By Woo Jae-yeon
In the coming-of-age film, “Before We Knew,” Yeo-ul (Kim Sae-ron) faces a life-altering moment just before her middle school graduation when her close friend Ho-su (Lee Chae-min) confesses his longtime feelings for her.
This unexpected confession throws Yeo-ul into turmoil, jeopardizing their precious friendship. She sees Ho-su as family, making her fear the potential loss more than anything.
“Before We Knew” delicately portrays the ordinary lives of Yeo-ul, Ho-su, and their friends – navigating the uncertainties and excitement of youth. Their bond is built on shared experiences: basketball games, late-night ramyeon, and confiding in each other about their families.
Eschewing dramatic plot twists, the film captivates with its relatable portrayal of everyday moments, echoing experiences familiar to many.
While the film captures the essence of youth, its execution has some shortcomings.
Some scenes feel rushed or incomplete. For example, Ho-su’s sudden physical advance towards Yeo-ul feels unnatural. Similarly, Ho-jae (Ryoo Ui-hyun), Yeo-ul’s long-time crush, experiences a baffling change of heart, and Ryoo Ui-hyun’s appearance is too mature for the role.
“Before We Knew,” based on a popular webtoon, marks the directorial debut of Kim Min-jae. Notably, it is also the final film featuring the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
The film, originally shot in 2021, faced delays after Kim Sae-ron’s drunk driving incident in May 2022 and was further impacted by her passing in February of the following year.
For fans of Lee Chae-min, “Before We Knew” offers a glimpse into his early career. Since filming, he has achieved recognition for his role as a tyrannical ruler in the tvN drama “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” (2025) and explored new territory with a villainous role in Netflix’s “Cashero.”
“Before We Knew” will be released next Wednesday.
