South Korea · Film · 2012
Architecture 101
Binge Brief
- Architecture 101 premiered in South Korean theaters on 22 March 2012.
- It passed 4.1 million admissions within nine weeks of release, a box office record for a Korean melodrama at the time.
- Bae Suzy won Best New Actress at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2012 for playing the young Seo-yeon, her feature film debut.
- Director Lee Yong-ju also wrote the screenplay and holds an architecture degree from Yonsei University.
- The Jeju Island house built for the film was damaged by Typhoon Bolaven in August 2012 and later reopened as a cafe in March 2013.
- The film closed the 15th Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2012.
Synopsis
Architecture 101 is a 2012 Korean film about architect Lee Seung-min (Uhm Tae-woong), who is approached by his college first love, Yang Seo-yeon (Han Ga-in), fifteen years after they drifted apart. She asks him to design a new house on the site of her late family home on Jeju Island.
The film moves between that meeting and their shared university architecture class in the early 1990s, where the younger Seung-min (Lee Je-hoon) and Seo-yeon (Suzy) grew close while working on assignments together. Seung-min could not bring himself to confess his feelings, and a misunderstanding involving fellow student Jae-wook (Yoo Yeon-seok) ends their closeness after Seo-yeon waits alone for him at an abandoned house on the winter's first snow.
In the present, Seung-min works on Seo-yeon's house while his best friend Nab-ddeuk (Jo Jung-suk) needles him about the past and his fiancee Eun-chae (Go Joon-hee) grows uneasy about the time he spends in Jeju. Seo-yeon is also caring for her dying father as the two piece together what happened to each other in the years since college.
Architecture 101 opened in South Korean theaters on 22 March 2012 and held the number one box office spot for three weeks, passing 4.1 million admissions within nine weeks, a record for a Korean melodrama at the time. Critics praised its restrained style, and reporters noted that male moviegoers made up an unusually large share of its audience for a romance film. The soundtrack, built around songs from the 1990s, sparked a wider wave of nostalgia for the decade in South Korea.
Why it still gets watched
Architecture 101 is still brought up whenever Korean pop culture talks about first love, partly because its box office run in 2012 was unusual: reporters noted men made up an outsized share of the audience for what is, on its surface, a romantic melodrama. Its 1990s soundtrack had a real-world afterlife too. Sales of Exhibition's decades-old debut EP jumped roughly seventyfold the month after release, driven by the film's use of the duo's song "Etude of Memory". Suzy's performance as the young Seo-yeon, which won her Best New Actress at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards, is usually cited as the film that turned a singer into a working actress.
Architecture 101 cast
Best scenes
Spoilers aheadThe moments people come back for, and where to find them. Episode numbers and outcomes are named, so come back to this one after watching if you would rather not know.
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The first snow at the abandoned house
Seung-min plans to confess his feelings to Seo-yeon at an abandoned house on the winter's first snowfall, but a misunderstanding over Jae-wook keeps him away and she waits there alone.
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The CD player returned
Decades later Seo-yeon receives back the portable CD player and CD she left behind that night, showing that Seung-min did return to the house and kept his promise.
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Building the Jeju Island house
Seung-min renovates and expands Seo-yeon's thirty year old family home on Jeju Island instead of starting over; the set was damaged by Typhoon Bolaven in 2012 and later rebuilt as a real cafe.
Filming locations
- Jeju Island: The scenic island serves as the backdrop for Seo Yeon’s family home, emphasizing the film’s nostalgic tone.
- Seoul National University: Key scenes of Young Seung Min and Seo Yeon’s college days were shot here, adding authenticity.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Used to depict Seung Min’s architectural projects, showcasing traditional Korean aesthetics.
- Seongsu-dong: Highlighted for its modern architectural vibe, reflecting Seung Min’s professional life.
- Paju Book City: A serene location that captures reflective moments of the characters.
Visual design and costumes
- Warm Color Palette: The use of earthy tones emphasizes the nostalgic and emotional depth of the film.
- Retro Outfits for Young Characters: The 1990s-style clothing reflects the characters’ youthful innocence and the era.
- Minimalistic Architecture: The designs of Seo Yeon’s house and other structures mirror the theme of simplicity and authenticity.
- Natural Lighting: Sunsets and natural light are used to enhance emotional scenes and create a nostalgic ambiance.
- Architectural Symbolism: Structures and layouts are intricately tied to the characters’ emotional journeys.
Themes and messages
- The Power of First Love: Explores how first love shapes individuals and leaves a lasting impact.
- Nostalgia and Memories: A heartfelt reminder of the importance of cherishing moments from the past.
- Unspoken Emotions: Highlights how silence and misunderstandings can shape relationships.
- Reconnection and Healing: Portrays how revisiting the past can lead to personal growth and closure.
- Architecture as a Metaphor: Uses building design to symbolize rebuilding connections and mending broken hearts.
