The movie “Only You,” a sad romance that transcends borders

Released in the fall of 2011, “Only You” is a classic melodrama that touched the hearts of Korean audiences with the delicate acting chemistry between actors So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo. Directed by Song Il-gon, the film did not achieve commercial success at the box office, drawing only about 1 million viewers upon its release. However, as time passed, its value was recognized, and it has been consistently discussed for its artistic merit, even being remade in several countries. In particular, the fact that it was selected as the opening film for the 16th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is an important indicator of the film's artistic value and the high expectations it has generated.

Being selected as the opening film of an authoritative film festival such as the Busan International Film Festival signifies that the film has been recognized for its cinematic achievements that represent the year, transcending its artistic and commercial value. This reflects the high expectations of the film industry and suggests that Only You is more than just a commercial film, but also contains a profound message and emotion.

The film's narrative begins with the fateful encounter between Cheol-min (played by So Ji-sub), a former boxer who has turned his back on his dark past and now works as a water delivery man and parking lot attendant, and Jung-hwa (played by Han Hyo-joo), a telephone counselor who is losing her sight due to an accident but lives brightly and cheerfully. In a cramped parking lot office, Jung-hwa watches the world through TV dramas, while Cheol-min silently watches over her. The two comfort each other's wounds, share their pain, and naturally fall in love. Cheol-min opens the door to his heart, which had been tightly closed, and discovers hope in life through Jung-hwa, while Jung-hwa begins to communicate with the world again through Cheol-min's warm heart.

However, a harsh reality stands in the way of their love. When Jung-hwa's boss tries to assault her, Cheol-min appears and saves her, but Jung-hwa fears being fired from her job and instead blames him. Ironically, this incident becomes a catalyst that strengthens their relationship. Cheol-min realizes that he needs money to stay by Jung-hwa's side and give her a better life.

Ultimately, he enters the dangerous and brutal world of illegal fighting, rather than boxing, which is associated with his past wounds. He risks his life in the fight with the sole purpose of raising money for Jung-hwa's surgery. The story reaches its climax when it is revealed that the two are connected by a tragic event from the past. The fact that Jung-hwa's loss of vision was indirectly linked to Cheol-min's past actions burdens him with an irreparable sense of guilt, making his sacrifice all the more desperate.

The narrative structure of Only You faithfully follows the traditional melodrama formula of a couple meeting, facing adversity, and confirming their love through misunderstandings and trials. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, the two lead actors' outstanding performances add depth and persuasiveness to this familiar story.

So Ji-sub exudes his unique charm through his portrayal of Cheol-min, a man who carries a dark past and keeps his pure love hidden behind his taciturn nature. In particular, his acting, which conveys the character's complex inner world through his eyes and expressions while restraining his emotions, maximizes the audience's immersion. 

Han Hyo-joo perfectly embodies the role of Jung-hwa, a woman who never loses hope despite her difficult situation of gradually losing her sight. Acting as a visually impaired person is a great challenge for an actor, but she has been praised for her delicate research and efforts, which allowed her to completely immerse herself in the role and express both the character's purity and strength.

 The pure and devoted love story depicted in Only You has resonated with audiences across borders. In 2020, it was remade in Japan as “Your Eyes Tell,” starring Yuriko Yoshitaka and Ryusei Yokohama, and received a positive response locally. It has also been reborn in various cultures, such as Turkey (“Sadece Sen”) and India (“Do Lafzon Ki Kahani”). This serves as a testament to the universal power of the theme of noble sacrifice for a loved one, much like Charlie Chaplin's “City Lights.”

The film features the intense emotions of a traditional melodrama and the pure spirit of sacrifice for a loved one, which are rarely seen in the film industry today. Although “Only You” did not set any box office records, it remains a meaningful work in the history of Korean melodramas, shining brighter with time as a sad yet beautiful love story.