Yoon Ga-eun's independent film, "The World of Love" (Korean title: "Joo-in of the World"), has garnered significant attention in South Korea for its portrayal of a teenager navigating life after experiencing sexual violence. The film's approach focuses on the protagonist's everyday experiences rather than the incident itself.
Since its release in October, "The World of Love" has achieved over $1.1 million in box office revenue. Korean media outlets have referred to it as the "movie of the year," and viewers on the South Korean search portal Naver have rated it 9 out of 10. Director Bong Jun-ho, known for "Parasite," described the film as a "masterpiece."
The narrative centers on Joo-in, a 17-year-old high school student. A key plot point involves her refusal to sign a school petition concerning an individual convicted of child assault, particularly objecting to the petition's statement that "Sexual violence leaves deep wounds that never heal and completely destroys a person's life and soul." This refusal ultimately reveals her personal history as a survivor of sexual violence involving a relative.
Director Yoon Ga-eun stated her intention to highlight the multifaceted nature of Joo-in's identity, emphasizing that her past trauma is one aspect of her life but does not solely define her. Ms. Yoon requested media not to unduly focus on sexual violence when covering the film, aiming to avoid labeling the protagonist. Her research involved consultations with survivors and activists, which she noted helped to challenge preconceived notions about individuals who have experienced trauma.
The film has been noted for its impact on audiences, with viewers reporting that it challenges common stereotypes about survivors of sexual crimes. This has encouraged different perspectives on how survivors integrate into society. Cho Eunhee, director of the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center and a consultant for the film, commented that the film's release aligns with a relevant cultural moment regarding discussions on sexual violence.