Life of Hae-oak

Life of Hae-oak follows Ra-El, a 29-year-old woman, who is studying for one of Korea's toughest exams, the civil service exam, while living under immense pressure from her mother, Suk-Hyang Kim. Ra-El's mother, who raised her alone after her husband's business collapsed during the Asian Financial Crisis, has placed all her hopes and dreams on Ra-El's success, believing it will transform both their lives. Driven by guilt and obligation, Ra-El works tirelessly, balancing her studies with a part-time job at a BBQ restaurant. The story intensifies as Ra-El repeatedly faces an obstinate customer demanding "premium Korean pork," which symbolizes the broader struggles and expectations she faces in her life. The film explores Ra-El's internal battle with her mother's expectations, societal pressure, and the trauma of growing up in post-crisis South Korea, reflecting the larger generational issues faced by many.