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First Kiss

Name: First Kiss
Director: Kim Tae-gyun
Released: 1998
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

1998

Director

Kim Tae-gyun

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

First Kiss is a traditional romantic drama that fits within the conventions of late-90s South Korean cinema. The narrative emphasizes individual emotional growth and interpersonal relationships over broader social critique. The film does not intentionally include diverse identities or challenge social hierarchies. It serves as a localized cultural story centered around a traditional heterosexual framework. While the protagonist is female, her character arc revolves around traditional romantic conflicts and workplace tensions, offering limited subversion of patriarchal structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does First Kiss have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on a heterosexual relationship between the main characters. There are no queer narratives or non-straight identities presented.

How does First Kiss portray gender?

Fair

Song Yeon-Hwa is a key female character who navigates her professional and emotional life. However, her role is largely defined by her responses to romantic setbacks and interactions with male colleagues.

How racially and ethnically diverse is First Kiss?

Fair

The production features a predominantly South Korean cast. It aligns with the demographic norms of its time and region.

How does First Kiss represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story follows typical romantic themes and societal norms. It delves into personal emotional experiences without critiquing religious or Western institutions.

Does First Kiss include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or hidden disabilities shown. None of the characters have physical impairments or neurodivergent traits.

Present on Screen

The film focuses on a clear, character-driven storyline centered on a female protagonist's emotional journey.
It presents a localized cultural narrative that reflects the demographic norms of its era.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks queer representation or non-straight identities.
The female lead's role is primarily defined by romantic setbacks rather than professional or intellectual achievements.
The film adheres to traditional social structures without providing broader cultural or systemic critiques.

Official Synopsis

Song Yeon-Hwa, a reporter of a weekly entertainment magazine, is 27 years old. Though she is almost kissed by her boy friend several times, she has refused without particular reasons. Then she lost her boy friend. Now knowing her shilly-shally is the reason of her lost love, Song Yeon-Hwa loses daily rhythm all in a furry. One day Han Kyeong-Hyeon, who seems to be a playboy, came to work with her as a photographer. Seating next seat Kyeong-Hyeon nags her chattering all kinds of things and wedging in every occasion. Yeon-Hwa, who suffers from aftermath of lost love, submits resignation with a burst due to nagging and scolding of editor-in-chief.

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