Marriage Story

The 1992 South Korean romantic comedy directed by Kim Eui-suk follows the marital journey of a middle-class couple, Kim Tae-gyu (Choi Min-soo) and Choe Ji-hae (Shim Hye-jin). The film begins with their wedding, conducted against the advice of family and friends who believed they were mismatched. Initially, they enjoy romance and mutual respect, but soon confront the realities of married life, realizing their expectations were idealized. Ji-hae, with her liberal views, seeks open discussions about intimacy, while Tae-gyu, holding traditional beliefs, feels uneasy with these changes. Their differences lead to tension and conflicts, resulting in a temporary separation. However, through trials and reevaluation, the couple finds a path to reconciliation. The film, which became the highest-grossing in South Korea in 1992, skillfully blends humor and social satire, reflecting shifts in gender roles and the challenges faced by modern couples in a patriarchal society.