes, she forgotten to disclose the password—her apartment code—effectively locking him out of their communication.
By 2000, the once-bustling bakery has morphed into a real estate agency, and new apartments have taken over the landscape. Mi-soo feels trapped in her unfulfilling editor job, while Hyun-woo finally completes his military service and begins his quest to find Mi-soo, only to uncover that she has relocated. Undeterred, he decides to take up residence in her former apartment. As fate would have it, he stumbles upon her old apartment code and gains access to his email, igniting a flicker of hope. Ecstatic, Mi-soo reaches out to him, requesting his number for a potential reunion. However, a sudden upheaval occurs when Hyun-woo’s workplace is invaded by an angry mob, resulting in a shattered phone.
That very next day, Mi-soo sends him an email expressing that perhaps it’s for the best they didn’t meet, as she isn’t in the right frame of mind to reconnect and pretend that everything is fine.
Five years later, we find Mi-soo thriving as a successful author, while Hyun-woo has established himself as a video editor. Their paths converge once more, and they rekindle their relationship. During one particularly passionate evening, Hyun-woo inquires if she still harbors the fears that once held her back in their youth. With an affirmative shake of her head, the moment escalates into a heartfelt embrace.
The couple decides to visit Eun-ja, who has found love and now juggles her obligations as a stepmother. Mi-soo surprises Hyun-woo with her photograph, highlighting her affection for him while endorsing him as a video editor for Yoo Yeol’s new visual radio show.
However, tension rides on the winds of the past as Hyun-woo encounters old friends during a comic book return. They remind him that it is the tenth anniversary of Jyeong-hyeop’s death—an event that casts a long shadow over Hyun-woo’s life, as he was wrongfully implicated in the tragedy. The group decides to honor their departed friend by visiting his old home, where they attempt to offer support to his sister, who coldly rebuffs their gesture. Hyun-woo, desperate to exonerate himself, tries to explain his innocence, but his words fall on deaf ears. Amidst the turmoil, he accidentally leaves his phone behind, leading to a crucial call from Mi-soo, where she unexpectedly learns about Hyun-woo’s past tumult.
The next series of events sees Mi-soo confronting Hyun-woo with the new revelations, asking if their relationship can withstand the weight of the truth. Devastated by her inquiry, Hyun-woo realizes he had prayed for her ignorance so he could live unburdened by his past. In a heart-wrenching exchange, Mi-soo pleads with him to stay, yet he feels compelled to walk away. A confrontation ensues between him and the friend who spilled his secrets, reflecting the inner turmoil that Hyun-woo faces daily.
Upon returning to his old workplace, hoping to reclaim Mi-soo’s photograph, he discovers it has changed hands, now owned by her boss, who disdainfully informs him that she deserves someone better. Ruled by emotion, Hyun-woo desperately seeks Mi-soo, trailing her boss’s car in hopes of spotting her. As Mi-soo is picked up, she notices Hyun-woo’s frantic pursuit and exits the vehicle. In a moment of raw honesty, he confesses his enduring love, but she disheartens him with a plea to stop chasing.
As he crumbles under the weight of his heartache, Mi-soo drives away, leaving Hyun-woo to confront the overwhelming sadness of unresolved emotions.
A few days later, Mi-soo visits Eun-ja, reminiscing about the past and recalling how Hyun-woo had visited her. She learns from Eun-ja how grateful he had been for her trust, while the world around him seems to have turned its back due to judgment and misunderstanding. Meanwhile, Hyun-woo embarks on a new chapter as a video editor for Yoo Yeol’s show, during which he’s asked if he wishes to make a special acknowledgment on air. In an emotionally charged decision, he dedicates a shoutout to Mi-soo, never fully grasping the significance this note will carry.
When Mi-soo tunes in and hears Hyun-woo’s heartfelt shoutout, she feels a rush of emotions, prompting her to hurry over to the studio. Upon arrival, she finds him packing up, and in a fleeting yet poignant moment, their eyes connect. Hyun-woo captures her radiant smile as she beams at him, signifying that beneath the layer of pain, there remains a glimmer of hope for their love to blossom once more.
Track the key events of Tune in for Love (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Hyun-woo's Release
In 1994, Hyun-woo is released from prison and begins a new chapter in his life. He takes a part-time job at Mi-soo's bakery, marking the start of his journey toward redemption.
New Friends and Old Memories
As Christmas approaches, Hyun-woo's old friends arrive, creating a nostalgic yet disruptive atmosphere at the bakery. Their visit disturbs Eun-ja and prompts her to ask them to leave, raising questions about Hyun-woo's commitment to his new life.
