[Review] Could Not Laugh or Cry at Odalsu's Acting in 'Iutssachon'

Movie 'Iut Sacho' Released
'Me Too' Odalsu Appears in Public After 2 Years 9 Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Oh Dal-su, who had been in seclusion following a series of 'Me Too' sexual misconduct allegations, appeared before reporters for the first time in 2 years and 9 months. This was to promote the release of 'Neighbor Cousin' (Director Lee Hwang-gang), which was being filmed at the time he was accused.

In February 2018, the global film industry was swept by the 'Me Too' movement. Hidden victims found strength in each other's voices and declared, "Me too." The public listened attentively to these courageous appeals, and the accused perpetrators could not avoid public judgment. Many actors, directors, and others who were found guilty by public opinion had to halt their activities and quietly retreat.

At first, Oh Dal-su denied the allegations, saying "That never happened," but as more victims came forward, he changed his stance. When a theater actor publicly revealed her face and spoke about the abuse on a broadcast, he called it "an act of immorality" and suspended his activities.

Typically, 'Me Too' cases cannot be officially investigated. Most incidents happened long ago, and victims only recently found the courage to speak out, so there is little evidence or witnesses remaining. Therefore, it is unreasonable to expect a legal trial.

The same applies to Oh Dal-su. The police likely could not conduct an objective investigation based on witnesses or evidence. Since the incident occurred in 1993, even if the charges were proven, the statute of limitations had expired, making punishment difficult. Thus, the case was closed.

'Case closed' does not mean innocence. It only means the police did not find sufficient evidence; it does not mean they judged him innocent after objectively reviewing the situation. It implies that the investigation had to end because it was impossible to objectively assess the circumstances. Therefore, we do not know whether Oh Dal-su truly committed wrongdoing or was falsely accused. Conversely, we also cannot determine whether the victims' testimonies are true or false. This is the core issue.

The people who claimed to be victims might be suffering somewhere, seeing the flood of reports about his comeback. For this reason, articles about Oh Dal-su may also cause secondary harm, and I could not shake this guilt while watching 'Neighbor Cousin.'

'Neighbor Cousin' held a press screening on the afternoon of the 11th at Yongsan CGV in Seoul, kicking off its release.

Oh Dal-su has a significant role in the released film. He plays Uisik, the neighbor cousin who becomes the target of surveillance by Daegwon. Uisik is a presidential candidate forced into home quarantine. The character naturally evokes the late former President Kim Dae-jung. He appears as a warm-hearted, wise politician who loves his family and neighbors. Although Jung-woo's name appears first, Oh Dal-su is effectively the lead actor.

Perhaps because of this, it was difficult to fully immerse myself in Uisik's character. Seeing him smile warmly or perform good deeds made it hard to simply laugh or cry. Like hitting a speed bump, both laughter and emotion were hindered, disrupting immersion.

Even judging the film alone, it is not very engaging. The old-fashioned direction repeats itself. The predictable characters and outdated story are disappointing. Because of this, it seems difficult to persuade audiences to sit through the long 130-minute runtime. Oh Dal-su, stripped of his familiar charm as a supporting actor, feels unfamiliar. He continuously shows a kind and gentle face, but it feels awkward.

At the press conference, director Lee Hwang-gang expressed strong trust, saying, "Oh Dal-su is like ramen. An actor you never get tired of." However, there remains regret that more attention was not paid to the film's completeness during his hiatus. The film was not rushed for release, yet the dragging latter half and 2% lacking completeness are hard to accept.

Oh Dal-su said, "I am relieved to have somewhat eased the burden on my heart." The actors present at the scene praised him or made light jokes to encourage him, but the atmosphere in the press conference room was cold.

The film has been unveiled, and 'Neighbor Cousin' will soon be released to meet audiences. Oh Dal-su has seized a chance for revival with the film's release. He will soon make a comeback, and the Chungmuro film industry will hire him again. Many unseen people will help his return.

Thus, another actor has buried a past stained by a sexual scandal and returned after 2 years and 9 months.

Photo = Little Big Pictures

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.