Heartlessness

Based on the novel of the same title by Kwang-Soo Lee (Yi Kwang-su), published in 'Maeil Shinbo' in 1917. The plot is based on the relationship of three young people - English teacher Hyeong-sik Lee, dancer Young-chae Park and Hyun-soo Kim, the daughter of a wealthy presbyter. Left an orphan in early childhood, Hyeong-sik was brought up in the house of Master Park. From childhood, Park predicted his daughter Young-chae as Hyeong-sik's wife. Master Park was a patriot, and when the Japanese invaders came to power, he was illegally convicted and imprisoned. His daughter Young-chae became a kisaeng to earn money to send packages to the prison. At this time, Hyeong-sik and Young-chae are moving away from each other, and Hyun-soo appears in the life of Hyeong-sik, whom he fell in love with and is going to marry her.

Directed by Ki-chae Park, Heartlessness leans on a strong ensemble — Han Eun-jin, Nam-yong Choi, Kim Il-hae — 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 1939.