Filmmaker's Decade-Long Wait for 'Possible Love'

Filmmaker Lee Chang-dong has re-emerged after an eight-year hiatus with his new film, "Possible Love." This extended break, attributed by Lee to "pathological timidity," has concluded with a feature that blends comedy and sharp social critique.

The film centers on two married couples whose lives become entangled. A key plot point involves a husband laid off from his job, whose life is impacted after meeting a documentary filmmaker and her wealthy husband. The director co-wrote the screenplay with Oh Jung-mi, his collaborator on the 2018 film "Burning."

"Possible Love" debuts at the Venice Film Festival this weekend. Lee attributes his long absence to a need for profound conviction before beginning a project, particularly one addressing labor rights, a subject he initially questioned his suitability to portray.

The narrative was reimagined with the addition of a documentary filmmaker's storyline, which inspired Lee to proceed. He emphasizes cinema's inherent connection to social issues and questions creators' responsibility when depicting others' pain.

"Possible Love" is scheduled for theatrical release in Korea on October 23 and will be available on Netflix starting November 6. The film also includes a tribute to Krzysztof Kieślowski's "Dekalog," specifically referencing the tenth commandment about coveting, and its relevance in contemporary capitalist society.

Lee, joined by actor Sul Kyung-gu, discussed the film's themes and the socio-economic context that fuels Korean filmmakers' exploration of labor and capital. Both highlighted Korea's rapid economic development and its profound social costs as a significant influence on their storytelling.