A Night of Remembrance
Later that night, Hyun-woo and his friends gather at a soju bar to honor their deceased friend, Jyeong-hyeop. The mood shifts dramatically when a fight breaks out, reminding Hyun-woo of the violent past he is trying to leave behind.
New Paths in 1997
By 1997, the bakery is closed, and both Mi-soo and Eun-ja have moved on to different jobs. Hyun-woo is working as a furniture mover when he encounters Mi-soo again, reigniting old feelings and unresolved tensions.
The Departure
Mi-soo surprises Hyun-woo by creating an email account for him to keep in touch while he goes off for military service. However, she forgets to provide him the password, an oversight that foreshadows future communication struggles.
A Changed Landscape
In 2000, the bakery has transformed into a real estate office, symbolizing the changes in their lives. Hyun-woo, fresh from military service, realizes Mi-soo has moved and desperately seeks a way to reconnect with her.
Miscommunication
After successfully gaining access to his long-lost email account, Hyun-woo learns of Mi-soo's desire to reconnect. However, chaos ensues when an angry mob unexpectedly disrupts his job, damaging his only line of communication with her.
Five Years Later
Fast forward five years, Mi-soo is now a successful author and Hyun-woo has become a video editor. Their relationship blossoms as they start dating, marking a significant turning point in their lives together.
Confronting the Past
When Hyun-woo's old friends remind him of Jyeong-hyeop's tragic death, painful memories resurface. Despite his attempts to distance himself from that past, he faces the consequences when he learns Mi-soo discovers his history.
Heartbreak
In a painful confrontation, Hyun-woo confesses his feelings to Mi-soo but is met with indifference as she acknowledges his troubled past. As she drives away, he is left devastated, facing the consequences of his secrets.
A Hint of Hope
Despite the heartbreak, Hyun-woo finds a new job as a video editor for Yoo Yeol's show. During his first broadcast, he gives a shoutout to Mi-soo, rekindling her hope and prompting her to visit him.
Reunited at Last
Mi-soo arrives at the studio excited to see Hyun-woo after his shoutout. Their reunion comes with smiles and shared memories, offering a glimpse of reconciliation and new beginnings.
Meet the characters that bring Tune in for Love (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Hyun-woo (Andy Han)
Hyun-woo is a complex character shaped by his past mistakes and deep emotions. A former convict, he struggles with guilt over a tragic event that affects his relationships. His journey reflects resilience as he seeks redemption and love, particularly with Mi-soo, showcasing his growth throughout the film.
Mi-soo (Ashley Park)
Mi-soo is depicted as a determined and empathetic individual who navigates her own challenges while supporting those around her. Her evolution from a bakery worker to a successful author highlights her resilience. Mi-soo's emotional depth is explored through her relationship with Hyun-woo, illustrating her struggles to reconcile love and heartbreak.
Eun-ja (Go-eun Kim)
Eun-ja serves as a supportive friend and a grounding presence in both Hyun-woo and Mi-soo's lives. Her character adds warmth to the narrative, showcasing the importance of friendship. Through her experiences and changes, Eun-ja represents stability amidst the evolving world surrounding her.
Uncover the settings of Tune in for Love (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1994 - 2005
Set in the years from 1994 to 2005, the film captures a span during which significant changes occur in South Korean society and personal lives. The backdrop of the 1990s and early 2000s reflects a period of growth, nostalgia, and the evolution of friendships amidst social transitions.
Location
Bakery, Soju Bar, Real Estate Agency, Hyun-woo's Apartment
The movie takes place in various locations in a neighborhood, including a bakery where the characters work and bond. A soju bar serves as a backdrop for pivotal moments and memories among friends. Over the years, significant locations like a real estate agency and Hyun-woo's new apartment symbolize the changes in their lives and the passage of time.
Explore the core themes of Tune in for Love (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💔
Love and Loss
The film deeply explores the theme of love intertwined with loss, depicting how past relationships affect present lives. Hyun-woo's longing for Mi-soo represents the struggle of moving on from past mistakes and the fear of rejection. Both characters evolve through their emotional journeys, illustrating the complexities of love and the pain of separation.
⏳
Time and Memory
Time acts as a critical theme, showcasing how memories shape identity and future choices. The movie reflects on how the characters' past experiences inform their current relationships and decisions. As they navigate life changes, the significance of remembering and connecting with the past emphasizes the bittersweet nature of nostalgia.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.