Our Summer Poem

Our Summer Poem is a touching Korean short film that captures the fragile emotions of youth, friendship, and the unspoken competition that often brews beneath the surface. The story follows Seo-jung, portrayed by popular actress Kim Hye-yoon, a sensitive and introspective high school student navigating a summer filled with change, self-doubt, and quiet yearning. Seo-jung is paired with her classmate Jung-hwa (played by Kim Min-yeob) for a summer poetry project. As they explore themes of longing and self-expression through words, their connection deepens beyond the written page. The summer heat and creative tension push them both to confront what they truly feel—about life, their futures, and each other. While Seo-jung begins to blossom through the power of poetry, she also finds herself silently compared to the confident and charismatic Da-jung (portrayed by Jung Jihyun), a classmate whose presence challenges her own self-worth. This creates an emotional undercurrent that fuels the film’s delicate portrayal of teenage insecurity, competition, and vulnerability. Our Summer Poem stands out as a Korean coming-of-age film that speaks to anyone who’s ever struggled to find their voice. With evocative cinematography, heartfelt performances by rising stars like Kim Hye-yoon and Kim Min-yeob, and a poignant narrative, it’s a cinematic poem about identity, silent love, and the healing power of words.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 서정시작법
🌎 Also Known As: Seojeongsijagbeob
🎭 Genres: Drama, Coming-of-Age, Short Film
🏷 Tags: Aspiring Writer, Female Friendship, School Life, Jealousy, Self-Discovery, Youth Competition
✍ Screenwriters: Youn Hye In
🎬 Directors: Youn Hye In
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: November 26, 2020
📺 Original Network: N/A
⏰ Duration: 23 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 13+ – Teens 13 or older

Best Scenes

The classroom poetry reading scene where Seo-jung finds the courage to share her inner world.
The quiet rooftop moment between Seo-jung and Jung-hwa, filled with unspoken tension and warmth.
A solitary walk through the school hallway that mirrors Seo-jung’s inner emotional journey.
The emotional confrontation between Seo-jung and Da-jung, exploring silent rivalry and misunderstood friendship.
The final scene where the characters’ poems intertwine with the visuals, delivering a poetic closure.

Filming Locations

Shot primarily in a Korean high school, giving the story a grounded, relatable setting for teens.
Several scenes unfold on the rooftop, symbolizing freedom, loneliness, and introspection.
The school library and empty corridors provide quiet backdrops that enhance the film’s introspective tone.
Outdoor locations reflect summer’s golden hour light, creating a dreamlike, nostalgic atmosphere.
The minimalist, natural settings allow the emotional storytelling and characters to take center stage.

Visual Design and Costumes

Warm summer tones and soft lighting create a nostalgic, poetic mood throughout the film.
Costumes reflect real-life high school attire—simple, natural, and character-driven.
Seo-jung’s wardrobe evolves subtly, mirroring her growing confidence.
The visual style embraces long takes and static frames, emphasizing reflection and emotion.
The handwritten poems and close-up shots of personal objects add an intimate visual layer.

Themes and Messages

The power of self-expression through poetry, especially for shy or introverted individuals.
Teenage jealousy and comparison, and how it can affect self-worth.
The importance of female friendship, even when challenged by silent rivalry.
Growth and healing through creativity and self-discovery.
A quiet call to embrace vulnerability, showing that softness is strength.

Interesting Facts

Kim Hye-yoon, known for hit dramas like Extraordinary You, takes on a subtler, introspective role here.
Directed and written by Youn Hye-in, marking a fresh voice in Korea’s short film scene.
The film has a runtime of just 23 minutes, yet it delivers a powerful emotional arc.
It was praised for its authentic portrayal of teenage emotions and creative storytelling.
Despite being a short film, Our Summer Poem gained attention from K-drama fans for its cinematic beauty.

Awards

The Korean short film Our Summer Poem (2020), directed by Youn Hye-in, had its world premiere at the Seoul Independent Film Festival (SIFF) 2020, where it was selected for the Short Competition section.

However, there is no publicly available information indicating that Our Summer Poem received any awards at SIFF 2020 or other film festivals. The film’s selection for the Short Competition at SIFF signifies recognition of its artistic merit and contribution to independent Korean cinema.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no publicly available information or credible reports indicating that a real-life romantic relationship developed between the lead actors of the Korean short film Our Summer Poem (2020), namely Kim Hye-yoon (who portrayed Seo-jung) and Jung Ji-hyun (who portrayed Da-jung). Their collaboration appears to have been strictly professional, centered around their roles in this 23-minute coming-of-age drama.

As of now, neither actor has publicly disclosed any romantic involvement with each other. Their interactions seem to have remained within the scope of their work on Our Summer Poem.