Tune In For Love

Tune In for Love is a tender Korean romance that follows the fated love story of Hyun Woo, played by Jung Hae In, and Mi Soo, portrayed by Kim Go Eun. Set during the 1990s, the film begins when the two meet by chance at a bakery, where Mi Soo works and Hyun Woo, a recently released prisoner, starts working part-time. Despite their growing connection, life continues to throw obstacles in their way, keeping them apart just when they seem to be getting closer. As the years go by, Hyun Woo and Mi Soo's paths cross again and again, yet circumstances continually pull them in different directions. The backdrop of the story is set against the radio waves of the 90s, reflecting both the nostalgia of the time and the longing between the two protagonists. With every reunion, the couple is faced with new challenges, yet their undeniable chemistry keeps them coming back to each other. At its core, Tune In for Love explores themes of fate, timing, and second chances. As Hyun Woo and Mi Soo navigate the ups and downs of life, their love story reflects the bittersweet reality of missed opportunities and the hope that love will find a way. The film’s emotional depth is enhanced by its detailed portrayal of 90s culture, with nostalgic music and the radio playing a significant role in their connection. Directed by Jung Ji Woo and written by Lee Sook Yun, Tune In for Love is a heartwarming tale that resonates with anyone who has ever believed in the power of fate and the enduring nature of true love.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 유열의 음악앨범 (Yuyeolui Eumakaelbum)
🌎 Also Known As: Yoo Yeol’s Music Album
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Melodrama
🏷 Tags: Fate, 90s Nostalgia, Love at First Sight, Missed Opportunities, Longing
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Sook Yun
🎬 Directors: Jung Ji Woo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: August 28, 2019
📺 Original Network: N/A (Theatrical Release, available on Netflix)
⏰ Duration: 122 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 12+ (suitable for teens)

Best Scenes

The emotional reunion scene at the train station between Hyun Woo (Jung Hae In) and Mi Soo (Kim Go Eun) showcases the depth of their unresolved feelings.
The tender moment when Hyun Woo listens to Mi Soo’s voice over the radio, highlighting the emotional connection through music.
The rainy scene where the couple shares an umbrella, symbolizing the intimacy and vulnerability in their relationship.
Hyun Woo and Mi Soo’s first meeting at the bakery is a beautifully awkward scene that sets the tone for their fateful relationship.
The final scene, where the two finally confess their feelings, brings closure to their long and winding love story.

Filming Locations

Much of the movie was filmed in Seoul, particularly in quaint neighborhoods, capturing the nostalgic vibe of 90s South Korea.
The scenes in the bakery were shot in a cozy, real-life cafe, which became iconic among fans of the movie.
The train station scenes were filmed in Gapyeong, providing a picturesque and emotional backdrop for the couple’s reunions and farewells.
Various parts of Seoul, including parks and quiet streets, were used to evoke the passage of time and memories.
The radio station setting was recreated to give authenticity to the film’s 90s setting.

Visual Design and Costumes

The characters’ wardrobes reflect the era, with Mi Soo‘s simple yet stylish 90s attire representing her warmth and down-to-earth nature.
Hyun Woo is often seen in more muted tones, symbolizing his struggles and introspective personality.
The visual design utilizes soft lighting and warm colors to evoke nostalgia and emotional depth, reinforcing the passage of time and memories.
Retro items such as cassette players and old radios enhance the film’s authenticity, immersing viewers in the 90s era.
The bakery is designed as a comforting, nostalgic space that contrasts with the more hectic outside world, symbolizing a safe space for the characters.

Themes and Messages

The movie explores the theme of fate and how timing can shape relationships, with Hyun Woo and Mi Soo constantly crossing paths but struggling to stay together.
It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in love, as the characters face numerous challenges but never give up on each other.
Missed opportunities and regret are key messages, as the film shows how choices impact relationships over time.
Music plays a vital role in connecting the characters emotionally, especially through the radio, symbolizing communication beyond words.
The film beautifully highlights how love can endure despite life’s uncertainties and the passage of time.

Interesting Facts

Tune In for Love broke records for the highest opening day box office for a romance film in Korea upon its release.
Both Jung Hae In and Kim Go Eun praised the film for its nostalgic connection to the 90s, an era both actors fondly remembered.
The movie was directed by Jung Ji Woo, who is known for his delicate handling of emotional narratives.
The soundtrack, filled with 90s hits, plays a major role in enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere of the film.
The chemistry between the leads, Jung Hae In and Kim Go Eun, was widely praised, contributing to the film’s success on Netflix after its theatrical run.

Awards

Here are the awards Tune In for Love (2019) has received or been nominated for:

London East Asia Film Festival (2019):
- Popularity Award (Jung Hae-in) – Won
56th Grand Bell Awards (2020):
- Best New Actor (Jung Hae-in) – Won
40th Blue Dragon Film Awards (2019):
- Best New Actor (Jung Hae-in) – Nominated
- Best Music (Yeon Ri Mok) – Nominated
- Best Art Direction – Nominated
56th Baeksang Arts Awards (2020):
- Best New Actor (Jung Hae-in) – Nominated
- Best Supporting Actress (Kim Gook-hee) – Nominated
Chunsa Film Art Awards (2020):
- Best Actress (Kim Go-eun) – Nominated
- Best New Actor (Jung Hae-in) – Nominated
- Best Director (Jung Ji-woo) – Nominated

Real-Life Loves on Set

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of any real-life romantic relationships between the cast members of Tune In for Love (2019). While the on-screen chemistry between Jung Hae In and Kim Go Eun was widely praised, any speculation about a romance off-screen remains just that—speculation. Both actors have maintained professional relationships during and after the film’s production, and no official statements have suggested otherwise