Love Lies (2016)

In our 12th episode, we take our first look at a Korean film about music, 해어화 or “Love, Lies” by director Park Heung-sik. Available on Netflix, this 2016 film explores the collision of tradition and modernity in 1940s Japanese-occupied Seoul through two singers. In addition to working through this complicated and heart-wrenching tragedy, we discuss a wide range of cultural factors surrounding the film and its story. In particular, we examine the pressures placed on Korean women to perform, an issue that continues today, and the uniquely Korean phenomenon of the “hostess bar.” We close with a preview of our Oscar Special podcast coming in two weeks. Be sure to subscribe to the pod, and if you have a moment, please post a positive review of the show!