20th Century Girl (Film)

20th Century Girl (Korean: 20세기 소녀; RR: 20segi Sonyeo) is a South Korean romantic drama film. It was written and directed by Bang Woo-ri. The main cast includes Kim Yoo-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo and Roh Yoon-seo.

The film centers on a coming-of-age story set in 1999, exploring themes of friendship, first love, adolescence and nostalgia. It attracted particular attention at the time of its release for its emotional storytelling and authentic portrayal of late 1990s South Korean youth culture. The production was released worldwide on Netflix on 21 October 2022.

20th Century Girl is a romantic drama film centered on the lives of teenagers in late 1990s South Korea. The story follows a young girl who, while trying to help her best friend, unexpectedly confronts her own feelings.

The film is set in an era before technology had become as pervasive as it is today. Communication tools of the period—including cassette recorders, pagers, letters and landline telephones—play key roles in the narrative. In this way, the film not only tells a romantic story but also presents a nostalgic portrait of youth life in the late 1990s.

The production is regarded as one of the standout works among South Korean teen films due to its emotional depth and authentic period atmosphere.

Production of the film began in 2021. Director Bang Woo-ri developed the screenplay inspired by her own experiences of friendship and first love during her teenage years.

20th Century Girl had its special premiere on 6 October 2022 as part of the Busan International Film Festival. It was then released globally on Netflix on 21 October 2022.

Following its release, the film appeared among Netflix’s most-watched titles in numerous countries and received positive responses from international audiences.

^{Na Bo-ra} (IMDb)

The story revolves around Na Bo-ra, a high school student living in South Korea in 1999.

Bo-ra’s closest friend, Kim Yeon-du, must travel abroad for heart surgery. Before leaving, Yeon-du wants to gather as much information as possible about Hyun-jin, a boy she likes at school. She asks Bo-ra to observe Hyun-jin and collect details about him on her behalf.

Initially, Bo-ra only intends to help her friend, but over time she begins spending more time with Poong Woon-ho, Hyun-jin’s close friend. During this period, friendships develop and complex emotional dynamics emerge.

As the film progresses, the narrative expands beyond teenage romance to explore the fleeting nature of time, the importance of memories and the longing for the past.

Na Bo-ra: The film’s protagonist. An energetic and cheerful high school student portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung.

Poong Woon-ho: The student with whom Bo-ra gradually grows closer. Portrayed by Byeon Woo-seok.

Baek Hyun-jin: The boy Yeon-du likes. Portrayed by Park Jung-woo.

Kim Yeon-du: Bo-ra’s closest friend. Portrayed by Roh Yoon-seo.

Adult Na Bo-ra: The character seen in the present-day segments of the story. Portrayed by Han Hyo-joo.

^{Na Bo-ra and Poong Woon-ho} (IMDb)

Bang Woo-ri served as both director and screenwriter. Special attention was given in the cinematography and art direction to recreating the atmosphere of 1999.

During production, the school culture, youth fashion and communication methods of the era were meticulously researched. Many of the film’s sets and props were designed to reflect life in late 1990s South Korea.

The use of music is also a key element in supporting the film’s nostalgic atmosphere.

20th Century Girl presents a narrative centered on first love and friendship during adolescence. Throughout the film, themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, personal growth and longing for the past are explored.

The production also reflects on the transience of time and the lasting impressions people leave on each other’s lives. The story addresses the enduring impact of emotions and memories from teenage years.

Nostalgia is one of the film’s central narrative elements. The social and cultural atmosphere of 1999 is conveyed through the events experienced by the characters.

Following its release, 20th Century Girl received several award nominations.

• Blue Dragon Film Awards: Nominations in various categories
• Baeksang Arts Awards: Nominations in film categories
• Director’s Cut Awards: Nominations for Best New Director and acting categories

The film is also recognized as one of the productions that contributed to the global visibility of South Korean cinema due to its international success on Netflix.