How to Breathe Underwater

Junseok is the head of human resources at a car parts plant. His boss tells him to cut down the number of people on the production line, and he must meet with each department head to make difficult choices. At home, his wife is suffering from postpartum depression and he tells her to have a day out, asking her to take care of the rent. She parks the car, with her baby inside, at the curb while making the payment, and loses the car. Meanwhile, Hyeontae, the head of the production line at the same plant where Junseok works, is distressed over having to ask fellow workers to resign.

Directed by Ko Hyun-seok, How to Breathe Underwater leans on a strong ensemble — Jo Si-nae, Jang Jun-whee, Lee Sang-hee — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2017.