Christmas in August 1998
"Is love eternal?"
Directed by Hur Jin-ho, *Christmas in August* (1998) is a poignant South Korean drama that weaves romance against the backdrop of a sweltering summer.
Director: Hur Jin-ho
Cast
Han Suk-kyu
Jung-won
Shim Eun-ha
Da-rim
Shin Gu
Jung-won's Father
Oh Ji-hye
Jung-sook
Lee Han-wi
Chul-goo
Jeon Mi-seon
Ji-won
Kim Ae-ra
Grandmother
Min Kyung-jin
Son
Lee Yong-nyeo
Ballet Auntie
Kim Ki-cheon
Drunk Man
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christmas in August (1998) about?
The film follows Jung-won, a photographer with a terminal illness, who begins a slow-burning romance with a kind-hearted traffic cop during a stifling summer. As their connection deepens, Jung-won must confront whether love can bloom when time is running out.
Who directed Christmas in August?
The film was directed by Hur Jin-ho, known for his sensitive storytelling and visually evocative dramas.
Who stars in Christmas in August?
The film features Han Suk-kyu as the lead, alongside Shim Eun-ha, Shin Gu, Oh Ji-hye, and Lee Han-wi.
Is Christmas in August (1998) worth watching?
Though unrated, *Christmas in August* is praised for its emotional depth and nuanced performances, offering a reflective take on love and impermanence. Fans of quiet, character-driven romances will find its pacing rewarding.
How long is Christmas in August?
The film runs for 97 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Christmas in August (1998) — A tender romance about love, loss, and the fleeting beauty of time
Directed by Hur Jin-ho, *Christmas in August* (1998) is a poignant South Korean drama that weaves romance against the backdrop of a sweltering summer. The film follows Jung-won, a terminally ill photographer in his thirties, as he cautiously opens his heart to a young traffic cop who remains unaware of his condition. Amidst simmering heat and fleeting moments, their tentative connection unfolds like a bittersweet melody, asking whether love can transcend the boundaries of time—and fate.
With its delicate balance of melancholy and tenderness, *Christmas in August* explores themes of mortality, second chances, and the fragile beauty of fleeting connections. Han Suk-kyu delivers a heartfelt performance as the ailing artist, while Shim Eun-ha brings warmth and innocence to her role as the unsuspecting love interest. The film's contemplative pace and emotional depth make it a standout in Korean romance dramas of the late '90s.
