Lee Chang-dong on ‘Possible Love’: class conflict and the fight for dignity

Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Possible Love’ examines layoffs, the divide between labour and capital, and the ethics of filming other people’s suffering. Its central characters are Ho-seok, a former metal-factory worker, his wife Mi-ok and documentary filmmaker Lee Ye-ji.

The film won the grand jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and is South Korea’s submission for the Oscar for best international feature. Critics have called it one of the year’s best films.

The strike behind the story

The project grew from the 2009 protest at Ssangyong Motors. Workers opposed plans to cut 37–43% of the workforce, occupying the factory during a 77-day strike before riot police ended the action.

The crackdown was followed by several suicides and reports of long-term mental-health problems. Lee said he initially shelved the project because he questioned whether he was entitled to tell the story and how closely he should stand beside the workers.

The camera as a source of power

In the film, Ye-ji is making a documentary about the state of labour in Korea and sees Ho-seok’s family as potential subjects. Ho-seok refuses therapy and does not want to discuss his experiences in front of a camera.

The film combines documentary footage, CCTV recordings and newsreel-style images of the violent suppression of a workers’ strike. Lee said the person holding the camera gains power over the subject, making a fully equal relationship between filmmaker and subject difficult.

Netflix steps in to fund the film

Lee said he struggled to secure domestic financing amid a crisis in South Korea’s film industry, linked to losses from strict Covid-19 restrictions and the growth of streaming services. Netflix funded the film and secured a theatrical release in some countries.

The director compared his dependence on financing with Ye-ji’s attempt to remain independent while living with a husband who controls substantial capital. Lee describes individuals’ struggles against powerful systems as a way to reclaim dignity, even when victory is unlikely.