Sweet Dream (1936)

Sweet Dream (1936) is a groundbreaking Korean film that was preserved as the oldest in the country as of 2008. It was considered scandalous and groundbreaking for its era, set during Korea's colonial period when the nation was on the brink of Western-influenced modernization. First-time director Yang crafts a narrative about a modern woman who defies the patriarchal norms of Korean society. The film also showcases the evolving city of Kyungsung (now Seoul) on its path to urban development. It features Mun Ye Bong, the most sought-after actress of the colonial era, who later became a leading actress in North Korea. Notably, Sweet Dream (1936) is Korea's first traffic safety film, aiming to raise awareness about the hazards of road vehicles during a time when automobiles were rare. The story revolves around Ae Sun (Mun Ye Bong), a housewife who, feeling trapped, neglects her young daughter and indulges in lavish fashion. She eventually leaves her husband and child to live with her lover in a hotel. However, her newfound freedom turns sour when she discovers her lover is not the wealthy man she believed him to be, but a petty thief. Enraged, Ae Sun contacts the police with information about his whereabouts. As she rushes to the train station in a cab, the driver hits a girl, who turns out to be Ae Sun's own daughter.