The battle between two Choon-Hyangs, Hong Sung-Kie′s vs. Shin Sang-Ok′s, ended with Shin′s lop-sided triumph, thus exceeding industry expectations. Shin′s version showed an effective use of applying color cinematography′s visual sense to a traditional folktale, lending it a strong appeal as a film worth seeing. In addition, witty performances by the supporting cast (including Heo Jang-Kang as Bang-Ja) provided the film′s satirical nature, relating to the public′s underlying consciousness about the class system. Fitting characterizations and a persuasive storyline received favorable responses. Excessive use of lighting to emphasize color tone resulted in making Choon-Hyang′s character a static figure, however. Thus the film was unable to deliver her energetic personality nor was it able to attempt new interpretations to reflect the changing times. Yet, rarely has color cinema from the early 60′s achieved such technical perfection as Shin′s Choon-Hyang. The film was exhibited in Japan, Hong Kong and the US, while pulling in a then-record 320,000 domestic attendance and turning Shin Films into a powerhouse in Korean film production in the process. (Kim Mee-Hyun)