This is the second feature film by director KIM Daehwan, following his impressive debut with End of Winter. The First Lap follows the lives of Soo-hyun, an art academy instructor, and Ji-young, a contract worker, who have lived together for six years. When she becomes pregnant, the couple decides to meet both sets of parents. However, a family meal at her home in Incheon leads to an awkward conversation about marriage. Things come to a head when the couple visits his family in Samcheok to celebrate his father's 60th birthday, revealing old bitter feelings. Following his previous film, the director returns to the family theme, exploring the paradox of a family that cannot be ignored or embraced. Their familial conflicts and generation gap don't get any better. However, at the end of this exhausting journey, the film offers a glimmer of hope for renewing the meaning of family, which has restrained everyone. Director KIM sets aside time to dig into the inner side of the characters, which doesn't reveal easily. Also, he utilizes a one-scene, one-cut approach, allowing the audience to delve deeper into the character's emotions. His understated approach is impressive, letting the emotions naturally reveal themselves over time. (JANG Byungwon)