"Based on a True Event from 2018"… Korean Film Draws Attention for Addressing the Topic of School Violence

The film The Loop was released on the 4th. This time thriller follows high school student Sejong (played by Lee Hyo-jae) as he relives the same day repeatedly in an attempt to save his friend Jinsu (played by Jung Ji-hoon). With its unique premise and profound message, the film has garnered significant attention from audiences.

The Loop centers around the sensitive social issue of school violence.

Director Koo Sang-beom shared, "While working as a university professor and conducting student counseling, I realized that many students were suffering from the scars caused by past school violence. Inspired by a real event in 2018, I created this film with the hope that the issue of school violence could be addressed."

The movie unravels the complex psychology of the victim, perpetrator, and those around them through the intriguing device of a time loop, based on a realistic backdrop. In the film, Jinsu, the victim of school violence, becomes the catalyst for the repetitive day. Actor Jung Ji-hoon portrays the character in a multifaceted way, using both internal acting and action scenes.

With detailed performances—showing Jinsu's timid expression, hunched posture, and anxious gaze—Jung brings the character to life. In the flashbacks revealed through the loop, the contrast between Jinsu's former bright and cheerful self and his current state adds depth to the character.

Jung Ji-hoon, known for his emotional performances that captivated audiences in the Along with the Gods series, continues to impress with his roles in Angel Eyes, My Mister, 100 Days My Prince, Clean with Passion for Now, and Blind. In The Loop, he is expected to draw viewers into the story with his intense action scenes depicting school violence.

The other protagonist, Sejong, struggles endlessly within the repetitive day to save his friend. Lee Hyo-jae, who plays Sejong, brings the character to life with his delicate portrayal of various emotions. He shared, "I was drawn to the freshness of the time loop concept and the potential of the character Sejong, which is why I chose this role."

The Loop goes beyond the simple time loop genre, constantly reflecting on the reality of school violence through the repeated day. It also uses genre-specific devices to deliver a heavy message to the audience.

The film has been recognized for its quality and originality, having been selected as an official competition film at the 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The Loop, which goes beyond mere entertainment to delve deeply into a social issue, is drawing attention to see whether it can move the hearts of viewers.