Papa (2012 South Korean Film)

Papa is a 2012 South Korean comedy film directed by Han Ji-Seung, who also served as the writer. The film features Park Yong-Woo in the lead role of Choon-Sub, a talent manager, and Go Ara as Joon, a talented singer.

Plot

The story follows Choon-Sub, a talent manager whose client abandons him to work with another manager in the United States. Choon-Sub travels to America to track them down. While there, he enters into a contract marriage, which results in him becoming the guardian of six children. He eventually discovers that the eldest daughter, Joon, possesses significant singing talent. Choon-Sub decides to support her musical ambitions, encouraging her to participate in an audition program as he attempts to guide her career.

Production

Production for the film was largely based in the United States, with approximately 90% of the movie filmed on location there. Principal photography commenced in early August 2011 and concluded on November 21, 2011. The final scene was shot at a restaurant in Yongsan, Seoul, depicting a confrontation where a management company executive threatens Choon-Sub regarding an outstanding debt.

Release

Papa was released in South Korea on February 2, 2012. The release date was originally scheduled for January 19, 2012, to coincide with the Lunar New Year holiday; however, the date was moved to February to avoid a crowded theatrical market during that period.

Cast

Park Yong-Woo as Choon-Sub
Go Ara as Joon
Daniel Henney as a music producer
Son Byung-Ho
Yoon Seung-Hoon as Yang-Moo
Seo Tae-Hwa as Head of Dept. Seo
Min Ji-Yul as Milla
Michael MacMillan as Gordon
Meg Kelly as Maya
Parker Townsend as Jimmy
Angela Azar as Rosy
Sharyn Shields as Phoebe
Leland L. Jones as an immigration agent
Chase Anderson as an audition coordinator