Namkoong Sun Says Netflix Let Her Focus on Making ‘Love Untangled’

• 

  Director Namkoong Sun said making her first commercial feature, Netflix’s Korean romance “Love Untangled,” felt much like making her independent films once production began, apart from the scale.

• 

  Namkoong joined the project after its screenplay was in place and said she wanted to make a joyful film after two features about difficult social issues.

• 

  She said Netflix staff worked within the production team, while changes to the script were her own and served the film’s theme of happiness.

• 

  Set in 1990s Busan, the film recreated the Gwangan Bridge under construction despite having a modest budget for a period piece.

• 

  Namkoong said the film reached No. 1 in many countries and remained in Netflix’s global top 10 for more than six weeks.

• 

  She contrasted that international audience with the difficult release circumstances for her earlier independent films, including pandemic-era cinema restrictions and a press screening that coincided with the declaration of martial law in Korea.

Who

Director Namkoong Sun

What

Her experience making Netflix’s “Love Untangled” and reflections on creative freedom and independent filmmaking

When

Namkoong spoke at a Busan International Film Festival and Netflix panel; the date is not stated

Where

Busan, South Korea

Why

She said she accepted the project when she wanted to find joy again after making two films about thorny social problems.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.

This story does not have a timeline yet.