[Gettyimages Bank]
Cover films for greenhouses are basically durable plastic films that protect crops from ultraviolet light, rain, hail, and other harmful environmental aspects. Because plastic films are vulnerable to ultraviolet light (UV), many farmers remove them at the end of their farming season and put on a new cover in the upcoming spring.
The state-run Rural Development Administration has localized the multi-layered greenhouse cover film to produce a prototype using polyolefin, a type of plastic polymer.
The agency has formed a joint research team with a domestic agricultural film research association to establish a manufacturing facility for prototypes in Dangjin some 80 kilometers (49 miles) south of Seoul. The localized film will be demonstrated for more than three years to test its efficacy in real greenhouse environments.
Park Sae-jin
Experienced journalist and editor at AJU PRESS specializing in multilingual news. I cover international diplomacy, geolpolitics, and policy, consistently delivering highly accurate, compelling reporting for a worldwide audience.
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Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan Star in 'Heavy Snow' Amidst Korean Film Crisis
The Korean film industry is experiencing a downturn, with the long-running Japanese animation 'Chiikawa' dominating the box office. In this context, the film 'Heavy Snow,' starring Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan, aims to attract audiences. The synergy between the two actors, set against a confined backdrop, raises hopes that it could revive the struggling Korean cinema.On November 12, a press screening and conference for 'Heavy Snow' took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul. Director Hong Ui-jung, along with actors Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan, shared various insights about the film.'Heavy Snow' is a mystery drama set in a rural train station isolated by heavy snowfall. It follows the story of Gapsu (played by Yoon Seok), a stationmaster nearing retirement, and his new subordinate Hyun-taek (played by Koo Kyo-hwan), who discover a mysterious corpse. Director Hong, recognized for his unique directorial style in his previous work 'Silently,' weaves suspense and humor into this strange incident occurring in a disconnected space.Initially, director Park Sun-woo was set to helm 'Heavy Snow,' but he had to step down due to health reasons early in production. Hong Ui-jung, who garnered acclaim for 'Silently,' took over the project. Despite the unexpected change, he was drawn to the script's appeal and his strong confidence in the two lead actors.Hong explained, "After director Park stepped down, I received a good offer. I made adjustments to the script and took over directing until the end. This script had been with my production company since my first film, and I had previously provided feedback on it, finding it intriguing as it is based on a play. The script's allure was significant, but more importantly, I joined without hesitation because of Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan's involvement."Yoon Seok, a prominent figure in Chungmuro, plays Gapsu, the stationmaster who has dedicated his life to the station. He portrays the character's complex inner struggles, from the fatigue of a father nearing retirement to the turmoil faced in the wake of the mysterious incident.Yoon stated, "In simple terms, this film encapsulates the story of those who leave and those who stay. It reflects the narratives of the new generation and the older generation, and ultimately, it can be seen as a story between a father and son. I believe Gapsu's feelings are encapsulated in the final line of the film. It suggests that this is not just an individual issue but could also reflect societal problems we continuously confront."Anticipation is high for the explosive acting synergy between Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan, who reunite after their collaboration in 'Mogadishu.' Yoon praised Koo, who plays the secretive Hyun-taek, saying, "He appears calm in everyday life, but when he stands in front of the camera, he exudes an overwhelming energy. There was a thrilling sensation conveyed through Koo's gaze and body language, like a dagger to the heart. I felt fortunate to work with such a talented actor again in this project."Koo Kyo-hwan expressed deep respect and trust for his senior, Yoon Seok. He noted that despite the pressure of the confined thriller setting, Yoon's strong lead allowed him to freely explore his acting creativity.Koo remarked, "Every moment of his performance is awe-inspiring. There’s a long monologue in the film that put a lot of pressure on me, but I vividly remember him encouraging me, saying, 'Let's keep going. Today is your day.' He was a tremendous support and a great senior to me."Despite the tense atmosphere of the film, the press conference showcased the unique chemistry between the two actors, filled with light-hearted banter. Yoon, known for his successful 'bromance' collaborations with younger male actors, humorously responded to a question about his dynamic with Koo, saying, "I'm currently filming another series where I'm doing a bromance with Kim Seon-ho... but here, without a doubt, Koo Kyo-hwan is number one. Next is Kim Seon-ho."A defining feature of 'Heavy Snow' is its setting in the isolated 'Seol-o Station,' completely cut off from the outside world due to heavy snowfall. While such a theatrical and closed environment can pose challenges for a director, Hong utilized it as an optimal stage to showcase the pure acting abilities of both actors.Hong