The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
& Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Sports
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
Video
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Mon, August 15, 2022 | 10:58
Films
'Beyond That Mountain' depicts late Cardinal's childhood
Posted : 2020-04-22 16:12
Updated : 2020-04-22 19:24
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down
Child actor Lee Kyung-hoon, left, and actress Lee Hang-na in a scene from 'Beyond That Mountain' / Courtesy of Little Big Pictures
Child actor Lee Kyung-hoon, left, and actress Lee Hang-na in a scene from "Beyond That Mountain" / Courtesy of Little Big Pictures

By Kwak Yeon-soo

"Beyond That Mountain" is a biopic that portrays the early life of the late Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, Korea's first Roman Catholic cardinal.

Kim (played by Lee Kyung-hoon) was born in the city of Daegu in 1922, the youngest of eight children. His father Kim Young-seok (played by Ahn Nae-sang) was a pottery dealer, and so poor that he was often unable to provide food for his family.

In the film, Kim's father dies because he cannot be given proper care as the family is unable to afford herbal medicine. This triggers young Kim to dream of becoming a dealer of ginseng, one of the most frequently used ingredients in herbal medicines.

However, Kim's devoted mother Seo Jung-ha (played by Lee Hang-na) expresses her wish for her two younger sons to become priests. Kim begins to look deep into his heart and moves on towards the priesthood. Overall, the film focuses on Kim's relationship with his mother, and how he makes the decision to become a priest.

The movie also tells the story of Kim's grandfather, a convert to Catholicism, who died in prison during the persecution of Catholic converts in Korea during the 19th century.

"This film is set for release in May, which is considered a family month (in Korea). Enjoy this heart-warming film with family and love each other," child actor Lee said at a press screening held in Seoul, Monday.

"Cardinal Kim was more than a religious person, he was a saint," Ahn said.

Although the film is a biographical account of a prominent religious leader, it avoids an overbearing focus on religion. Rather, it concentrates on family and the importance of inner strength. It features many child actors, including Lee, who plays the main role of the young Kim.

He was chosen from among 260 candidates who auditioned for the role. Actress Lee Hang-na, who plays Kim's mother in the film, presents her character as a strict but caring person.

Child actor Lee Kyung-hoon, left, and actress Lee Hang-na in a scene from 'Beyond That Mountain' / Courtesy of Little Big Pictures
Poster for "Beyond That Mountain" / Courtesy of Little Big Pictures
Responses to "Beyond That Mountain" may vary depending on the audience's religious faith. Some may find it dull regardless of religious association because it is a simple story without huge dramatic turns. Nonetheless, it is a wholesome film.

Cardinal Kim was appointed cardinal in 1969 by Pope Paul VI and became an advocate for democracy. In 1987, while the country was mired in anti-government protests, Kim allowed student activists to take refuge in Seoul's cathedral.

His efforts helped the country, which had been ruled by a military dictatorship for more than a generation, to move towards democracy.

He was an advocate of the poor and took an active part in societal and democracy issues, gaining respect from all sections of society. The religious leader passed away in 2009. "Beyond That Mountain" will hit local theaters April 30.


Emailyeons.kwak@koreatimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
LG
  • Korean blockchain operators urged to enhance vigilance against accidents
  • Yoon set to unveil 'audacious plan' for North Korea's denuclearization
  • City goes into festival mode during Seoul Festa
  • More tourists opt to visit Jeju Island by ferry
  • Fears of lengthy COVID-19 resurgence loom large
  • Seoul E-Prix thrills racing fans in Korea
  • Will Samsung heir be promoted to chairman?
  • Traveling on the Han River in the 19th Century: Part 2
  • Ex-USFK commander rejects China's claims over THAAD
  • KOICA seeks support for Busan's bid to host World Expo
  • Interactive News
  • With tough love,
  • 'Santa dogs' help rebuild burnt forests in Andong
  • 'Santa dogs' help rebuild burnt forests in Andong
  • A tale of natural wine
    • Death of young webtoon artist sparks controversy over harsh working conditions Death of young webtoon artist sparks controversy over harsh working conditions
    • Reality shows go abroad again amid eased COVID-19 travel restrictions Reality shows go abroad again amid eased COVID-19 travel restrictions
    • Late Samsung chairman's collection highlights painter Lee Jung-seop as family man Late Samsung chairman's collection highlights painter Lee Jung-seop as family man
    • From P1Harmony to Zico, K-pop hotshots to perform in Abu Dhabi next month From P1Harmony to Zico, K-pop hotshots to perform in Abu Dhabi next month
    • [INTERVIEW] Actor Ko Kyoung-pyo explains why he doesn't obsess over lead roles [INTERVIEW] Actor Ko Kyoung-pyo explains why he doesn't obsess over lead roles
    DARKROOM
    • Ice is melting, land is burning

      Ice is melting, land is burning

    • Tottenham 6-3 Team K League

      Tottenham 6-3 Team K League

    • Afghanistan earthquake killed more than 1,000

      Afghanistan earthquake killed more than 1,000

    • Divided America reacts to overturn of Roe vs. Wade

      Divided America reacts to overturn of Roe vs. Wade

    • Namaste: Yogis to celebrate International Yoga Day

      Namaste: Yogis to celebrate International Yoga Day

    The Korea Times
    CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
    Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
    Tel : 02-724-2114
    Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
    Date of registration : 2020.02.05
    Masthead : The Korea Times
    Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
    • About Us
    • Introduction
    • History
    • Location
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Products & Service
    • Subscribe
    • E-paper
    • Mobile Service
    • RSS Service
    • Content Sales
    • Policy
    • Privacy Statement
    • Terms of Service
    • 고충처리인
    • Youth Protection Policy
    • Code of Ethics
    • Copyright Policy
    • Family Site
    • Hankook Ilbo
    • Dongwha Group