South Korean actress Song Ji-hyo returns to the big screen with her latest film, “Home Behind Bars,” which premiered nationwide on October 15.
The drama opened strongly, leading the independent and arthouse film category with a 32.1% advance booking rate as of 3pm on October 14 and maintaining a 30.8% share as of midnight on the release date. Early audience reactions praise its warm narrative and realistic portrayal of correctional officers and inmates
In “House Behind Bars”, Song portrays Tae Jeo, a veteran correctional officer with 15 years of experience in a women’s prison. Known for her strict adherence to the rules, Tae Jeo’s life changes when she discovers that one of her inmates, Mi Young, has lost her mother and is barred from attending the funeral. Defying protocol, Tae Jeo attends the function on the inmate’s behalf and meets Jun Young, Mi Young’s daughter, creating an unlikely bond that subtly transforms his outlook.
Director Cha Jung Yoon makes her feature film debut with this film, having spent seven years from initial script to release. Inspired by a 2008 documentary about women’s prisons, Cha researched female prison officers for years to capture authentic details, including filming in an unused prison in Daegu with real uniforms and uniforms and consulting serving officers for accuracy. The narrative focuses on the emotional journey of its three central characters, Tae Jeo, Mi Young and Jun Young, highlighting themes of empathy, second chances and the impact of human connections.
Preview on September 26th screening in Seoul, Song Ji-hyo described her personal connection with Tae Jeo: “When reading the script, I felt many similarities with my life,” she said, explaining that the character’s emotional restraint reflected her tendency to prioritize work over personal feelings. She added that portraying Tae Jeo’s gradual rediscovery of warmth and vulnerability was “healing”, allowing her to reconnect with her once bright and vibrant self.
The supporting performances add to the emotional depth of the film. Do Yeong Seo, as Jun Young, offers a nuanced portrayal of a child dealing with abandonment, while Ok Ji Young brings complexity to Mi Young, an inmate torn between guilt and maternal love. Critics and viewers alike praise the film’s leisurely pace, with comments such as “A simple but calm and warm film” and “A gentle, warm breeze on ordinary days” reflecting its emotional resonance.
“House behind bars” he drew Attention at film festivals, winning the Cineteca Nacional Mexico Distribution Support Award and screened in the Korean Cinema section of the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival. As Song Ji-hyo marks her first major film role in five years, audiences respond enthusiastically to her performance, confirming her versatility beyond variety television. The film’s message that “all the choices you make come together to become who you are” offers a poignant reminder of the power of compassion to change lives.
