South Bound is a South Korean drama film directed by Yim Soon-rye and released in 2013. The film explores the themes of family, activism, and gentrification, and stars Kim Yun-seok as Hae-gap, the idealistic and uncompromising documentary filmmaker who is willing to risk everything for his beliefs.
Hae-gap's son Na-ra (played by Baek Seung-hwan) is a rebellious teenager who runs away from home and falls in with Man-deok (played by Kim Sang-ho), a kind-hearted but irresponsible drifter who is living in Hae-gap's house. Man-deok becomes a father figure to Na-ra and together they embark on a series of adventures, including an attempt to stop the construction of a luxury resort on Deul Island, a small coastal community that Hae-gap has been investigating for his latest documentary.
When Na-ra gets caught up in the protest against the developer, he is arrested and Hae-gap must choose between his principles and his family. In order to secure his son's release from jail, Hae-gap signs a contract agreeing to cease making anti-government films and moves his family to Deul Island to start a new life.
However, Hae-gap cannot stay silent in the face of injustice, and when the construction company begins to bulldoze the homes of the islanders, he rallies the people to fight back. As tensions rise and the situation becomes increasingly violent, Hae-gap must confront the limits of his beliefs and the true cost of his activism.
In addition to the strong performances by the lead actors, South Bound features beautiful cinematography and a moving score that enhances the film's emotional impact. The film's message about the importance of community and resistance against oppression resonates strongly in today's political climate.
