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More than once, the protagonists in Mimang wonder where they are and where they’re going—it is a concrete, geographical question born from walking around the streets of Seoul, but as the film progresses, that urban journey also proves to be an existential one. We accompany the characters in some stretches of their path—many years separate each of the episodes that make up the film, and that distance reveals changes through what remains. This is not a film about earthquakes, but about small transformations, and the marks of time can be seen not only in the actors’ bodies, but also in that other omnipresent protagonist that is Seoul, whose vitality invades every shot. Like others before him (it’s inevitable to think about Truffaut or Linklater), here, Kim Taeyang reminds us that cinema is the best time machine that has been invented so far.       

His name is “Geun-seong” (which means “perseverance” in Korean), but he lacks perseverance in his actions. Working as a medical device sales representative, he has never achieved even an average performance. He has no intention of making an effort and wants to become famous through internet live streaming to make a lot of money, just like everyone else. Also, he is a twisted individual who gets entangled in other people’s affairs. At a longawaited high school reunion, Geun-seong encounters Jong-man, who has become famous as a VJ, and he exposes the school violence he experienced, which gained him instant fame.                                    
                               　　The movie follows Geun-seong’s journey of descent into wickedness, taking advantage of someone’s weakness. It portrays extreme selfishness in believing there is no problem as long as he can succeed, even if it means trampling over others. This extreme greed is not limited to Geun-seong. As a result of Geun-seong’s actions, including Jong-man’s career being jeopardized, everyone in the film is only concerned about themselves. What is happening to the world? Geun-seong adopts an attitude that he will do anything for fame to earn a large sum of money. The director focuses on Geun-seong’s face in extreme situations, without any sympathy or affection towards him. You might catch a glimpse of your own face there, and sense the tragedy of this era. (HUH Namwoong)