On February 13, the musical film "C'est Si Bon" opened in select theaters in North America.Actor Jung Woo (Reply 1994) portrays Oh Geun Tae, an a talented but untrained vocalist who is discovered by Lee Jang Hui. Lee Jang Hui is portrayed by award-winning actor Jin Goo (The Admiral: Roaring Currents).
Geun Tae follows the singer-songwriter and goes on to become the third member of the C'est Si Bon Trio. The musical group includes the Song Chang Shik (Jo Bok Rae) and Yoon Hyeong Ju (Kang Ha Neul), who were real-life members of the C'est Si Bon folk movement, as part of the duo Twin Folio.
The film serves as a biopic for the artists, while providing an opportunity to explore a pivotal time in Korean music.
In regards to the inclusion of musical legends in “C'est Si Bon,” Director Kim Hyun Suk said, “In Jo Young Nam, Lee Jang Hui, and Song Chang Shik’s music, there are so many songs about love. The story of C’est Si Bon was an imagining of what loves happened to inspire these songs.”
While Geun Tae did not exist in the real life music scene, the character is a welcome addition to the film.
The film chronicles the legendary C'est Si Bon cafe, a vibrant venue which showcased some of the most significant artists in 1960s Korean folk music. In the film, legendary musicians interact with fictitious characters to illustrate the burgeoning folk scene.
With stars like Jung Woo and Kang Ha Neul, “C'est Si Bon” reflects the strength of contemporary Korean drama. Both actors experienced success from their roles on the cable television programs “Reply 1994” and “Misaeng.”
“C'est Si Bon” is currently screening in select North American theaters. Showtime and ticketing information can be found on the CJ Entertainment website.