Heartbreak Library

Heartbreak Library is a touching Korean romantic drama film that explores loss, longing, and unexpected connection. The story follows Eun Soo, a quiet and curious librarian played by Eugene, who encounters an unusual visitor—Jun Oh, portrayed by the charismatic Lee Dong Wook, caught tearing pages out of books in the library. Rather than reporting him, Eun Soo decides to investigate his odd behavior. She discovers that Jun Oh is desperately searching for a specific book—one that contains a cryptic message left by his ex-girlfriend before she vanished. As the mystery unfolds, Eun Soo becomes emotionally drawn to his quest, and the two slowly begin to open up to each other. Set against the peaceful, almost sacred backdrop of a rural library, the film beautifully captures the quiet healing power of books, the fragility of memory, and the pain of unanswered love. Eun Soo and Jun Oh's bond grows through shared silence and subtle gestures, rather than dramatic declarations, offering a refreshing take on love stories in Korean cinema. With tender performances and a deeply emotional narrative, Heartbreak Library resonates with viewers seeking more than just romance—it’s about letting go, moving on, and the little moments that change everything. Perfect for fans of introspective, soul-stirring Korean films, this movie is a must-watch for anyone who believes that sometimes, the smallest clue can lead to the biggest answers.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 그 남자의 책 198쪽
🌎 Also Known As: Page 198 of That Man’s Book, Page 198
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Librarian Female Lead, Bookstore/Library Setting, Breakup, Searching for Clues, Emotional Healing, Quiet Romance
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Dong Woo (based on a novel by Yoon Sung Hee)
🎬 Directors: Lee Jeong Hyang
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: October 23, 2008
📺 Original Network: Theatrical Release
⏰ Duration: 97 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: G – All Ages

Best Scenes

📖 Jun Oh tearing out page 198 from books—a mysterious and symbolic act that hooks the viewer from the start.
📚 The moment Eun Soo confronts Jun Oh in the library—where curiosity transforms into empathy.
🌧 Rainy walk under a shared umbrella—a quiet, emotional scene that deepens their connection.
📝 Eun Soo reading aloud from a meaningful book—where unspoken feelings find a voice.
🕯 The final discovery of the page 198 message—a beautifully executed emotional climax.

Filming Locations

📚 Rural library in a coastal town—offers a peaceful, introspective setting, emphasizing isolation and healing.
🏠 Eun Soo’s cozy home—filled with books and warmth, reflecting her inner world.
🌊 Nearby seaside cliffs and open fields—symbolizing freedom, release, and reflection.
☕ Local cafés and quiet streets add charm and realism to the small-town atmosphere.
🚉 Old train station featured in a nostalgic moment that marks emotional transition.

Visual Design and Costumes

🎨 Muted tones and soft lighting reflect the film’s melancholic, poetic mood.
👓 Eun Soo’s librarian look—simple, bookish, and timeless, echoing her personality.
👔 Jun Oh’s slightly disheveled outfits express his emotional turmoil and obsessive search.
📷 Visuals often include bookshelves, handwritten notes, and paper textures to reinforce the theme of memory and reading.
🌅 Cinematography emphasizes natural light and quiet spaces, enhancing the sense of emotional stillness.

Themes and Messages

💔 The pain of unanswered love is explored through silence, books, and emotional distance.
📖 Books as vessels of memory—each page holds emotions, secrets, and closure.
💬 Communication beyond words plays a key role; much is expressed through gestures and expressions.
🌱 Healing through connection—unexpected companionship leads to inner peace.
🔍 Searching for closure shows how people cope differently with loss and separation.

Interesting Facts

📚 Inspired by the short story “Page 198 of That Man’s Book” by Yoon Sung Hee.
🎥 The film marked one of Eugene’s most beloved early performances after her S.E.S. idol days.
💬 Real page 198 scenes caused a rise in Korean bookshop visits after the film’s release!
🧡 The movie gained a cult following among fans of introspective, slow-paced Korean romance films.
📝 The emotional weight of “page 198” sparked fan theories and literary discussions online.

Awards

There is no publicly available information indicating that the Korean film Heartbreak Library has received any awards. The film premiered on October 23, 2008, and while it has been appreciated by audiences for its unique storyline and performances, there are no records of it securing any formal accolades.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no real-life romantic relationship developed between the lead actors Lee Dong Wook and Eugene during or after the filming of the Korean movie Heartbreak Library.

While the two shared gentle on-screen chemistry in their roles as Jun Oh and Eun Soo, their connection remained professional. Both actors have spoken respectfully about each other in interviews, emphasizing their collaboration and emotional storytelling in the film, but there have been no confirmed reports or rumors of a romantic relationship off-screen.