Springtime () is a 2004 South Korean musical drama film written and directed by Ryu Jang-ha in his feature directional debut. It stars Choi Min-sik as a struggling musician who takes a job as a music teacher in a rural mining town outside of Seoul. The film was released in South Korea on September 17, 2004.
Plot Hyun-woo, a trumpet player who once dreamed of performing in a symphony orchestra, struggles after abandoning his aspirations and parting ways with his former lover, Yeon-hee. Feeling that his life has reached a dead end, he accepts a temporary position as the instructor of the school concert band at Dogye Middle School in Gangwon Province.
Hyun-woo discovers that the school's band is in poor condition, with worn-out instruments, damaged sheet music, and only faded reminders of its former achievements. The band faces dissolution unless it wins the upcoming national competition, leaving Hyun-woo and his students to prepare for what appears to be an unlikely victory. Despite the odds, he becomes inspired by the students' growing enthusiasm for music and commits himself to helping them succeed.
While working with the band, Hyun-woo continues to struggle with memories of Yeon-hee. At the same time, he gradually forms a bond with Su-yeon, the village pharmacist, whose kindness helps him recover from his emotional wounds. Through the support of his students and the people around him, Hyun-woo regains hope and realizes that he is capable of loving again. As the band works toward the national competition, the arrival of spring symbolizes both the students' growth and Hyun-woo's emotional renewal.
Cast Choi Min-sik as Hyun-woo Jang Shin-young as Su-yeon Kim Ho-jung as Yeon-hee Youn Yuh-jung as Hyun-woo's mother Jang Hyun-sung as Kyung-soo Kim Kang-woo as Ju-ho Choi Il-hwa as Yong Seok's father Kim Dong-young as Yong Seok as Jae-il Um Hyo-sup as On-duty teacher as the woman in front
Production Among the students portraying members of the school band, all except Jae-il (Lee Jae-eung) and Yong Seok (Kim Dong-young) were actual members of Dogye Middle School's concert band.
Reception The film attracted approximately 490,000 admissions during its theatrical run in South Korea.
Accolades Award Year Category Recipient(s) Result Blue Dragon Film Awards 2004Best Actor Choi Min-sik Best New ActressJang Shin-young Best MusicJo Seong-woo Korean Film Awards 2004 Best Actor Choi Min-sik Best Supporting ActressYoun Yuh-jung Best MusicJo Seong-woo Best New DirectorRyu Jang-ha Best New ActorKim Kang-woo
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