K-Pop stars Jinyoung of B1A4 and Dahyun of TWICE have teamed up to bring a Korean flair to the remake of a sensational Taiwanese romance “You Are the Apple of My Eye”, a film that broke a record by making 100 million TWD in the fastest amount of time, becoming the No.3 film in Taiwan in 2011! Loved by many Korean moviegoers as well, the Korean remake retells the story of first love in its own Korean way, and will undoubtedly warm the public’s heart with nostalgia.
Sun-ah, the girl that was everyone’s first love, brightens any room with her pure beauty. As the film progresses, troublemaker Jin-woo becomes more and more attracted to her, and the audience will be able to feel his emotions. The young couple’s innocent first love will make people fondly remember their own first love and growing pains.
Jinyoung plays Jin-woo, a high school troublemaker who is in love for the first time. He may be awkward, but his love for Sun-ah is unshakable. Jinyoung strived to transform into a high school boy for this film. His comment “There’s a special kind of innocence when you’re young. I tried to accentuate his shyness and awkwardness” makes the public look forward to Jin-woo’s unwavering love.
Dahyun plays Sun-ah, the girl that was everyone’s first love. Even though this is her first acting role, her looks and lovable charms will make the whole country fall in love with her. While reading the script, Dahyun imagined the pure and innocent Sun-ah. Her comment “I wanted to play an innocent and optimistic high schooler. I was attracted to her because she’s quiet but determined.” gives us a taste of what Sun-ah will be like.
“You Are the Apple of My Eye” is set in 2002, a time when Korea united in support of the World Cup team, capturing the essence of the 2000s. Director Cho Young-Myoung aimed to evoke the beauty of old memories by incorporating the atmosphere of that era. The film required a location that matched this vibe, leading them to choose Chuncheon, a small city known for its youthful energy. The city’s relaxing sunlight and sounds of children playing create a nostalgic atmosphere that balances between urban and rural.
The film features goods and services that represent the times, such as small cell phones, mini homepages, and old-fashioned school uniforms. Celebrity fashion items and a school myth also capture the school culture of the past, bringing back memories of the good old days. These details are sure to make the audience laugh and evoke nostalgia.
The music in You Are the Apple of My Eye will make anyone hum along. After their university entrance exams, Jin-woo, Sun-ah, and their friends sing “You Have a Crush on Me” in a karaoke room, a song that takes Koreans back in time. Director Cho Young-Myoung explained that although the song was released in 2004, its confident lyrics reflect Jin-woo’s emotions perfectly. The youthful band music captures the sense of freedom felt after the university entrance exams are over.
Jinyoung and Dahyun’s romantic first love synergy will create a new epitome of puppy love, showing their transformation from beloved K-pop idols to full-fledged actors. The film was selected for the 29th Busan International Film Festival’s Korean Cinema Today: Panorama category and will be released in 34 Asian countries!
Moviegoers will be able to check out their first love chemistry in theaters from 20 March in Singapore.
