To understand the allure, one must separate the film from the platform. Released in 1998, An Affair arrived at a pivotal moment in Korean cinema, just before the explosion of the "Korean New Wave" that would bring international acclaim to directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho.
The 1998 South Korean film An Affair (original Korean title: Jeongsa , 정사), directed by E J-yong, is a defining piece of Korean cinema that explores the delicate and often taboo themes of love, desire, and self-discovery. Long before the explosive global reach of Korean dramas and films, this cinematic gem quietly captivated audiences, becoming the seventh-highest-grossing South Korean film of 1998. For modern cinephiles looking to explore this classic—often via online streaming platforms such as —this film offers an incredibly nuanced look at middle-class alienation and the power of unexpected romance. The Plot: A Catalyst for Self-Discovery an affair 1998 lk21
Playing Seo-hyun's husband, his character embodies the cold, clinical rigidity of upper-class societal expectations. Aesthetic Brilliance: Cinematography and Tone To understand the allure, one must separate the
"An Affair" remains a beloved classic for several reasons. It is a cornerstone of late 90s Korean cinema, a period often called the "Korean New Wave" when the country's film industry began producing sophisticated, internationally acclaimed works. It launched E J-yong's career as a notable director and solidified Lee Jung-jae's status as a major actor (who would later gain worldwide fame for "Squid Game"). Long before the explosive global reach of Korean
: Critics highlight the "cool" and "clean" aesthetic established by cinematographer Kim Young-cheol. The use of modern, high-end interior design reflects the protagonists' wealthy but emotionally sterile lives.
Long before he achieved global superstardom in Netflix's Squid Game or The Acolyte , a 26-year-old Lee Jung-jae proved his dramatic range in this film. He plays Woo-in with a compelling mix of youthful intensity and enigmatic charm, serving as the catalyst for Seo-hyun’s self-awakening.