You Call It Passion

You Call It Passion is a 2015 South Korean comedy-drama directed by Jeong Gi-hun. Sung-Woo Bae, Park Bo-young, and Jae-yeong Jeong take the lead roles in this enticing film. This dynamic film intertwines drama, comedy, and moments of hard truth that reflect the atmosphere in hectic Korean newsrooms. As the plot unfolds, these compelling characters navigate the rigorous world of journalism, bringing the realities of the industry vividly to life on film.

The film introduces Do Ra-hee (played by Park Bo-young), an aspiring journalist fresh out of college, who takes on an intern position at an entertainment desk of a major newspaper company, the fictional Seoul Daily. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the vibrant and turbulent newsroom, characterized by snapping keyboards, continually ringing telephones, and high-energy reportages that enhance the realistic portrayal of a newsroom setting.

The naive yet passionate Ra-hee gradually discovers that the glittering world of entertainment journalism isn't as glamorous as she initially thought. She finds herself directly under the jurisdiction of Ha Jae-kwan (played by Jung Jae-young), a legendary and ruthless reporter known for his unexpected outbursts and hardcore tactics. Ha is famous for his no-bull approach to news, stemming from his unwavering belief in the value and integrity of true journalism.

Sung-Woo Bae portrays another key character—a top-notch Korean star—with aplomb. His exemplary performance brings a colorful facet to the overall plot by highlighting celebrity and paparazzo dynamics, adding a vital ingredient to this flavorful movie cocktail.

You Call It Passion highlights the rollercoaster ride that is entertainment journalism, featuring a stark clash between raw passion and harsh realism, youthful idealism and demanding professionalism, delicate diplomacy and brutal honesty. The plot revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Ra-hee and Jae-kwan. It is a journey of both individuals and the profession as a whole, offering hard-hitting commentaries and snapshots into an entertaining yet challenging industry.

The movie shines in its character development, where each character comes with its unique traits that add different dimensions to the storyline. While Bo-young brings her characteristic innocence and vibrancy to the role of Ra-hee, Jae-yeong establishes a formidable presence as the gruff but well-intentioned Jae-kwan. The film breaks archetypal molds by presenting Jae-kwan as a seemingly heartless individual with his own idiosyncratic moral compass, while Ra-hee, initially an overly enthusiastic greenhorn, gradually learns to navigate the perils and pitfalls of her chosen career path.

In its essence, You Call It Passion is the story of Ra-hee's journey. Her character faces the demanding world of news reporting head-on, providing a stark contrast to the usually light-hearted comedy genre. The film paints the picture of a young intern transforming into a promising journalist, willing to take the bull by the horns to achieve her dreams. The depth and development of Ra-hee's character, with Bo-young's impassioned performance, make the film an invigorative watch.

The film is also noteworthy for its capable direction. Director Jeong Gi-hun doesn't shy away from highlighting the harsh realities, challenges, and ethical dilemmas journalists face daily in this high-pressure field. Through well-tailored scenes and strong, authentic performances, the director powers the film through its 114-minute run-time, never failing to hold the audience's intrigue.

Overall, 'You Call It Passion' is more than just a comedy drama. The film encapsulates the essence of journalistic tenacity, dedication, and the pursuit of clinging onto journalistic integrity in a challenging, often daunting professional canvas. An especially attractive watch for fans of Korean films, 'You Call It Passion' is a captivating journey into the heart of Korean entertainment journalism, casting a spotlight on the life of journalists beyond the written words of an article.