Interview with Director Hyungjin Kim

In My Life, Angelina, the story of Gilwoo unfolds as a poignant exploration of solitude and the innate human desire for connection. Based on real-life events, the film delves into the struggles of an elderly man seeking companionship and the dangers that modern technology and AI-based scams can bring. We sat down with the director to uncover the inspiration behind the film, the challenges faced during production, and the important message they hope to convey to audiences about friendship, love, and protecting the vulnerable in an ever-evolving digital world.

What was your intention in creating the character Gilwoo?

I wanted to highlight the reality that elderly people often lose friends over time and wished to give him a “good friend.” That’s why I named him Gilwoo—with Gil (吉) meaning “good fortune” and Woo (友) meaning “friend.” Additionally, there was an actor named Lee Gilwoo, and I wanted to use his real name. This film is based on a true story, adapted from events involving myself, my parents, and real-life individuals.

Were there specific elements you focused on when portraying Gilwoo’s feelings toward Angelina?

I paid a lot of attention to showing how loneliness can cloud judgment, and how, amidst feelings of isolation and solitude, pure emotions can still emerge.

What do you consider the most important scene in My Life, Angelina?

I believe the key scenes are when Gilwoo dances alone at home, looking at Angelina, and when he is manipulated by the voice scam criminals in the alley.

The reason is that, as I’ve heard from real-life elderly individuals, there are often no exciting or delightful moments in their lives. I wanted to create events that would bring interest to the protagonist’s life. I also wanted to depict the humility—or even desperation—that love can evoke in people.

How would you have handled the situation if you were in Gilwoo’s place?

If such an incident happened to me, I think I’d retreat to an unfamiliar place and live in seclusion.

Is there any memorable episode from the filming process?

Since we were filming in November, I was worried about the weather. But it turned out to be warm, with no rain, and even the sea Gilwoo enters was warm enough to shoot safely.

What message do you want to convey to the audience through My Life, Angelina?

Elderly people need good friends. Also, with rapidly advancing AI technology, AI-related crimes are likely to increase, especially targeting the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable. It’s urgent to establish measures to protect them from such crimes.

What kind of films do you want to make in the future?

I want to create films about people—ones that encourage thought without being manipulative.