Youn Yuh-jung and Han Ki-chan's 'Sacramento', a Warm Comedy Embracing LGBTQ+

Acclaimed actress Youn Yuh-jung and rising star Han Ki-chan are set to bring a heartwarming comedy to audiences with their new film, 'Sacramento,' offering a message of joyful inclusion for Korean society.

The cast and crew of 'Sacramento,' an official selection of the World Cinema section at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, met with reporters on the 19th at the Busan Cinema Center. Director Andrew Ahn, along with stars Youn Yuh-jung and Han Ki-chan, shared insights into the film.

'Sacramento' is an unpredictable comedy that unfolds when a witty grandmother, played by Youn, gets involved in a fake marriage plan orchestrated by her two gay grandsons. The film is a remake of the 1993 film by director Ang Lee, reimagined by Korean-American director Andrew Ahn with contemporary Korean cultural elements. Han Ki-chan plays Min, the grandson who comes out, and Youn Yuh-jung portrays Jayoung, the grandmother who embraces his truth.

Director Andrew Ahn, inspired by the original film from his childhood, aimed to reflect societal changes. "A lot has changed since 1993," he stated. "My queer friends are starting families and having children, and I pondered how to portray the tension and hope within these evolving realities."

The film uniquely blends Korean traditional culture, such as doljabi (first birthday) and pyebaek (traditional wedding ceremony), into the narrative. This cultural infusion also influenced Youn Yuh-jung's role. She humorously recalled, "Initially, I was offered the role of the mother, but considering Han Ki-chan's age, I proposed playing the grandmother instead."

Han Ki-chan, who plays a queer character, shared his perspective: "The role was queer, but I simply thought of him as a 'person.' We are all human beings, the same."

The movie explores the conflicts and the journey towards acceptance faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Addressing the current climate in South Korea regarding LGBTQ+ acceptance, Youn Yuh-jung expressed, "I hope we move in a direction of acceptance. Whether gay or straight, everyone is equal." She added, "Korea is a very conservative country, but dividing people into categories is wrong. We are all human."

Director Andrew Ahn hopes the film inspires audiences to extend more love and acceptance to their families and friends. Han Ki-chan echoed this sentiment, describing the film as "a story about a new form of family" and wishing it to be remembered for its wit, warmth, and embrace.

'Sacramento' is scheduled for release in South Korea on the 24th.

Youn Yuh-jung previously revealed in an international interview that her eldest son came out as gay and that she officiated his wedding to his husband in New York City. This personal experience adds depth to her open-minded stance on LGBTQ+ issues and the film's message. She has stated on broadcast, 'Just because my son is gay doesn't make him any less precious to me,' a sentiment that has deeply moved many.