1. Introduction to the text
Korean cinema experienced a significant renaissance in the late 20th century with the emergence of the Korean New Wave movement. This artistic and cultural shift in filmmaking brought a fresh perspective and critical acclaim to Korean movies, both domestically and internationally. The Korean New Wave arose from the country’s turbulent political climate and the desire for artistic expression and social commentary.

2. Vocabulary

Korean word Romanization English meaning
한국 신영화 hanguk sin-yeongwha Korean New Wave
예술가 yesul-ga artist
사회 비평 sahoe bipyeong social criticism
정치적 불안정 jeongchi-jeok buran-jeong political instability
독립 영화 donglib yeongwha independent film
현실주의 hyeonsil-juui realism
영화제 yeongwhaje film festival
국제적 인정 gukje-jeok injeong international recognition
혁신적 hyeogsin-jeok innovative
저예산 jeo-yesanr low-budget

3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국 신영화 운동은 1980년대와 1990년대에 한국 영화계에서 일어났습니다.
The Korean New Wave movement emerged in the Korean film industry during the 1980s and 1990s.

이 운동은 정치적 불안정과 사회적 변화의 시기에 예술가들이 독립 영화를 통해 자신의 목소리를 내기 시작한 것에서 비롯되었습니다.
This movement arose from artists beginning to find their voice through independent films during a period of political instability and social change.

한국 신영화 감독들은 현실주의 스타일과 사회 비평적 관점을 채택했습니다.
Korean New Wave directors adopted a realist style and socially critical perspective.

그들의 작품은 종종 저예산으로 제작되었지만, 독창적인 시각과 실험적인 기법으로 국내외에서 높은 평가를 받았습니다.
Their works were often low-budget but received high acclaim domestically and internationally for their unique perspectives and experimental techniques.

이 시기의 대표적인 감독들로는 임권택, 박기영, 홍상수 등이 있으며, 그들의 작품은 한국 영화의 새로운 장을 열었습니다.
Notable directors of this period include Im Kwon-taek, Park Ki-yong, and Hong Sang-soo, whose works opened a new chapter in Korean cinema.

한국 신영화 운동은 한국 영화가 국제적으로 인정받는 계기가 되었으며, 많은 작품이 유명 국제 영화제에서 수상했습니다.
The Korean New Wave movement paved the way for Korean films to gain international recognition, with many works winning awards at prestigious international film festivals.

이 운동은 한국 영화계에 혁신적인 변화를 가져왔으며, 후속 세대의 영화인들에게 영향을 미쳤습니다.
This movement brought innovative changes to the Korean film industry and influenced subsequent generations of filmmakers.

4. Reading comprehension questions
1) What were some of the factors that contributed to the rise of the Korean New Wave movement?
2) Describe the stylistic and thematic approaches adopted by Korean New Wave directors.
3) Name some notable directors and their works from the Korean New Wave period.
4) How did the Korean New Wave movement impact the recognition and success of Korean cinema internationally?
5) In what ways did the Korean New Wave movement influence the broader Korean film industry and future filmmakers?

5. Cultural and historical notes
The Korean New Wave movement emerged in a period of political and social turmoil in South Korea, marked by authoritarian rule and democratization movements. Filmmakers used their art as a form of expression and critique, reflecting the societal tensions and desire for change.