Sangmyung University Graduate Wins Best Director Award in Korean Short Film Competition at Jeonju International Film Festival

Short Film 'Bulssook'
Portraying the Loss and Fear of Adolescence
Through Grass Growing Under the Arms

'Bulssook' still cut. (Provided by Sangmyung University)

Sangmyung University announced on May 22 that Kim Haejin, a 2018 graduate of the Department of Film and Video at the College of Arts, received the Best Director Award in the Korean Short Film Competition section at the Jeonju International Film Festival for the short film 'Bulssook'.

'Bulssook' tells the coming-of-age story of a girl who, after losing her mother, becomes confused when she discovers grass growing under her arms instead of hair as her body changes during puberty. The film follows her as she seeks out her aunt, the only other female in her family.

In particular, the film is noted for its impressive use of recurring imagery to poetically convey the sorrow and fear of a girl who has lost her beloved mother, set against the backdrop of a quiet rural village. The delicate narrative, delivered through images and atmosphere, left a lasting impression and resonated deeply with audiences.

The film was produced with support from the CJ Cultural Foundation's Short Film Director Support Program while Kim Haejin was still a student. Director Yoon Ga-eul of 'The World of Us' and director Jung Gayoung of 'Nothing Serious' participated as mentors.

Director Kim Haejin shared, "Through mentoring from my seniors, I learned how to reveal my inner self and convey sincerity through film. Just as our bodies change, I hope that as we all grow, we can learn to understand one another."

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