So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo's 'Always' Re-emerges as a Beloved Melodrama Over a Decade Later

The 2011 film 'Always,' starring So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo, is being re-evaluated over a decade after its release, consistently mentioned by melodrama fans as a 'life film.' Although it only attracted 1.02 million viewers at the time, which was considered a modest box office performance, it maintains a Naver movie rating of over 9 points, earning it recognition as a hidden gem. The film goes beyond a simple sad love story, portraying a narrative of salvation where two wounded individuals find meaning in life through each other, leaving a lasting impression.

'Always' is a melodrama, romance, and drama film directed by Song Il-gon, released on October 20, 2011. It was selected as the opening film of the 16th Busan International Film Festival, earning critical acclaim for its artistic merit. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin's 'City Lights,' it modernizes the story of a man who loves a woman losing her sight. So Ji-sub plays Cheol-min, a former boxer with a painful past, while Han Hyo-joo portrays Jung-hwa, a bright and resilient woman gradually losing her vision, both delivering nuanced emotional performances.

Bloggers have expressed deep emotional responses to the film, with comments such as "I sat stunned for days after seeing the ending," "Even after 10 years, I can't forget their gazes," and "It remains my life's melodrama." Many reviews highlight how So Ji-sub's restrained gaze and Han Hyo-joo's innocence combined to create a poignant love story that left a profound impact on audiences.