Award-Winning Korean Film Sparks Conversation on GBV During Women's Month

Event Date 05.08.2026

Cinema became a space for difficult conversations this Women's Month as an award-winning Korean film brought Johannesburg audiences together to reflect on gender-based violence, trauma and recovery.

Held at The Bioscope on Wednesday, 5 August, the evening centred on The World of Love, the latest film by acclaimed Korean director Yoon Ga-eun. Following the screening, audiences were joined by South African experts for a panel discussion exploring the film's themes and how they resonate with South African audiences.

The World of Love follows a high school girl living with the lasting effects of sexual violence as she tries to navigate everyday life. Widely praised for its sensitive portrayal of trauma and healing, the film has received critical acclaim both in Korea and internationally, winning major honours including the Grand Prize at the Nantes Three Continents Festival and the FIPRESCI Prize at the Warsaw International Film Festival. Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho also described the film as "a masterpiece."

The panel featured Jody van der Heyde, Violence Prevention Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and Dr. Shaheda Omar, Director of the Teddy Bear Foundation. Drawing on their professional experience, the speakers reflected on the realities portrayed in the film, discussing the long-term impact of trauma, the importance of prevention and early intervention, and the role of families, schools and communities in supporting survivors.

Audience members remained after the screening for an extended discussion, asking thoughtful questions and sharing reflections on the film's themes. Conversations explored not only trauma and recovery, but also the importance of creating safe spaces where difficult experiences can be acknowledged, understood and discussed openly.

The event was presented by the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) as a special Women's Month edition of its K-Cinema Club, an ongoing programme introducing acclaimed Korean cinema through screenings and discussions. It also marked the first time the programme had been presented outside the Cultural Centre, bringing K-Cinema Club to Johannesburg audiences at one of the city's best-known independent cinemas.

"We chose The World of Love not only because it has been so widely acclaimed, but because it tells a story that resonates far beyond Korea," said Jaeil Lee of the Korean Cultural Centre. "Cinema has a unique way of opening conversations that might otherwise be difficult to have. It was incredibly encouraging to see audiences stay after the screening, engage so openly with our panellists, and reflect on the film together. I hope they left not only having discovered a remarkable Korean film, but also with a deeper understanding of the issues it raises."