April Snow

In-su and Seo-young, played by Bae Yong-jun (right) and Son Ye-jin respectively, collecting their respective spouses’ belongings at the police station in April Snow.

IT WAS pandemonium at COEX Megabox in Seoul. The cinema foyer was crowded with people that every so often I was being jostled from all sides. When I was not being manhandled, I was told by cinema officials that I should not be standing where I was.

Eventually there was little choice but to stand way behind where I could barely see what was happening because of the human barricade and sea of photographers.

In-su and Seo-young, played by Bae Yong-jun (right) and Son Ye-jin respectively, collecting their respective spouses’ belongings at the police station in April Snow.

I could only hazard a guess when a star arrived by the sudden outburst of euphoria. Among those who graced the April Snow gala premiere included artistes Ji-tae (Oldboy), Hwang Jeong-min (A Bittersweet Life), Kong Hyo-jin (A Bizarre Love Triangle) as well as renowned directors Kim Jee-won (A Tale of Two Sisters), Lee Jae-young (Untold Scandal), Kwak Jae-young (My Sassy Girl) and Im Pil-seong (So Nyeon Gi).

But this was nothing compared to the arrival of the night’s main star. When Bae Yong-jun emerged, everyone from ardent fans to eager media became unruly. Fans started screaming hysterically. A mini stampede broke out as everyone wanted to get a glimpse and take a picture of Bae. There was also a mother tottering on high heels dragging her young daughter in pursuit of her idol.

Then again, such is the craze for Bae, or more affectionately known as Yonsama, to his Japanese fans. Bae’s popularity hit stratospheric heights not only in his native South Korea but also throughout Asia since the airing of TV serial Winter Sonata three years ago. And now with the release of his second feature film, April Snow, one can expect more onslaught of Bae-mania.

April Snow is the story of In-su and Seo-young, played by Bae and Son Ye-jin, respectively. Fate brings them together when their spouses are involved in a terrible smash up. The accident leads them to an even more devastating discovery; their partners were having an affair.

The movie was shot mainly in Samcheok, Gangwon Province, located on the east coast of South Korea about six hours drive from Seoul. It is a quiet seaside city with a population of about 78,000.

According to director Hur Jin-ho, he wrote the script before scouting for a location. Imagine his surprise when he found exactly what he was looking for in Samcheok. To cap it all off, the city was recording the greatest snowfall of the century in March, which is ideal for the story’s backdrop.

“It made me think that maybe I have a destiny with Samcheok,” said Hur.

The Malaysian media recently had the good fortune of visiting Samcheok. As we entered the city, hanging conspicuously from buildings and film sites were April Snow banners. It was in line with the city officials’ plan to use the film to promote Samcheok as a tourist attraction.

Every film location we visited, the walls were covered with graffiti as Bae fans declared their love and support for their idol.

Our first stop was Eunhye Restaurant, where Bae was said to have had his meals during the three-month shoot there. We were treated to a delicious “Yonsama meal”, which included Bae’s favourite squid, fish and vegetable dishes. Taking our lunch in the same room where he had his, the walls were covered with fans’ well wishes.

He too left a message for them – kan mari ma si – Korean for “I’ll do my best in everything”.

Taking advantage of the Bae-craze, the restaurant is also selling Bae memorabilia such as talking mugs (pour water in them and hear Bae speak), calendars, clocks and posters.

We then strolled over to the modest Samheung Motel, where In-su and Seo-young stayed. In-su’s room has become a display room, where his bags, cigarettes and car registration plates are showcased in a glass cabinet.

Opposite Samheung Motel is the quaint The Bicycle Thief café where In-su and Seo-young hang out. Pictures of Bae lined the walls and several of the tables are covered with posters of Untold Scandal.

Located a stone’s throw away is Samcheok Hospital and the florist shop, where Seo-young bought In-su a pot of flower in the movie. Coincidentally (or maybe not), adjacent to the hospital is a café named Outing, the Korean title for April Snow.

We then made our way to Young Café, where Bae is said to have spent his time in-between shoots. The owners have put up a sign telling visitors the seat Bae sat on. While we were there, a DVD of Winter Sonata was playing. How different he looked then with his blond hair and white-frame spectacles.

A couple of doors away is the pharmacy where In-su and Seo-young happened to buy the same sleeping pills. It is interesting to note that the pharmacy is merely a set built specially for the movie.

Other places where the crew filmed included Café E-sak, Hall of Mysterious Cave (where In-su and Seo-young have their date), the bus station (the scene in which Seo-young prepares to leave Samcheok), police station and Palace Hotel, Bae’s home for the three months he was there and also the location for In-su and Seo-young’s romantic tryst. One spot that did not make it to the final cut but is featured in the publicity shots is Jukseoru Pavilion.

Source: The Star 22nd September 2005