Next Sohee is a 2023 Korean movie directed by July Jung and starring Bae Doona, Kim Si-eun, and Lee Joo-young. It is based on a true story of a high school student who died while working at a call center as part of her school’s internship program. The movie explores the emotional and systemic exploitation of young people in South Korea’s labor market, as well as the investigation into the cause of the student’s death.
The movie is divided into two parts: the first part focuses on Sohee (Kim Si-eun), a cheerful and ambitious girl who loves dancing, but has to take a job at a call center to earn credits for her graduation. She soon faces the harsh reality of the workplace, where she is pressured to meet quotas, deal with angry customers, and endure the abuse of her superiors. She also feels isolated from her friends and family, who do not understand her struggles. The second part follows Detective Oh (Bae Doona), who is assigned to Sohee’s case after she dies from falling off the roof of the call center building. Detective Oh suspects foul play and tries to uncover the truth behind Sohee’s death, despite the obstacles and resistance from the school and the company.
The movie received critical acclaim for its realistic and powerful portrayal of the issues facing South Korea’s youth, such as education, employment, mental health, and suicide. The movie also showcases the performances of its cast, especially Kim Si-eun, who delivers a heartbreaking and nuanced depiction of Sohee’s character. The movie also features a strong female lead in Bae Doona, who plays a determined and compassionate detective who fights for justice.
Next Sohee is a movie that raises important questions about the social and economic system that exploits and neglects young people, and the moral responsibility of those who witness or participate in it. It is a movie that will make you think, feel, and reflect on the value of life and dignity.
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