She doesn’t calculate or scrutinize. She accepts things as they are and lives out her own unique lifestyle. The character Jae-hee in the film Laws of the City resembles Kim Go-eun, whose filmography veers away from the ordinary. With her candid and straightforward charm, Kim Go-eun adds yet another distinctive role to her diverse filmography.
Laws of the City, based on Park Sang-young’s novel of the same name, tells the story of the fearless Jae-hee (played by Kim Go-eun), who doesn’t care about others’ opinions, and Heung-soo (played by Noh Sang-hyun), who is slow to open his heart to anyone. Kim Go-eun plays Gu Jae-hee, a character who enjoys life and love with an unapologetic and direct approach.
Jae-hee is a free spirit with a vibrant and unique fashion sense, living without caring about others’ opinions. As a result, rumors surround her. However, Jae-hee doesn’t let the gossip sway her; she lives a life of honesty, loving openly and enjoying without regrets. With her delicate expressiveness, Kim Go-eun breathes life into the lively and lovable character of Jae-hee. The moments when she candidly expresses her ‘inner voice’ even as a job seeker or subordinate – positions often seen as socially ‘inferior’ – bring a sense of vicarious satisfaction to viewers.
In the film, Jae-hee learns during college that her friend and classmate Heung-soo is a sexual minority. Heung-soo, who wants to keep his identity a secret, feels awkward, but Jae-hee helps him avoid being outed. From then on, the two live together for 13 years. The potentially difficult themes of sexual minorities, dating violence, outsiders, and cohabitation are handled with humor, thanks in part to Kim Go-eun’s performance.
Jae-hee’s bold personality brings a fresh dynamic to the story, and the chemistry between her and Heung-soo adds depth. Through Kim Go-eun’s portrayal, these sensitive topics are addressed in an engaging and heartfelt manner.
This film, which was invited to the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the four major film festivals in the world, received positive reviews. Kim Go-eun’s styling at the festival also became a topic of conversation. Due to her next project, she had cut her hair short, but when she attended a press conference earlier this month, she wore a long wig. However, at the Toronto Film Festival, she confidently flaunted her short haircut, exuding a ‘girl crush’ vibe. Many commented that this bold style perfectly matched her character Jae-hee, emphasizing her confidence and fearless attitude.
From her debut in A Muse (2012), where she boldly took on bed scenes, Kim Go-eun has built a distinctive filmography with unique characters and films such as Coin Locker Girl, Canola, Sunset in My Hometown, the dramas Cheese in the Trap, Goblin, Yumi’s Cells, and Little Women. Earlier this year, she earned the title of a ‘ten-million actor’ after her portrayal of a shaman in Unlocked, which hit over ten million admissions. The word ‘bold’ has always followed Kim Go-eun throughout her career. Riding the momentum of her ‘ten-million’ success, Kim Go-eun will once again prove herself as a unique and distinctive actress in the latter half of this year with Laws of the City.
Source: daum
