One Summer Night

One Summer Night is a heartfelt Korean youth romance film that captures the delicate emotions of first love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Starring Go Kyung Pyo as Joon Ki, a quiet and thoughtful college student, and Ahn Jae Min as Yong Joo, his spirited and unpredictable best friend, the story unfolds during one unforgettable summer break where everything changes. As Joon Ki and Yong Joo escape to the countryside for a short vacation, they are unexpectedly joined by Ha Neul, played by Lee Cho Hee, a mysterious girl with a troubled past. Her presence disrupts the balance between the two friends, igniting feelings that neither of them is prepared to confront. Underneath the warmth of the summer sun, hidden emotions and long-buried secrets begin to surface. Caught between loyalty and longing, Joon Ki struggles with his growing feelings for Ha Neul while grappling with his friendship with Yong Joo. Meanwhile, So Ra, portrayed by Shin Hye Sun, quietly harbors her own unspoken feelings for one of the boys, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the group’s fragile dynamic. The film beautifully captures the vulnerability of youth and the quiet pain of unreciprocated love. Directed with a gentle touch, One Summer Night blends romantic nostalgia with coming-of-age themes, making it a must-watch for fans of emotional Korean dramas. With stunning visuals, natural performances, and a moving soundtrack, the film explores how a single summer night can leave a lifelong impact. It's a poetic reminder that love, no matter how fleeting, always leaves a mark.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 어느 여름날 밤에
🌎 Also Known As: Eoneu Yeoreumnal Bame, One Summer Night
🎭 Genres: Drama, Romance
🏷 Tags: LGBTQ+ Relationship, Youth, Summer Romance, Forbidden Love, First Love
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Hun
🎬 Directors: Kim Hun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: October 21, 2016
📺 Original Network: Theatrical Release
⏰ Duration: 98 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 18+ (Restricted – mature themes and content)

Best Scenes

The lakeside confession under moonlight where emotional truths are finally revealed.
Yong Joo and Joon Ki’s silent stare during a campfire, loaded with unresolved tension and longing.
So Ra’s emotional breakdown alone in the woods, symbolizing isolation and emotional vulnerability.
The trio’s spontaneous run through summer rain, capturing a fleeting moment of youth and freedom.
The final goodbye scene at the train station, leaving viewers with heartbreak and ambiguity.

Filming Locations

Secluded rural village in Korea, providing a quiet, introspective backdrop for emotional storytelling.
Lush forest trails that reflect the characters’ inner journeys and choices.
A traditional countryside home, serving as the central emotional space in the narrative.
Train station platform, symbolic of transition and emotional departures.
Serene lakeside area, key to many emotionally charged scenes and visual metaphors.

Visual Design and Costumes

Natural lighting and warm color grading, giving the film a nostalgic and melancholic summer feel.
Casual, realistic costumes—basic t-shirts and jeans—to reflect everyday youth and enhance relatability.
Subtle costume shifts indicate character development, especially as emotions intensify.
Minimalist set design, focusing attention on body language and facial expressions.
Cinematography emphasizes stillness, enhancing quiet tension and emotional depth.

Themes and Messages

Forbidden love and social stigma, especially surrounding LGBTQ+ relationships in conservative settings.
The fragility of friendship when love intervenes, exploring emotional loyalty vs. desire.
Coming-of-age confusion, capturing how youth navigates identity, affection, and fear.
The contrast between freedom and repression, shown through characters’ environment and choices.
The emotional intensity of first love, which leaves a permanent imprint despite its ending.

Interesting Facts

Directed by Kim Hun, known for tackling socially sensitive topics through an indie lens.
The film addresses LGBTQ+ issues, a relatively bold move for Korean cinema in 2016.
Minimal dialogue heightens emotional impact, relying on expressions and silence.
Often screened at international LGBTQ+ film festivals, receiving attention for its raw honesty.
Filmed on a low budget, yet praised for its atmosphere, acting, and cinematography.

Awards

There is no publicly available information indicating that the Korean film One Summer Night (2016) has received any awards or nominations. The film, directed by Kim Hun, is known for its exploration of complex themes such as forbidden love and personal identity, but there are no records of it being recognized at major film festivals or award ceremonies.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no confirmed real-life romance among the cast members of the Korean film One Summer Night (2016). Although the film portrays deep emotional connections and explores themes of forbidden love and personal identity, especially between the lead characters Joon Ki (played by Go Kyung Pyo) and Yong Joo (played by Ahn Jae Min), there is no evidence that these relationships extended beyond the screen.

The chemistry between the actors contributed to the emotional depth and authenticity of the film, leading some viewers to speculate about real-life dynamics. However, both actors have maintained professional boundaries, and no public statements or media reports have indicated a romantic involvement during or after the filming.

Additionally, the film’s production was primarily noted for its bold narrative choices and representation of LGBTQ+ themes in a conservative cinematic landscape, rather than for any behind-the-scenes relationships.

In conclusion, while One Summer Night delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant love story, it remains entirely fictional, with no real-life love story known to have emerged from its cast.