Following

Following is a 2024 South Korean mystery thriller directed by Kim Se-hwi, starring Byun Yo-han, Shin Hye-sun, and Lee El. The film delves into the dark intersections of obsession, deception, and the perilous allure of social media. Gu Jeong-tae (Byun Yo-han) is a real estate agent with a clandestine hobby: he secretly enters his clients' homes to observe their private lives. His voyeuristic tendencies lead him to become fixated on Han So-ra (Shin Hye-sun), a social media influencer who portrays a curated, virtuous lifestyle online. Intrigued by the disparity between her online persona and real-life habits, Jeong-tae begins to monitor her more closely. The situation escalates when So-ra entrusts Jeong-tae with her apartment key, and he discovers her lifeless body during one of his unauthorized visits. Panicked, he refrains from reporting the incident. However, upon returning with a client, he finds the body missing and a cryptic note stating, "It was you, right?" As evidence mounts against him, Jeong-tae becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation led by Detective Oh Young-joo (Lee El). Desperate to prove his innocence, Jeong-tae delves into So-ra's social media connections to uncover the truth. The film explores themes of identity, the facades maintained on social platforms, and the consequences of blurred boundaries between the virtual and real worlds. Released on May 15, 2024, Following received critical acclaim for its suspenseful narrative and compelling performances, particularly highlighting the chemistry between Byun Yo-han and Shin Hye-sun. The film's commentary on digital personas and the dangers of obsession resonated with audiences, making it a standout in contemporary Korean

Details

🙂 Native Title: 그녀가 죽었다
🌎 Also Known As: She’s Dead, Geunyeoga Juk-eossda
🎭 Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Drama
🏷 Tags: Social Media, Stalker, Murder Investigation, Real Estate Agent, Crime Suspect
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Se-hwi
🎬 Directors: Kim Se-hwi
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: May 15, 2024
📺 Original Network: Theatrical Release
⏰ Duration: 99 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older – mature themes and suspense)

Best Scenes

Jeong-tae discovering So-ra’s lifeless body—a tense and shocking moment that sets the mystery in motion.
So-ra’s final livestream, where her cryptic words hint at hidden truths and online deception.
The confrontation between Jeong-tae and Detective Oh Young-joo, full of psychological tension and doubt.
The apartment revisit scene, where the body vanishes, escalating suspicion and paranoia.
Flashbacks revealing So-ra’s dual life, adding depth and twists to the storyline.

Filming Locations

Modern Seoul apartment complexes, used to reflect the impersonal and secretive urban lifestyle.
Real estate offices and cafes, where much of the story’s manipulation and exposition unfolds.
Police investigation rooms, stark and cold to emphasize suspicion and intensity.
City rooftops and narrow alleys, creating suspenseful settings for chases and revelations.
Digital studio setups, to mirror the influencer world and highlight the contrast between real and virtual lives.

Visual Design and Costumes

So-ra’s curated influencer outfits, stylish yet symbolizing the illusion of perfection.
Jeong-tae’s muted, ordinary clothing, reflecting his concealed motives and anonymity.
Dark, moody color palettes, used to build psychological tension and mystery.
Heavy shadowing and close-up camera angles, enhancing the film’s thriller aesthetics.
Costume contrast between real-world characters and their online personas, underscoring identity duality.

Themes and Messages

The dangers of parasocial relationships, and how obsession can distort reality.
Social media vs. authenticity, questioning the line between public image and private truth.
Voyeurism and guilt, as Jeong-tae’s behavior blurs moral boundaries.
Mistrust in digital communities, highlighting how appearances deceive.
The fragility of identity in an online world, especially when truth is filtered through performance.

Interesting Facts

Shin Hye Sun and Byun Yo Han’s first onscreen collaboration, both known for intense emotional roles.
The film was originally titled “She’s Dead”, renamed Following for international release.
Director Kim Se-hwi’s debut feature film, praised for tight pacing and layered storytelling.
Inspired by real-life cases of influencer stalking and digital crimes in Korea.
Received early buzz for its commentary on digital culture and true-crime obsession.

Awards

There is no publicly available information indicating that the 2024 South Korean film Following (그녀가 죽었다) has received any awards or nominations. While the film has garnered attention for its suspenseful narrative and commentary on digital culture, it has not been recognized in major film award ceremonies such as the Baeksang Arts Awards or the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no confirmed real-life romance associated with the cast members of the Korean film Following (2024), also known as She’s Dead. While the film features intense psychological tension and layered character dynamics—especially between Byun Yo Han (as Koo Jeong Tae) and Shin Hye Sun (as Han So Ra)—their interactions remain strictly fictional and narrative-driven.

Both actors are known for their professionalism and powerful on-screen presence. Any chemistry perceived between them is a reflection of strong acting and well-directed scenes rather than off-screen involvement. There have been no media reports, interviews, or official statements suggesting a romantic relationship developed during or after filming.

Moreover, the film focuses more on themes such as obsession, social media deception, and psychological mystery than on romance, making the idea of a love story more symbolic than literal.

In conclusion, while Following delivers gripping drama and emotional intensity, there is no evidence of a real-life love story emerging from its production or among its cast.