Director Jang Hang-jun's Cinematic Journey: From Comedy to Masterpiece

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Kim Ji-won from TenAsia selects the essence of content in this era filled with numerous options. From must-see classics to anticipated new releases, enjoy a diverse range of recommendations.

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Director Jang Hang-jun, once humorously known by nicknames like 'God-given easy life' and 'Yoon Jong-shin's leech,' is now being recognized with the weighty title of 'master.' His latest film, 'The Man Who Lives with the King,' has surpassed 13 million viewers in just 40 days since its release, ranking as the 7th highest-grossing Korean film of all time.

Previously, he was often teased with jokes about whether he was a comedian or a director, which he would brush off with his characteristic laughter. Now, he is one of the most sought-after directors in Korea. The massive success of 'The Man Who Lives with the King' has also brought renewed attention to his previous works. From stories of unemployed individuals risking their lives for a mere 300 won to tales of youth who never lose hope, we revisit the cinematic universe Jang Hang-jun has built to capture the hearts of 13 million viewers.

'Turn on the Lighter' (2002) | Netflix, Wave, Coupang PlayJang Hang-jun's feature debut that marked his beginning. It's a comedic action film about an unemployed man, Heo Bong-gu (played by Kim Seung-woo), who boards a train to retrieve his only possession, a 300-won lighter, and ends up in a battle with kidnappers.

The film focuses on the seemingly trivial yet essential concept of 'personal pride' rather than grandiose themes. While 300 won might seem insignificant to some, it becomes a reason for survival for others. The ensuing chaos showcases the essence of 'Jang Hang-jun's situational comedy.' Spotting 'young Jang Hang-jun' making a cameo among renowned actors like Cha Seung-won and Park Young-gyu adds to the fun. The appearance of rookie Yoo Hae-jin, whose acting and visuals haven't changed much since, is also a highlight.

'Forgotten' (2017) | Netflix, Coupang Play'Forgotten' is a mystery thriller that shattered the stereotype of Jang Hang-jun being a comedy-specialized director. It intricately portrays the psychological rift between a brother (played by Kim Moo-yul) who returns with lost memories after being kidnapped and his suspicious younger brother (played by Kang Ha-neul).

Through this film, Jang Hang-jun captures the frailty of human nature and the ensuing tragedies with a heavy hand. The tense beginning and the rushing twists in the latter part prove that he is not just a director who delivers laughs but a storyteller with a strong grip on narrative. The film expanded his spectrum, eliciting reactions like 'Can Jang Hang-jun do this too?' from audiences.

'Rebound' (2023) | Netflix, TVING, Wave, Coupang Play'Rebound' is based on a true story of six players from Busan Joongang High School's basketball team, on the verge of disbandment, achieving a miraculous runner-up finish in a national tournament. Like a basketball that bounces back after failure, it captures the hope of youth who rise again after falling. Actor Ahn Jae-hong plays coach Kang Yang-hyun, with Lee Shin-young, Jung Jin-woon, Kim Taek, Jung Gun-joo, Kim Min, and Ahn Ji-ho portraying the basketball team members.

Jang Hang-jun's perspective doesn't fall into excessive heroism or melodrama. Instead, he highlights the value of the process with a simple and warm gaze. The message 'Life goes on even after basketball ends' resonates quietly in a society obsessed with results. Jang Hang-jun's unique optimism meets the heavy impact of a true story, creating synergy. The film is set to be re-released on April 3rd, following the success of 'The Man Who Lives with the King.'

The keyword that runs through Jang Hang-jun's cinematic world is 'affection for the underdog.' His protagonists are somewhat lacking, deficient, and stand away from the center of the world. This includes the unemployed man obsessed with 300 won, the brothers with lost memories, and the basketball team without substitutes. The characters in 'The Man Who Lives with the King,' such as Danjong, a political scapegoat, and village chief Eom Heung-do, who worries about the villagers' livelihoods, are similar.

Jang Hang-jun doesn't ridicule or pity them. Instead, he embraces their flaws with his unique warm humor. He focuses on the 'small yet great victories' created by imperfect humans. This 'humanistic directing style' has been a strong foundation for the 13 million success of 'The Man Who Lives with the King.' Through his films, audiences find solace in their shortcomings and gain the courage to start anew. Jang Hang-jun's 'easy life' is, in fact, the result of intense human exploration and sincere direction, igniting the public's hearts with the same passion as the boy who lit the lighter 24 years ago.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr