AUDITION 109, co-directed by actor Jung Woo—who speaks as naturally as he breathes and acts as naturally as he speaks—and director Oh Seong-ho, who made a delicate yet solid debut with Through My Midwinter (2022), tells the story of a young man who dreams of becoming an actor in a cheerful way. Interestingly, the young man’s name (or rather, nickname) is ‘Jjang-gu,’ meaning ‘bulging head.’ Scripted by Jung Woo, AUDITION 109 once again, carries his autobiographical story, following Wish (2009). The film depicts Jjang-gu’s struggles through auditions, along with love, friendship, and the vivid scenery of youth and of Busan—awkward yet intense, raw yet endearing. Layer by layer, it builds up an affable and supple drama that ultimately captures moments of piercing emotion. The understated brilliance of its remarkable actor-director duo shines through, leaving behind a striking impression. (HONG Eunmi)