Introduction by Yim Soon-rye

The Waikiki Brothers are a traveling cover band going nowhere. Depressing gig after depressing gig causes their saxophonist to quit, prompting a return to the hometown of guitarist Sung-woo (Lee Eol) to work as the house band in a hotel. This need for a fresh start is complicated by Sung-woo’s bandmates and their propensity for drink, drugs, and women. The guitar player also runs into old friends and his high-school crush and has to face the bitterness that comes with growing up. Director Yim Soon-rye’s keen sense of character and dialogue keep this Korean cinema classic restrained and compassionate even during the tough emotional scenes.

Presented with the support of Korean Cultural Service New York. Co-presented with The Korea Society.