Dream
Dream is a heartwarming Korean sports comedy-drama that follows the inspiring journey of a group of homeless individuals training to become soccer players. At the center of the story is Yoon Hong Dae, played by the charismatic Park Seo Joon, a hot-tempered professional footballer who is suspended after an unexpected scandal. To restore his public image, he reluctantly takes on the role of coach for a ragtag homeless soccer team preparing for the Homeless World Cup. Joining him is Lee So Min, portrayed by the multi-talented IU, an aspiring documentary producer determined to turn the team’s journey into a compelling story. So Min's passion for storytelling and Hong Dae’s unwilling mentorship collide in humorous and emotional ways as they try to bring purpose, hope, and dignity to a team that's been long forgotten by society. As the training progresses, each member of the team battles personal struggles, societal prejudice, and internal doubts. The film highlights real-life issues such as homelessness, second chances, and the healing power of sports, all delivered with a perfect blend of humor, empathy, and emotional depth. The chemistry between Park Seo Joon and IU adds to the film’s charm, making their dynamic one of the most talked-about in recent Korean cinema. Directed by Lee Byeong-heon, known for hits like Extreme Job, Dream blends comedy and social commentary with powerful character arcs. With a unique underdog story, inspiring messages, and star-studded performances, Dream is a must-watch Korean movie that celebrates resilience, teamwork, and the power of dreams. Now available on major streaming platforms, this film continues to top searches among fans of Korean dramas and feel-good sports films.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 드림
🌎 Also Known As: Dream (2023)
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sports
🏷 Tags: Homelessness, Soccer, Underdog Story, Redemption, Teamwork
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Byeong-heon, Mohammed Abdullah
🎬 Director: Lee Byeong-heon
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: April 26, 2023
📺 Original Network: Megabox Plus M (Distributor)
⏰ Duration: 125 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: Not Rated
Best Scenes
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Final Match Victory: The climactic scene where the homeless soccer team secures a win in the Homeless World Cup is both exhilarating and emotionally charged, symbolizing their hard-earned success.
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Hong-dae’s Transformation: A pivotal moment occurs when Coach Yoon Hong-dae, portrayed by Park Seo-joon, delivers an inspiring speech to his team, marking his transition from a reluctant coach to a passionate mentor.
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So-min’s Documentary Premiere: IU’s character, Lee So-min, showcases her completed documentary, capturing the team’s journey and struggles, adding depth to the narrative.
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Team’s First Training Session: The initial chaotic yet humorous training session highlights the team’s lack of experience and sets the stage for their growth.
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Emotional Reunion: A heartfelt scene where a team member reunites with a family member, emphasizing the personal stakes and emotional depth of the characters’ journeys.
Filming Locations
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Budapest, Hungary: Key scenes, including the Homeless World Cup matches, were filmed in Budapest, providing an authentic European backdrop. Wikipedia
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Seoul, South Korea: Various urban scenes and training sessions were shot in Seoul, capturing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
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Local Football Stadiums: Several training and match scenes were filmed in real football stadiums to enhance authenticity.
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Community Centers: Scenes depicting the team’s living conditions and interactions were shot in local community centers, adding realism to their backgrounds.
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Documentary Filming Locations: IU’s character’s documentary segments were filmed in various locations to depict the team’s diverse experiences.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Authentic Sportswear: The team’s uniforms were designed to reflect real-life football kits, emphasizing their transformation into a cohesive unit.
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Casual Attire for So-min: IU’s character often dons casual, practical clothing, reflecting her role as a documentary filmmaker immersed in the team’s journey.
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Dynamic Color Palette: The film employs a vibrant color scheme during match scenes to convey energy and excitement.
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Contrasting Visuals: The stark contrast between the team’s initial disheveled appearance and their later polished look underscores their development.
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Realistic Set Designs: Training grounds and living quarters were meticulously designed to reflect the characters’ socioeconomic backgrounds.
Themes and Messages
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Redemption and Second Chances: The narrative emphasizes the possibility of personal growth and redemption, regardless of past mistakes.
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Teamwork and Unity: The film showcases how individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to achieve a common goal.
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Overcoming Prejudice: It addresses societal biases against the homeless, promoting empathy and understanding.
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Personal Growth: Characters evolve as they confront personal challenges, highlighting the importance of self-improvement.
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Power of Dreams: The story reinforces the idea that dreams can be a driving force for change and motivation.
Interesting Facts
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Inspired by Real Events: The film draws inspiration from the real-life Homeless World Cup, an annual football tournament for homeless individuals.
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Box Office Success: Upon release, Dream became one of the top-grossing Korean films of 2023, attracting over a million viewers.
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First Collaboration: This film marks the first on-screen collaboration between renowned actors Park Seo-joon and IU.
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Director’s Signature Style: Lee Byeong-heon, known for blending humor with social commentary, brings his distinctive touch to Dream.
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Global Streaming: Dream was made available on Netflix, allowing international audiences to access and enjoy the film.
Awards
The 2023 South Korean film Dream, starring Park Seo-joon and IU, has not received any major awards. While the film garnered attention for its heartwarming narrative and performances, there is no official record of it winning awards at prominent ceremonies such as the Grand Bell Awards or the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
However, IU (Lee Ji-eun) was honored as Best Film Actress at the 2023 Brand of the Year Awards, an accolade recognizing her overall impact in the film industry that year, which includes her role in Dream.
Additionally, the film’s storyline is inspired by real events, notably South Korea’s participation in the 2010 Homeless World Cup, where the team received the Best Newcomer Award for their spirited performance.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no confirmed real-life romance that developed between the main cast members of the Korean film Dream (2023), including Park Seo Joon and IU (Lee Ji Eun). While their on-screen chemistry as Yoon Hong Dae and Lee So Min captured the hearts of fans, both actors have consistently stated in interviews that their relationship is strictly professional.
Rumors occasionally surfaced due to their natural dynamic during promotional events, but these were quickly dismissed. Park Seo Joon is known for maintaining privacy about his personal life, and IU has also been careful to separate her public image from her private affairs.
Therefore, while Dream portrays a deeply emotional and uplifting story, any romantic connections between the actors remained within the realm of fiction.
Trailer
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