My Name

A powerful new Korean drama delves into the unbreakable bond between a mother and son as they confront buried trauma, personal identity, and the lingering shadows of history.

Overview

"My Name" (Korean title: 내 이름은) is a South Korean feature film directed by Chung Ji-young. Blending elements of family drama and historical reflection, the movie explores themes of identity, shame, and collective memory. With a runtime of two hours, it stands out for its intimate storytelling and emotional depth, offering a moving look at how past wounds shape the present.

Plot Synopsis

Set in 1998 in Jeju, the story centers on 18-year-old Young-ok, a high school sophomore who feels trapped by his old-fashioned, feminine-sounding name and faces relentless teasing and violent rivalries at school. His strained relationship with his single mother, Jeong-sun, grows even more complicated as she battles sudden dissociative episodes and begins therapy to uncover suppressed memories from her childhood. These fragments gradually reveal her connection to the traumatic events of the Jeju April 3rd Uprising decades earlier. As mother and son navigate everyday life amid inner turmoil, their personal struggles intertwine with broader questions of identity, inherited pain, and the importance of remembrance.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Yeom Hye-ran as Jeong-sun, the resilient single mother grappling with repressed trauma while raising her son.
• Shin Woo-bin as Young-ok, the teenage boy burdened by his name and searching for his own identity amid school conflicts.

Supporting Cast

• Choi Jun-woo as Min-soo, Young-ok’s close friend.
• Park Ji-bin as Kyung-tae, a transfer student caught up in the school’s tense dynamics.
• Kim Gyu-ri in a supporting role.

Reception

"My Name" has already generated strong interest in the film community thanks to its selection for the world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in the Forum section. Audiences and industry professionals anticipate a thoughtful and impactful drama from a director known for socially conscious storytelling.

Fun Facts & Highlights

The film uses suspenseful storytelling, distorted reenactments, and documentary-style elements to blend personal drama with historical context. The serene Jeju landscapes provide a striking contrast to the characters’ inner struggles, highlighting the beauty of the island against themes of violence and silence. The story also touches on a poignant family promise tied to events from 1949, adding layers of emotional resonance. First-look stills have showcased the tender yet tense mother-son moments that define the film.

Final Thoughts

"My Name" promises to be a memorable addition to Korean cinema, offering a sensitive and unflinching look at how history echoes through generations. With compelling performances and a narrative that balances quiet introspection with emotional intensity, it’s a film that will resonate long after the credits roll.

Where to Watch

Festival Debut

"My Name" is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 13, 2026.

Theatrical Release

It will open in South Korean theaters on April 3, 2026.

Main Role

Yeom Hye-Ran Shin Woo-Bin

Gallery