The Burning 2018 South Korean psychological thriller Burning is a masterpiece of modern cinema, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Lee Chang-dong. Adapted from Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning,” the film blends elements of mystery, psychological drama, and societal critique. At its core lies a tale about three young individuals, their complex relationships, and the simmering tension born from economic disparity and emotional alienation. Among them, the vibrant yet enigmatic Shin Hae-mi emerges as a central figure, brought to life by the sensational actress Jeon Jong-seo.
The Plot of Burning 2018
The story of Burning revolves around Lee Jong-su (played by Yoo Ah-in), a frustrated aspiring writer who encounters his childhood acquaintance, Shin Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo). Their reunion sparks a seemingly innocent connection until Hae-mi introduces Ben (Steven Yeun), an affluent and mysterious man she meets during a trip to Africa. The dynamic between these characters becomes increasingly unsettling as secrets, suspicions, and unexamined tensions rise to the surface.
Hae-mi invites Jong-su into her modest life, trusting him with small yet intimate aspects of her existence, like caring for her invisible cat while she’s away. However, what begins as a potential romance unravels into a disturbing exploration of jealousy, desire, and social gaps. Ben’s casual revelation about his “hobby” of burning greenhouses only adds a sinister thread to the story. Hae-mi’s eventual disappearance acts as the narrative’s emotional and dramatic turning point, leaving behind haunting ambiguity.
Shin Hae-mi’s Role in the Story
Shin Hae-mi is a multi-faceted character who exudes a sense of youthful spontaneity while harboring deeper, more fragile layers of sadness and longing. Her zest for life is evident in moments like her impromptu topless dance, which juxtaposes liberation with shrouded melancholy. Hae-mi represents vulnerability in a world where class disparities and personal insecurities are magnified, embodying the dreams of those often left behind.
Hae-mi’s disappearing act serves not only as a plot disruption but also as a metaphor for invisibility caused by economic disparity and gender roles in modern society. Her absence weighs heavily on Jong-su and the audience, raising questions about whether she was a victim or a figure of her own agency.
Jeon Jong-seo’s Performance as Hae-mi
Jeon Jong-seo’s portrayal of Shin Hae-mi is nothing short of remarkable, particularly given that Burning was her screen debut. Casting Hae-mi was not an easy decision for Lee Chang-dong, who was searching for an actress with both innocence and mystery. Jeon’s spontaneous audition won over Lee, as he felt her childlike exuberance mixed with a concealed depth embodied the very essence of Hae-mi.
Jeon infused her character with charisma and vulnerability, making Hae-mi unforgettable even when she is no longer present on-screen. Her dance sequence in Jong-su’s rural home, imagined to the rhythm of Miles Davis, is a moment of raw, uninhibited expression. It became one of the film’s defining scenes, a testament to Jeon’s emotional range.
Director Lee Chang-dong commented on her performance, saying, “She has a face that makes people wonder what she’s feeling and thinking.” This sense of intrigue anchored viewers’ emotional connection to Hae-mi and ensured they continued to feel her presence even after her absence.
Themes Explored in Burning
The film probes several potent themes, including class inequality, suppressed masculinity, hopeless yearning, and modern alienation. Shin Hae-mi becomes the vessel through which Jong-su’s frustrations and Ben’s apathy collide. Her dreams and existential reflections, such as her desire to vanish like she did in her childhood magic tricks, add layers of introspection to an already profound narrative.
Hae-mi’s portrayal also touches upon women’s struggles in patriarchal structures. She is self-assured yet easily overlooked, playful yet underappreciated. Her symbolic vanishing act leaves viewers reflecting on the societal gaps that render individuals disposable.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Burning premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, competing for the Palme d’Or and earning widespread critical acclaim. It received praise for its meditative pace, ambiguous storytelling, and layered performances. Critics called it one of the best films of the 21st century, with some specifically highlighting Jeon Jong-seo’s breakout performance as a key element of the film’s success.
Jeon’s portrayal earned her international recognition, including a spot among The Hollywood Reporter’s “15 International Breakout Talents of 2018.” Critics lauded her ability to bring depth to Shin Hae-mi, portraying her as both vibrant and heartbreakingly poignant. Justin Chang of the Los Angeles Times wrote, “Jeon, making a remarkable screen debut, brings this young woman to beautiful, soulful, and defiant life.”
Jeon Jong-seo: Rising Talent
Born on July 5, 1994, in Seoul, Jeon Jong-seo lived part of her youth in Canada before returning to South Korea. She attended Anyang Arts High School and studied film at Sejong University before dropping out to fully pursue acting. Her role in Burning was her acting debut, yet it positioned her as one of South Korea’s most promising talents.
Following Burning, Jeon continued to shine, taking on diverse roles in films such as The Call (2020), where she won the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress. She also earned international attention for her performance in Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2021) and her work in the Netflix adaptation Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area.
The Enduring Impact of Burning (2018)
Nearly a decade after its release, Burning remains a captivating study of human emotion, cultural barriers, and invisible struggles. Much of its legacy is owed to the unforgettable presence of Shin Hae-mi, portrayed with grace and complexity by Jeon Jong-seo. Her work as Hae-mi has left an indelible mark on modern cinema, cementing Burning 2018 as a film that continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
For anyone exploring the intersections of class struggle, emotional alienation, and enigmatic character studies, Burning and its radiant depiction of Shin Hae-mi offer a compelling and deeply thought-provoking cinematic experience.
