Son Ye Jin is known as one of the iconic actresses in South Korean cinema. However, throughout her acting career, she has not shied away from bold choices, frequently participating in 18+ films, with White Night (2009) being one of the most notable. Released over 15 years ago, White Night is a gripping 18+ film that stirred considerable attention, especially due to the actress’s portrayal of intimate scenes that required her to step outside her comfort zone.
White Night, directed by Park Shin Woo, is a South Korean psychological thriller adapted from the famous Japanese novel Journey Under the Midnight Sun by Keigo Higashino. Featuring performances from renowned actors Han Suk Kyu and Go Soo, the film particularly shines with Son Ye Jin in the leading role, earning widespread acclaim from international critics.
The film begins with a mysterious murder case that pulls audiences into a 14-year-long investigation filled with dark secrets and complex relationships among characters. Son Ye Jin plays the role of Yoo Mi Ho (also known as Lee Ji Ah), a woman burdened with deep emotional scars and unresolved mysteries. Her character is pivotal in connecting various events and characters throughout the film.
Son Ye Jin’s Bold Intimacy Without Boundaries
Son Ye Jin delivers an outstanding performance as Yoo Mi Ho, showcasing a blend of vulnerability and grit. According to reviews from Hangul Celluloid, she has “a flawless acting display, harnessing her exceptional talent.” James Mudge from Beyond Hollywood also praised her role, describing it as “sensitive, layered, and creating an emotional depth that resonates with viewers.”
White Night not only captivates with its deep psychological storyline but also draws significant attention due to Son Ye Jin’s daring scenes. In the role of Yoo Mi Ho, she embodies a complex character, and to convey this psychological depth, she undertakes intimate scenes, including both sensual and vulnerable moments.
According to information from IMDb, Son Ye Jin and her co-star Go Soo performed these intimate scenes without the use of body doubles, demonstrating their commitment and professionalism in their craft.
However, these bold scenes stirred some controversy. A segment of the audience felt that the intimate scenes might be excessive and unnecessary, while many others acknowledged that these moments were crucial for developing the emotional depth of the characters. On AsianWiki, one user commented that although the film features an engaging plot and impressive performances, the intimate scenes might make some viewers uncomfortable.
Son Ye Jin has also shared her struggles while filming these intimate scenes. She expressed concerns about her portrayal and hoped that viewers would understand the artistic intent and necessity of these moments in the story.
Despite some mixed reviews, White Night is still considered a high-quality psychological thriller, showcasing complex narratives and well-developed characters.
International Critical Acclaim
White Night has received substantial praise from international critics. Paul Quinn from Hangul Celluloid commented that the film features “stunning visuals (even in some horrifying scenes) that are almost perfect” and that “it’s hard to believe this is a debut feature from director Park Shin Woo.” James Mudge from Beyond Hollywood rated White Night as “one of the best South Korean films of 2009” and “one of the few thrillers that keeps audiences gripped with its well-structured plot and satisfying resolution.”
While receiving notable acclaim, White Night did not achieve outstanding commercial success. The film opened in second place at the South Korean box office, selling 292,504 tickets in its opening week and totaling 945,938 views nationwide. Compared to Son Ye Jin’s other cinematic works, this film did not stand out as a commercial hit.
Nonetheless, in terms of artistic merit, White Night remains a significant psychological thriller with a compelling plot and well-developed characters.
