The traditional status of “family” has undergone significant changes during Korea’s rapidly changing modern history. Western values took hold during the reconstruction after the War, industrialization, urbanization, the financial crisis, the subsequent recovery of the economy and the recent rise of its pop culture paved way to the reemergence of a new form of nationalism borne out of self-interest to survive. Traditional relationships among the state, market, society, and family are constantly shifting, and the foundation of families shaken. It has become brutally clear that no one – not the government, society, or the market would take responsibility for families; to maintain a family, individuals need to survive on their own, and not to become a burden to other family members. An era of individualism, competition, and innovation has arrived as a worldwide phenomenon, not sparing Asia. In collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, Asia Society Hong Kong Center will present 4 films selected from the Korean Film Archive that will provide a glimpse through Korean filmmakers’ lenses of some the factors pertaining to such a shift in family values in contemporary Korea. All films are in Korean with English subtitles, supplementary theme-related reading materials written by scholars and film critics will be provided at each screening. Family Ties (2006 / Dir. Kim Tae-Yong / 113 minutes) The film is divided into 3 parts. The first part tells the story of Hyeong-cheol, his wife Mu-sin and the stepdaughter Chae-hyeon, who move into Mi-ra’s (Hyeong-cheol’s sister) home. It shows the relationship and the rift among everyone in the house. The second part films the relationship of Seon-gyeong and her mother. Her mother is soon diagnosed with cancer and she has to raise her brother, Gyeong-seok. The final part brings the two parts together, when Chae-hyeon and Gyeong-seok becomes a couple. The story ends with Gyeong-seok being accepted by Chae-hyeon’s adopted family. - Supported by Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong - Free admission, Online registration required