Korean Cinema Series Launches at the Korean Cultural Center in Washington D.C.

The Korean Embassy's Korean Cultural Center in Washington D.C. held its first Korean Cinema Series film screening on Friday, January 28, part of a new program with the sole purpose of introducing Korean movies and culture to American audiences. The program's launch has been anticipated since the installation last year of a new state-of-the-art theater system at the Center, also known as KORUS House. Screenings will be held on the last Friday of each month; all films are shown in Korean with English subtitles.

With more than 70 people in attendance, the inaugural screening featured the famous Korean movie, "71-Into the Fire" (Pohwa Sokeuro / 포화 속으로) directed by Lee Jae-han. Released in 2010, "71: Into The Fire" tells the story of 71 student soldier trainees who fought against the North Korean army during the 1950-53 Korean War. Based on a true story, the film focuses on the students' personal stories and how they engaged in a fierce battle as the last line of defense at a middle school in Pohang, attempting to hold out until the arrival of South Korean and Allied troops. The film strives to portray the intensity of the military conflict between North and South, two countries that share the same history and culture.

For it's next screening, KORUS House is planning to show "Speedy Scandal" (Gwa Sok Seu Kaen Deul / 과속스캔들), which was 2008's biggest box-office success in Korea. In this comedy, the much sought-after celebrity Nam Hyun-soo is visited by a young single mom and her seven-year-old son, claiming he is the boy's father. Hyun-soo doesn't accept them at first, but after a couple of months of living together, they begin to bond and realize how precious a family is. An official announcement for the screening will be made later in February.

By Jihye Goo