Bong-Keun

Seok-bom and his wife, Yeon-ok, live a secluded life in a hut by the ocean. Seok-bom makes woodcarvings. One day, Yeon-ok is praying to the phallic god for a child when she is swallowed by the ocean and killed. Afterwards, bad lucks continues as all the men of the village except for Bong-keun is killed in a boating accident. Every day, the widows visit Seok-bom's hut where he is carving a phallic god. Bong-keun had been crippled in an accident. So his wife, Sun-deok, goes to pray for his recovery every day to the phallic god. Bong-keun misinterprets his wife's actions. Soon, his doubts are put to rest by Seok-bom and Bong-keun and his wife are happy again. Seok-bom follows his wife and throws himself into the ocean. In memory of the couple, the village holds a rite in their name.

Directed by —, Bong-Keun leans on a strong ensemble — Yu Jang-hyeon, 한윤경, Yu Hwa-Chun — 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 1988.