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Hello. This is Baek Soo-jin, a reporter with the Culture Section at Chosun Ilbo. The152nd issue of ‘How About That Movie’ focuses on the film It Must Be a Secret, which opened on the 10th. It is the most recent film from director Kim Dae-hwan, who previously refined the script forParasite. The phrase “To the Closest Stranger” on the poster immediately struck a chord. Everyone has experienced the situation where they can openly talk about something with a friend but feel reluctant to bring it up with their family. The movie portrays the story of individuals concealing secrets from their nearest strangers—“family.”

The most notable feature is the group of six powerful, unique characters who clash and engage with one another. Each character has their own secret, which unexpectedly comes to light at unexpected times. The main character, Jeong Ha (Jang Young-nam), keeps her sexual identity hidden not only from those around her but also from her son. She works as an art teacher in Chuncheon and resides with her same-sex partner, Ji-sun (Ok Ji-young). While encouraging her students to live freely and chase their dreams, she ironically hopes her son, Jin-woo, will obtain a secure job at a large company. The movie’s appeal comes from uncovering the layers of these contradictory and intricate characters.

The dispute starts with the arrival of uninvited visitors. Jin-woo, who had been studying in Canada, unexpectedly comes back with his girlfriend Jenny, revealing their engagement. Shortly thereafter, Jenny’s parents also make their way to Chuncheon. A long-distance race has caused a shortage of places to stay, resulting in an uncomfortable living situation between the two families under Jeong Ha’s roof. The clashes among Jeong Ha, her boyfriend Ji-sun, Jin-woo, Jenny, and Jenny’s parents generate humorous conflict.

Although the narrative is calm, the lively performances by the actors keep things from becoming boring. Jenny’s father, Moon-cheol (Park Ji-il), causes embarrassment to those around him with his rude and selfish actions. At first, he seems like a standard patriarchal antagonist, but his personal weaknesses and heartfelt moments make it hard to dislike him. Park Ji-ah, who portrays Jenny’s mother, also captures attention with her graceful dialogue and unique charm, bringing laughter each time she appears.

The movie explores the changing relationships within a family, using the special concept of an “LGBTQ+ mother.” It eventually questions why these secrets “had to stay hidden.” Jeong Ha, who had always called her partner a friend, responds to her son’s question—“Why didn’t you tell me?”—by saying, “I didn’t want to hurt you.” Although straightforward, this line has a strong emotional impact. Behind this humorous situation is deep family love, and through her son’s acceptance, the mother experiences another change.

The movie reminds us of the many layers that one individual can possess. It subtly emphasizes the reality that even the most closely related family members are “strangers” leading their own lives, and that some space is essential between them. After seeing it, you may look at your “closest strangers”—your family—with a fresh perspective. That wraps up today’s edition. Thank you for reading.

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※ This article has been translated by Upstage Solar AI.