Jjigae (2023)
A quietly devastating Korean short film about adoption, memory, and the search for belonging — told through the making of a bowl of stew.
Jjigae - Movie Information
- Original Title: 찌개
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Jéro Yun
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 26m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Production Countries: South Korea
Jjigae - Plot
Amy, adopted by an American family as a child, visits a jjigae restaurant in Jungnang-gu, Seoul. She introduces herself as a chef from the U.S. to Eunseon, the restaurant owner searching for staff after her mother passed away. Amy asks Eunseon to teach her how to make jjigae. Amy can not hide her complex feelings toward Eunseon's mother. Eunseon gradually grows suspicious about Amy.
Where to Watch Jjigae
Looking for where to watch Jjigae?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Jjigae - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jéro Yun
Main Cast
- Han Yeon-jae
- Jeong Seon-yul
- Yang Ik-june
Jjigae - FAQs
What is Jjigae about?
Jjigae follows Amy, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States, who travels to a small restaurant in Seoul's Jungnang-gu district. Posing as a chef, she asks the owner Eunseon to teach her how to make jjigae, while quietly carrying unspoken feelings tied to Eunseon's recently deceased mother.
Is Jjigae based on a true story?
Jjigae does not appear to be based on a specific true story. However, its themes of adoption, cultural identity, and the emotional weight of food resonate with real experiences shared by many Korean adoptees, lending the film a deeply personal and authentic emotional texture.
Who directed the short film Jjigae?
Jjigae was directed by Jéro Yun, who also served as cinematographer and editor on the project. This multi-hyphenate role gives the film a remarkably unified visual and narrative sensibility, with every creative decision shaped by a single, cohesive artistic vision.
Who are the main actors in Jjigae?
The cast features Han Yeon-jae as Amy, the Korean-American adoptee at the heart of the story, Jeong Seon-yul as Eun-seon, the restaurant owner navigating grief and suspicion, and Yang Ik-june as Jung. Together they bring quiet intensity to this intimate short film.
What does the jjigae symbolize in the film?
In the film, jjigae — a traditional Korean stew — functions as far more than a dish. It becomes a vessel for memory, belonging, and unspoken grief. Amy's desire to learn the recipe is really a search for connection to her origins, making the act of cooking a quietly powerful emotional reckoning.
How long is the short film Jjigae?
Jjigae has a runtime of 26 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief length, it manages to explore layered themes of identity, adoption, cultural memory, and loss with a depth and restraint that would do credit to a feature-length production.
What language is Jjigae in?
Jjigae is spoken entirely in Korean. The film was produced in South Korea, and the Korean language is central to its emotional landscape — particularly given that Amy, raised in the United States, navigates her return to Korean culture partly through language and food.
What are similar films to Jjigae?
If Jjigae resonated with you, you might enjoy The Way to the Heart (2024) and People (2006), both of which explore intimate human connections with quiet emotional depth. Lord (2011) and Return To Earth (2023) are also worth exploring for their reflective, character-driven storytelling.
More About Jjigae
Explore further details about Jjigae on these trusted resources.