Interesting facts
- Bae Suzy’s Breakout Role: Her portrayal of Young Seo Yeon earned her widespread acclaim and solidified her acting career.
- Box Office Hit: The film attracted over 4 million viewers in South Korea, making it one of the most successful melodramas of its time.
- Iconic OST: The soundtrack, including “Etude of Memory”, became synonymous with the film’s nostalgic vibe.
- Architectural Authenticity: Director Lee Yong Joo, a former architecture student, infused personal insights into the storyline.
- Cultural Impact: The film sparked renewed interest in architecture and first love-themed storytelling in South Korea.
Real-life loves on set
There are no confirmed reports of a real-life romance stemming from Architecture 101. While the on-screen chemistry between Bae Suzy and Lee Je Hoon, who played the younger versions of the main characters, captivated audiences, their relationship remained professional. The cast maintained a friendly working environment during filming, and any speculation about off-screen romances related to the movie is purely fan-driven. Both actors have continued to focus on their respective careers without any public acknowledgment of romantic involvement tied to this film.
Soundtrack
| Track | Artist |
|---|---|
| Etude of Memory (기억의 습작) | Exhibition (전람회), 1993 |
Awards
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 48th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actor | Lee Je-hoon | Nominated |
| 2012 | 48th Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actress | Suzy | Won |
| 2012 | 6th Mnet 20's Choice Awards | 20's Male Movie Star | Lee Je-hoon | Won |
| 2012 | 6th Mnet 20's Choice Awards | 20's Female Movie Star | Suzy | Won |
| 2012 | 6th Mnet 20's Choice Awards | 20's Booming Actor | Jo Jung-suk | Won |
| 2012 | 5th Style Icon Awards | First Love Fantasies | Suzy | Won |
| 2012 | 16th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival | Fantasia Award | Lee Je-hoon | Won |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best Film | Architecture 101 | Nominated |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Jo Jung-suk | Nominated |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best New Director | Lee Yong-ju | Nominated |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best New Actor | Jo Jung-suk | Nominated |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best New Actress | Suzy | Nominated |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best Screenplay | Lee Yong-ju | Won |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best Cinematography | Jo Sang-yoon | Nominated |
| 2012 | 21st Buil Film Awards | Best Music | Lee Ji-soo | Nominated |
| 2012 | 49th Grand Bell Awards | Best Director | Lee Yong-ju | Nominated |
| 2012 | 49th Grand Bell Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Jo Jung-suk | Nominated |
| 2012 | 49th Grand Bell Awards | Best New Actor | Jo Jung-suk | Nominated |
| 2012 | 49th Grand Bell Awards | Best New Actress | Suzy | Nominated |
| 2012 | 49th Grand Bell Awards | Popularity Award | Suzy | Nominated |
| 2012 | 32nd Korean Association of Film Critics Awards | Best Music | Lee Ji-soo | Won |
| 2012 | 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best New Actor | Jo Jung-suk | Won |
| 2012 | 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best New Actress | Suzy | Nominated |
| 2012 | 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Screenplay | Lee Yong-ju | Nominated |
| 2012 | 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Cinematography | Jo Sang-yoon | Nominated |
| 2012 | 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Art Direction | Woo Seung-mi | Nominated |
| 2012 | 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Lighting | Park Se-mun | Nominated |
| 2012 | 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards | Best Music | Lee Ji-soo | Nominated |
| 2012 | 33rd Blue Dragon Film Awards | Popularity Award | Suzy | Won |
| 2012 | 20th Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards | Best New Actor | Jo Jung-suk | Won |
| 2013 | 4th KOFRA Film Awards | Best New Actor | Jo Jung-suk | Won |
Frequently asked questions
What is Architecture 101 about?
Architecture 101 follows architect Lee Seung-min, who is asked by his college first love, Seo-yeon, to rebuild her family home fifteen years after their relationship ended unresolved.
Who plays the lead roles in Architecture 101?
Uhm Tae-woong and Han Ga-in play the present-day Seung-min and Seo-yeon, while Lee Je-hoon and Suzy play their younger, college-age selves in flashbacks.
Does Suzy star in Architecture 101?
Yes, Suzy plays the young Seo-yeon in Architecture 101. It was her feature film debut and won her Best New Actress at the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2012.
How does Architecture 101 end?
In the final scenes of Architecture 101, Seung-min chooses to stay with his fiancee Eun-chae and leaves for the United States with her, while Seo-yeon remains in the house he built for her, listening to the CD he returned to her.
Architecture 101 movie review: is it worth watching?
Architecture 101 movie reviews were largely positive. Korean Film Biz Zone credited its restrained style and well drawn characters for its record box office run, and critic Rex Baylon gave it four out of five stars on Modern Korean Cinema, praising the chemistry between its two timelines of lead actors.
Where can I watch Architecture 101?
Architecture 101 has been listed on Netflix in some regions; availability varies by country, so it is worth checking the streaming services active where you live.
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