Seoul: 'When This Summer is Over,' a film directed by Jang Byung-ki, delves into the life of Ki-jun (Lee Jae-jun), a sixth grader who relocates with his mother (Ko Seo-hee) from the bustling city of Seoul to a quiet rural town in southern Korea. This move is part of a controversial strategy used by some urban parents to gain college admissions benefits by residing in rural areas for several years.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ki-jun struggles to adapt to his new environment, especially when their apartment move-in is delayed due to local protests. These protests demand greater compensation for redevelopment, forcing Ki-jun and his mother into a small, temporary living space. Ki-jun's challenges continue as his Adidas sneakers go missing, with suspicions falling on two brothers from a troubled household. Despite this, Ki-jun's mother decides against pressing the issue.
Initially, Ki-jun finds his classmate Young-jun (Choi Woo-rok) difficult to relate to. However, an unexpected friendship blossoms, particularly after Young-jun's brother, Young-moon (Choi Hyun-jin), defends Ki-jun from an older boy. Ki-jun becomes engrossed in his new friendships, engaging in petty theft and rebellion, which distances him from his academic responsibilities.
The film captures the often misunderstood world of children, highlighting Ki-jun's admiration for Young-moon, who embodies the self-sufficiency and power Ki-jun yearns for. Despite their differing social backgrounds, Ki-jun bonds with the brothers, offering a glimpse into the raw honesty of childhood relationships, contrasted with the closed-mindedness of adults.
Ki-jun's mother, focused on her son's elite education, compromises her values by participating in local protests and reveals her biases against the brothers. The film's strength lies in its storytelling and the performances of its young cast, eschewing dramatic elements for a more subtle exploration of complex character psychology.
Set to release on July 9, 'When This Summer is Over' leaves a lasting impression, with the sound of the brothers' motorcycle serving as a haunting reminder of a summer filled with unforgettable experiences.