Logline
A timid Korean girl from an abusive home enters a cash-prize poetry contest, in hopes of reuniting with her estranged mother. But, it's through this journey of self-expression and coming of age, where she discovers the strength to face her circumstances head-on.
Abbreviated Synopsis
SO JUNG (12), a creative but timid Korean girl, has her first period. Feeling lost, she is scolded by her stepmother, HYE KYUNG, for making a mess. So Jung returns from buying pads and discovers Hye Kyung has framed her for “stealing” money. Her alcoholic father, JUNG JAE praises her for “becoming a woman,” then slaps her for “stealing” from him. Lacking self-confidence, So Jung suffers in silence, even at school where she is bullied. Her teacher, MRS. CAMPSIE encourages her to enter the school poetry contest – the winner of which receives up to $500. She explains to So Jung,“The only way to find your voice is to use it.”
That night, So Jung retrieves an old hidden photo of her and her biological mother, becoming clear that she longs to be together again. Later that evening, as Jung Jae runs an illegal gambling ring in their apartment, So Jung is molested by his friend, which triggers Jung Jae to physically attack and berate Hye Kyung for not being there. Hye Kyung later expresses to So Jung that “once we have a child of our own, no one will want you anymore.” Desperate to escape, So Jung is determined to enter the poetry contest for a chance win the prize money and return to Korea to be with her estranged mother.
On her quest to escape, she forms an unlikely friendship with Lenny, a homeless man at the library who provides some heartfelt, creative advice that empowers So Jung to find her voice and ultimately stand up for herself. Inspired, So Jung manages to enter a poem last minute, ultimately winning the school contest. More confident, So Jung continues to challenge her surroundings, on a mission to win the rest of the prize money from the district competition, when her situation takes a turn for the worst.
Awakened in the middle of the night, So Jung learns that government officials are stalking her family. Left with no choice, she is forced into hiding with her family and deeper into a situation she so desperately yearns to be free from. With her life now in a downward spiral, it will take all she has to overcome her circumstances, face her fears head on and rise above her greatest fears and insecurities – the “paper tigers” that have haunted her for so long.
Themes & Purpose
The main themes in the story revolve around resilience, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling. So Jung's journey highlights the importance of overcoming adversity and finding inner strength to confront challenges. Self-discovery is a central theme as So Jung navigates her identity, confronts her fears, and learns to embrace her voice and creativity. Additionally, the story emphasizes the transformative nature of storytelling as a means of healing, self-expression, and connecting with others.
This story is significant as it sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals dealing with issues of immigration, identity, and belonging. It explores themes of family, resilience, and self-discovery through the lens of characters like So Jung and her interactions with others. The narrative delves into complex emotions, relationships, and personal growth, offering a poignant and thought-provoking portrayal of human experiences and struggles.
The script portrays a compelling narrative of So Jung's struggles and relationships, capturing themes of family dynamics, resilience, and personal growth. The emotional depth and character development make it engaging and thought-provoking.
Main Characters
So Jung
On the cusp of womanhood, So Jung is accustomed to a life overshadowed by circumstances outside of her control. In accordance with Korean law, her father, Jung Jae, assumed custody over her after her parents divorced when she was five and she was forced to flee with him to the United States.
Unbeknownst to her, they were illegal immigrants and the gambling ring her father ran was also highly illegal. Despite their tumultuous relationship, So Jung loves her father and tries to see the best in him, although the relationship with her stepmother, Hye Kyung, is a different story. Hye Kyung resents So Jung for being another woman’s child and lashes out in abusive and sadistic ways. So Jung yearns for the freedom and resources to reunite with her real mother, for whom she hopes will provide her with the love she’s always wanted. A loner at school, So Jung feels like she’s never belonged, especially due to her inability to relate to their relatively “normal” and stable lives. As a child from an abusive home, So Jung struggles to connect with others primarily due to her lack of self-esteem and a general lack of trust in others.
Using her abundant imagination, So Jung escapes into any fantasy she can, whether it be her books or worlds of her own creation. She finds solace in the world of her mind – a world of her creation where she has control. It’s through her creativity, growing resilience and guidance from external parental figures in her life, that So Jung gradually overcomes her fears and learns how to stand up for herself, one word at a time.
A jealous and complicated woman with low self-esteem, Hye Kyung struggles to find her way in a world where she feels she lacks control. A product of an abusive upbringing herself, Hye Kyung has lost any real sense of promise in the world and is the kind of person who believes life happens “to her” and not “for her” – that “life isn’t fair.”
Due to her upbringing, Hye Kyung gives all her power to the men in her life, especially her husband Jung Jae, whom she loves but at great sacrifice to her own desires. Jung Jae was the first man in her life whom she connected with, and is eager to find stability in her life. She clings to Jung Jae and desperately dreams of having her own child, despite their tumultuous relationship.
Time has taken its toll, however, as the months and years of patience she’s given Jung Jae to have a child of their own has festered into resentment against So Jung – a child she never wanted and one born from another woman with the one man she believes is her key to moving forward in life. Hye Kyung wants to love and be loved, but she first needs to love herself.
Hye Kyung
Potential Cast - Kim "So Jung" Ellis
- Dawning (Caamfest)
- Smoking Tigers (Tribeca)
- Better Things (FX)
Jung Jae
Jung Jae is portrayed as a complex character in the story. He exhibits traits of being controlling, abusive, and manipulative towards So Jung and other family members. Despite his negative qualities, Jung Jae also shows moments of charm, care, and occasional attempts to connect with So Jung, showcasing a multi-dimensional personality with both positive and negative aspects.
Jung Jae's character is primarily driven by a sense of responsibility towards So Jung and a desire to protect her. He shows a protective and caring attitude towards So Jung, often trying to shield her from harm and provide for her needs. Jung Jae's actions and decisions are motivated by a sense of duty and a commitment to taking care of So Jung, even if his methods may sometimes be flawed or misguided.
