Love in the Big City (도시애락)

Love in the Big City (도시애락), directed by Park Yeon, is a 2024 Korean romantic drama that explores modern love, loneliness, and connection in the bustling urban landscape of Seoul. Based on the acclaimed novel by Park Sang-young, the film follows the lives of young adults navigating relationships, identity, and emotional vulnerability.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Young (played by Kim Woo-bin), a gay writer in his late 20s who drifts through life with a mix of cynicism and longing. His relationships—both romantic and platonic—are marked by fleeting passion, misunderstandings, and deep-seated loneliness. The film is structured in four interconnected segments, each focusing on different phases of Young’s life and his interactions with key figures:

Jaehee (Jeon Jong-seo) – A free-spirited woman who shares a complicated, almost sibling-like bond with Young.

Hyunsoo (Lee Je-hoon) – A married man with whom Young has a secret, emotionally fraught affair.

Junyoung (Park Seo-joon) – A former lover whose reappearance forces Young to confront his unresolved feelings.

The City Itself – Seoul’s neon-lit streets, cramped apartments, and anonymous bars serve as both a backdrop and a character, shaping the protagonists’ emotional states.

Strengths

✅ Raw & Honest Portrayal of Modern Love – The film doesn’t romanticize relationships; instead, it captures their messiness, from casual hookups to deep emotional dependencies.

✅ Strong Performances – Kim Woo-bin delivers a career-best performance, balancing charm and melancholy. Lee Je-hoon and Jeon Jong-seo also shine in their supporting roles.

✅ Stylish Yet Intimate Direction – Park Yeon blends vibrant cityscapes with quiet, introspective moments, mirroring the characters’ inner turmoil.

✅ LGBTQ+ Representation – Unlike many mainstream Korean films, Love in the Big City openly explores queer relationships without sensationalism.

Weaknesses

❌ Pacing Issues – The episodic structure sometimes disrupts narrative flow, making certain sections feel underdeveloped.

❌ Emotional Detachment – While intentional, the film’s melancholic tone may leave some viewers craving deeper emotional engagement.

❌ Ambiguous Ending – The conclusion is open-ended, which may frustrate audiences seeking closure.

Final Verdict: 8/10

Love in the Big City is a poignant, visually striking exploration of love and loneliness in contemporary Seoul. While its fragmented storytelling won’t appeal to everyone, its authenticity and strong performances make it a standout in Korean romantic cinema.