Ask Onix
Indie filmmaker Yoon Ga-eun's unexpected hit
Few in South Korea knew Yoon Ga-eun's name until her latest film, The World of Love, became a surprise success. The movie, which explores the life of a teenage sexual violence survivor, has earned critical acclaim and over $1.1 million at the box office since its October release.
The story behind the film
Unlike conventional narratives that focus on the crime itself, The World of Love centers on the daily life of 17-year-old Joo-in-her school, relationships, and family dynamics. Yoon intentionally avoided sensationalizing the trauma, instead portraying the complexity of her protagonist's identity beyond victimhood.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet," Yoon told BBC Korean in late November. "I feel grateful, but also a bit scared."
Critical and audience reception
The film has resonated deeply in South Korea, where discussions about sexual violence remain fraught. Viewers rated it 9 out of 10 on Naver, the country's largest search portal, with many praising its empathetic approach.
"Simply a masterpiece."
Bong Joon-ho, Oscar-winning director of Parasite
Bong, who called himself the "head of the Seoul branch of Yoon Ga-eun's fan club," highlighted the film's ability to challenge societal perceptions.
A shift in public discourse
The film's success reflects growing openness in South Korea to conversations about sexual violence, particularly after the 2017-2018 MeToo movement. Cho Eunhee, director of the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center and a consultant on the film, noted that the timing was "incredibly right."
"By 2025, people were more prepared to empathize with a story like this," Cho said, though she acknowledged that exposing familial abuse remains taboo.
Controversy and conversation
While many survivors found the film empowering, some critics argued it downplayed the lasting trauma of abuse. Others felt it portrayed families as overly supportive, diverging from their experiences.
However, critic Min Youngjun emphasized the film's broader impact: "What matters is whether it creates a space in which we can talk to each other about what it has put on the table."
Yoon's vision for Joo-in
Yoon's research for the film included extensive conversations with survivors and activists. She sought to avoid reducing her protagonist to a single label, instead focusing on Joo-in's autonomy-her name means "owner" or "master" in Korean.
"Joo-in herself refuses that [label]," Yoon said. "It's one part of her identity, but she insists, 'That's not all I am.'"
This nuanced portrayal has left a lasting impression on audiences. One anonymous survivor described leaving the cinema with an urge to "stretch my arms and cheer," while another viewer, Seo Jinwon, said the film inspired her to "be a good adult who can stand beside all the children and teenagers trying so hard to grow up."
