DEBT is a new film by director KO Bong-su, who has been consistently attending the JEONJU IFF except for last year. As the Korean title means 'paying back debt' in Chungcheong-do dialect, this film is set in Jochiwon, Chungcheongnam-do, and the story of Daebok, a man who runs a small supermarket, and his son, Hongmin. Daebok is in a difficult situation while running a self-employed business, but his son Hongmin works at a local cultural organization that is of little help to livelihood and social contribution. Daebok's stress level rises as situations entangle because his daughter consistently insults him and Hongmin and because the local company president demands cigarettes without paying back the credit. As always in director Ko's films, neither completely good people nor certain villains appear in DEBT, which shows the harsh lives of ordinary people through laughter, conveying unique optimism and hope. In particular, the thrilling emotion delivered through the last scene is exceptional. (MOON Seok)