noted, "Filming in a confined space allowed us to witness the incredible synergy between the two actors. Even with many ideas, we could incorporate them into the script positively and naturally without altering the story's core, which I consider the film's greatest blessing."While the film is rooted in the thriller genre, it is enriched by unexpected and ironic humor scattered throughout, enhancing its appeal. Having previously established a unique tone and manner by playfully twisting heavy themes in his earlier work, Hong adeptly captures the peculiar nature of humanity in extreme situations in this film.Hong expressed his interest in the 'human responses' that emerge in dire circumstances. He described reactions like swatting a mosquito even in the midst of committing a horrific act. He expressed satisfaction that both actors understood and maximized this directorial approach.As the press conference concluded, the director and actors shared heartfelt messages for prospective audiences ahead of the film's release.Hong said, "This film changes the audience's perspective based on how they view each character. I hope viewers enjoy this delightful confusion with a joyful and positive mindset."Yoon quoted a director from his theater days, saying, "It cannot be boring to see a living person move on stage. If it is boring, then the approach itself is wrong. If 'Heavy Snow' can properly illuminate and convey the strong yet sometimes weak aspects of humanity, I would be very satisfied."Koo added, "If I were an audience member, I would have immediately looked for reviews after leaving the theater. I would be curious about how others interpreted this story. It's a film that stimulates the audience's imagination and encourages a lot of discussion."'Heavy Snow' is set to be released in theaters nationwide on November 18.* This article has been translated by AI.
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Low-budget South Korean film set for wider overseas theatrical release
Courtesy of Barunson E&A SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - Low-budget film "The World of Love" is set to expand its theatrical release overseas after successful runs in several Asian and European countries. According to its distributor Barunson E&A on Wednesday, the 119-minute film directed by Yoon Ga-eun is scheduled to open in the U.K. this month and Japan next month, followed by a wider release across North America. The upcoming releases follow impressive theatrical runs in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and France earlier this year, with the film remaining in theaters for several weeks. "The World of Love" attracted 210,000 moviegoers when it was released here in October last year, an impressive feat for a low-budget film. The film has also gained critical acclaim, receiving invitations to more than 40 film festivals worldwide. It became the first South Korean film selected to compete in the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)'s Platform section last fall. It also went on to win several awards including two at the 9th Pingyao International Film Festival in China in September, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) award at the 41st Warsaw International Film Festival in Poland in October, and the top prize at the 47th Nantes Three Continents Festival in France in November. "The World of Love" revolves around a teenage girl who becomes isolated and ostracized after refusing to participate in a school-wide petition.
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16th Seoul International Pride Film Festival Kicks Off with 116 Films from 34 Countries
The 16th Seoul International Pride Film Festival (SIPFF), the largest LGBTQ film festival in South Korea, opens today. The opening ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. at CGV Piccadilly 1958 in Jongno, Seoul. This year's festival, led by Executive Chairman Kim Jo-gwang-su, will screen 116 films from 34 countries over the next seven days, concluding on November 11. The opening film is 'Black Ball,' directed by Javier Ambrosi and Javier Calvo, which won the directing award at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The film tells the story of three gay men living in 1932, 1937, and 2017, centered around an unfinished manuscript by Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. The ceremony will be hosted by broadcaster Oh Je-hyung, who first emceed the festival in 2017 and returned to the stage last year. Three ballroom dancers will perform at the opening ceremony. They are part of a crew participating in the 'Pride Ball,' a stage event scheduled for November 8 at the same theater. Following the ceremony, two other dancers from the same crew will perform at the reception. The films are categorized by program. New Korean queer films will be featured in 'Korea Pride,' while works by emerging directors will be showcased in 'New Pride.' Films depicting the lives of LGBTQ individuals in Asia will be presented in 'Asia Pride,' and major global queer films will be available in 'World Pride.' 'Special Pride' includes restored works from the Korean Film Archive and 'Community Voices,' while this year's 'Open Pride' focuses on the theme 'Transgender: Becoming the Protagonist.' Additionally, a 'French Short Film Collection' commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, as well as 'Five Films for Freedom' in collaboration with the British Council and BFI Flare, will also be screened. Detailed program information and schedules for side events can be found on the festival's official website and social media channels.* This article has been translated by AI.