'Intimacy coordinators' gain attention as crucial on-set partners in Korean film industry

From left, film journalist Lee Eun-sun, director Lim Sun-ae, actor Kwon Ip-sae, and intimacy coordinator Kwon Bo-ram participate in a forum on intimacy coordinators at Jeonju Jungbu Vision Center in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, on Friday. Courtesy of DdeunDdeun (the Center for Gender Equality in Korean Films)

The role of intimacy coordinators — professionals who help navigate sensitive scenes such as nudity or simulated sex on film and drama sets — is gaining attention in Korea, as calls grow for safer and more respectful working environments for actors.

A recent forum titled “Intimacy Coordinators Are Not Intruders but Partners,” held in Jeonju on Friday as part of the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival, highlighted the growing necessity of these coordinators in Korean productions.

The panel featured Korea’s first certified intimacy coordinator, Kwon Bo-ram, alongside actor Kwon Ip-sae, also known as Leafy Kwon, and director Lim Sun-ae.

Kwon Bo-ram said that intimacy coordinators are already a standard presence in film and TV sets across the United States, especially following the global impact of the #MeToo movement in 2017.

As conversations around on-screen physical contact and exposure intensified, the U.S. Screen Actors Guild (SAG) issued official guidelines in 2020, making intimacy coordinators a required part of the crew.

There are currently 10 internationally recognized training institutions certified by SAG across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.

Kwon completed an online course consisting of four hours per week over 16 weeks followed by five days of in-person training in New Zealand to earn her certification.

“An intimacy coordinator is essentially a choreographer for bedroom scenes,” Kwon said. “We aim to protect the actors from discomfort or misunderstanding while still helping the director realize their creative vision.”

She stressed the importance of involvement from the preproduction stage, noting that coordinators are responsible for reviewing scripts, ensuring clear consent and maintaining safety during filming.

“Even if an actor agrees in advance, if they feel uncomfortable with a movement during the shoot, we must stop filming immediately,” she added.

American actor Mikey Madison, right, won Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards for the film “Anora.” She sparked controversy after refusing to work with an intimacy coordinator during production, citing the need for realism in her scenes. Courtesy of Universal Pictures

The scope of the job extends beyond explicit scenes. Intimacy coordinators also oversee depictions of breastfeeding, bathing, childbirth and wardrobe choices.

Kwon emphasized the need for careful planning. “We break down vaguely written scenes and help both cast and crew prepare accordingly, offering constant feedback while protecting both actors and creators.”

Actor Kwon Ip-sae shared her experience working with a Japanese intimacy coordinator during the filming of her recent short film “The Rib.”

Despite the film involving multiple violent scenes, she said, “I felt less pressure than I ever have on a set.” Her only challenge, she noted, was communicating through a translator.

Some in the industry worry that hiring intimacy coordinators may increase production costs. Director Lim suggested that government bodies such as the Korean Film Council could offer partial financial support, particularly for indie or short films.

The discussion underscores a broader push within the Korean film and television industry to ensure that professionalism and respect remain paramount when handling vulnerable moments on screen — and that intimacy coordinators are not just optional consultants, but vital partners in the creative process.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.