“I have never regretted my decision to become a movie director,” said Yang Kyung-mo (’97, Medicine). Graduation from the College of Medicine at Korea University (KU) marked the beginning of Yang’s adventurous journey as a film director. Despite countless barriers, his college years at KU were a valuable chance to deepen his philosophy of films. The Granite Tower (GT) had a special opportunity to explore Director Yang’s life.
It was the day one of his peers asked him to recommend her a movie. Yang realized that he truly enjoyed watching movies. “I watched one film a day, but I never knew I was deeply passionate about movies,” said Yang who recalled his first year at KU.
His interest in film-making grew when he began to take a variety of photographs with his camcorder. He began with taking pictures of trees and flowers through a window. He then focused on people; he took a picture of his mother watching television and a crowd of protestors on streets. Having been able to capture the beauty of nature, various people, and lively moments, Yang began to see his true passion and interest in the field of film production.
When asked what decisively motivated him to pursue his future career as−a film director instead of becoming a doctor just like most of his peers, Director Yang answered, “There are two kinds of jobs a job that one wants to do and a job that one has to do. My instinct told me that film producing is something I must do.” He admitted that he was fearful of choosing a pathway through which most of his people do not choose to walk; however, he emphasized that despite his educational background, it was not at all an adventurous, challenging decision for him to jump into the field of film, the one about which he was truly enthusiastic.
Yang’s journey as a movie director started when he entered School of Film, TV & Multimedia at Korea National Universitymovies. As a student at KNUA, Yang was required to produce one movie per semester. “Four years at KNUA was crucial for me especially because I was able to have practical experiences of film making rather than make a theoretical approach,” claimed Yang. He was fortunate enough to work in a favorable environment with those who share passion and love of films.
Yang constantly worked on film production after graduation from KNUA. He produced numerous short films including Digital Movie, White Pig, and Arrival of an Envoy. From the films produced by Yang, the audiences are able to take a glimpse at his philosophy of life. Four years at the College of Medicine enabled him to shape and strengthen his philosophy. As a medical student, he witnessed those who dramatically regained their health and started their lives anew, those who were under treatment to prolong their lives, and those whose lives met their end. From those series of dramatic moments, Yang was able to develop deepening insights and learned the true value of life.
White Pig, a film invited to Seoul Environmental Film Festival, reflects how he sees and understands the world. The movie takes place in a farmhouse in 2010. It was the year in which a mass slaughter of pigs occurred in order to prevent a virus from spreading in Korea. Yang found it to be an unacceptably immoral action, which violates the value of being, and his thought is clearly portrayed throughout the movie.
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| ▲ Scenes from Yang’s short movie, White Pig, Provided by movie.naver.com | ||
When asked the most memorable or representative films for him, the director replied, “There will be the most memorable movie for the audience, but for me, there is no such thing as the most meaningful film. Every piece of work, every scene and moment is full of valuable people and memory for me.” He continued, “I feel sorry for my college peers, but to be honest, I do not remember every contemporary at KU, but every single second I shared with staffs and actors still remains vividly in my mind.”
He recalled one summer day in 2006. He was shooting a film at an abandoned building. His face was dripping with sweat under the sweltering heat; he was excessively exhausted with the weather, slow processes, and most importantly with his poor financial condition. He decided to announce to the
staff that he would stop working on the film. However, Yang soon became ashamed of thinking to give up when he caught a glimpse of the sweaty back of a staff member working on recording under the unbearable heat. As such, every film is made of a drop of sweat and efforts. Every film contains a unique story. Every scene is meaningful for Director Yang.
Going through processes of film production, directors and staff encounter countless obstacles. Director Yang said, “Barriers always come by; it is no exaggeration to say that we live within the barriers. Importantly, however, I am greatly encouraged and pushed by people I work with.” He remarked that he needs to be constantly motivated and gathered up especially because life as a film director does not have a fixed routine. He frequently meets his staffs and actors personally and exchanges a piece of advice. “The staff is the driving force of my director life,” stated Yang.
Going through processes of film production, directors and staff encounter countless obstacles. Director Yang said, “Barriers always come by; it is no exaggeration to say that we live within the barriers. Importantly, however, I am greatly encouraged and pushed by people I work with.” He remarked that he needs to be constantly motivated and gathered up especially because life as a film director does not have a fixed routine. He frequently meets his staffs and actors personally and exchanges a piece of advice. “The staff is the driving force of my director life,” stated Yang.
With his great supporters, Yang wants to work in this field for a long time. “There are stories that can be told solely by twenties, and the ones that can be told by thirties.” Each stage of life, according to Yang, is a valuable scene of a movie. “I wish I could become a director who can capture and deliver each moment of life with my insight continuing to be deepened,” remarked Yang.
With his determination, courage, and enthusiasm, Yang is the one who inspires many KU students. “You are the only one who truly knows you. Follow your dreams with your own set of values,” said Yang. “Choosing what one is truly passionate about is the way that leads oneself to enjoy life to the fullest.”
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| ▲ Director Yang Kyung-mo. Photographed by Kang Hyun Ji. | ||
Kim Sun Oh
sunoh93@korea.ac.kr