You Call It Passion

You Call It Passion is a 2015 South Korean romantic comedy that sheds light on the world of journalism and how far one can go to chase a story. Directed by Lee Hyun-seung and adapted from Lee Hye-rin's webtoon series "Run, Goo Hae-ra," the movie stars Sung-Woo Bae as Lee Young-jak, a low-level journalist who stumbles upon a controversial story that could change his career and life.

The story is set in Seoul, where Lee Young-jak is a reporter for a third-rate newspaper called The Monday Seoul. His boss constantly berates him for his shoddy work, and most of the stories he writes are downright boring. But one day, everything changes when he witnesses an altercation between a young woman, Hye-rin (Park Bo-young), and a group of people. Though he initially thinks nothing of it, Lee Young-jak soon discovers that Hye-rin is the president of the student council at one of the most prestigious universities in the country, and her story could make headlines.

The problem is, he's not the only one chasing it. Other journalists are hot on the trail, and they're all determined to get the scoop before anyone else. But Lee Young-jak is not one to give up easily. He approaches Hye-rin and convinces her to speak with him exclusively, promising to help her share her side of the story with the world. She agrees, and they dive headfirst into the world of university politics, uncovering scandalous secrets and hidden agendas along the way.

As they spend more time together, Lee Young-jak and Hye-rin develop an unexpected friendship that blossoms into something more. But their budding romance is threatened by the pressures of their jobs and the reality that they're both competing for the same story. As they navigate the murky waters of journalism, they must also figure out what matters most: their careers or each other.

The movie is a fun and breezy ride that explores the often cutthroat world of journalism. Sung-Woo Bae delivers a charming performance as Lee Young-jak, infusing the character with a mix of ambition and goofiness that makes him impossible to dislike. Park Bo-young is equally delightful as Hye-rin, bringing a wit and spunk that make her a perfect match for Lee Young-jak. The two actors have great chemistry together, and their scenes are some of the movie's best.

Jae-yeong Jeong also delivers a standout performance as Lee Young-jak's editor, who is constantly berating him but also sees potential in him. The supporting cast is equally strong, with each actor bringing something unique to their roles.

One of the movie's strengths is how it tackles serious issues such as ethics in journalism and corruption in the education system while still being entertaining. The story is well-paced, with each new development keeping the audience engaged. The humor is light-hearted and never detracts from the weightier themes the movie explores.

Overall, You Call It Passion is a charming and enjoyable romantic comedy that also manages to shed light on important issues. Sung-Woo Bae and Park Bo-young deliver standout performances that make it easy to root for their characters, while the supporting cast adds depth and nuance to the story. If you're looking for a lighthearted movie that still has substance, this one is definitely worth checking out.