Next Sohee (2023 Film)

Next Sohee (Korean: 다음 소희; RR: Daeum Sohee) is a 2023 South Korean drama film written and directed by July Jung. The film examines the systemic pressures faced by vocational high school students participating in mandatory internships and the subsequent investigation into the tragic consequences of these labor conditions.

Promotional poster for the film Next Sohee.

Plot

The narrative follows So-hee, a high school student who begins an apprenticeship at a customer service call center. As she navigates the high-pressure environment of her workplace, she becomes involved in a distressing incident. Detective Yoo-jin, tasked with investigating the case, begins to uncover systemic issues that extend far beyond the immediate circumstances of the event, leading her to question the institutional failures that allowed the situation to occur.

Production

The film was written and directed by July Jung. Principal photography for the project commenced on January 16, 2022. Next Sohee marks the second collaboration between director July Jung and actress Bae Doo-Na, who previously worked together on the 2014 film A Girl at My Door.

Actress Kim Si-Eun — Kim Si-Eun, who portrays the character So-hee.

Actress Bae Doo-Na — Bae Doo-Na, who portrays the character Yoo-jin.

Cast

Kim Si-Eun as So-hee
Bae Doo-Na as Yoo-jin
Jung Hoe-Rin as Jjuni
Kang Hyun-Oh as Tae-joon
Park Woo-Young as Dong-ho
Park Hee-Eun as So-hee's mother
Kim Yong-Joon as So-hee's father

Reception and Awards

The film received critical recognition for its screenplay and performances. Notable accolades include:

Baeksang Arts Awards (2023): Best Screenplay (July Jung), Best New Actress (Kim Si-Eun), and the Gucci Impact Award.
Daejong Film Awards (2023): Best New Actress (Kim Si-Eun).
Blue Dragon Film Awards (2023): Best Screenplay (July Jung).