Reach for the SKY (2015)

This work depicts the grotesque reality of Korea. Routine entrance-exam life reflected by individuals like Kim Gihoon, a star lecturer, Hyein, a middle-school honor-student, Hyeonhwa, now studying hard for another year to enter the University of Education, and Minjoon, also studying another year to enter one of the top three universities, reflects our own experience and memories. This reality cannot be disregarded or ridiculed, for it’s not only about the person involved;their family, schools, private education institutes, church and politics are all intertwined. In Korea, entrance exams are not merely college admission tests but a huge project, culture, belief, and trap involving the whole society. The film cannot be seen from a distance, making the viewer choke on verge of laughing with tearful eyes.