Feb 10 • 01:38 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Director Kim Tae-yong's new film 'Number One' to be released on February 11, starring Choi Woo-shik and Jang Hye-jin, features home-cooked meals and the theme of remaining time.

The new film 'Number One' by director Kim Tae-yong explores the emotional journey of a son grappling with the countdown to his mother's death, prompted by the dwindling number of home-cooked meals he can enjoy.

Director Kim Tae-yong, a graduate of Sejong University’s Department of Film Art, is set to captivate audiences with his latest film 'Number One.' This movie is adapted from the novel by Japanese author Sora Uwano, which depicts the emotional turmoil of a son named 'Hamin,' who discovers that every time he eats his mother's (played by Jang Hye-jin) cooking, a countdown to her death occurs. The unique premise highlights the fragility of life through the everyday comfort of home-cooked meals while illustrating the profound bond between mother and son.

The film has generated considerable buzz due to the reunion of actors Choi Woo-shik and Jang Hye-jin, both of whom delivered poignant performances in the award-winning film 'Parasite.' Choi plays Hamin, who wrestles with the complex emotions of knowing how much time his mother has left, leading to desperate efforts to protect her. Meanwhile, Jang portrays Eunsil, a mother who, despite her struggle with the distance growing with her son, showcases unwavering maternal love, making the film’s emotional undertones resonate deeply with viewers. Additionally, Gong Seung-yeon joins the cast as 'Ryeon,' enhancing the film's overall immersion.

'Number One' poses a thought-provoking question: "How many chances do you have left to enjoy your mother’s home-cooked meals?" It foregrounds the significance of daily life and familial relationships, intertwining elements of fantasy with the universal theme of love and loss. The film distinguishes itself from typical family dramas by integrating a fantasy element—a countdown to death—thus instilling both tension and poignancy. With Kim Tae-yong's established reputation for nuanced emotional depictions and artistic direction, 'Number One' is anticipated to connect deeply with audiences, inviting reflection on love and the impermanence of life.

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