Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo is a heart-wrenching South Korean queer drama that explores love, trauma, healing, and the transformative power of unconditional affection. Set around the reunion of two former lovers—Jooyoung and Dohui—the film gently unfolds a narrative of reconciliation, inner conflict, and emotional rebirth.
Under the steady hand of director Hwang Da-Seul, the story offers a poetic and powerful portrayal of queer healing that goes far beyond romantic clichés.
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo Official Trailer
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo Summary | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo |
| Movies Info: | Korea (2024) |
| Length: | 154 minutes |
| Is Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo BL? | Yes, there's a BL romance. |
| Genre: | Drama / Boy's love |
Plot
31-year-old Jooyoung unexpectedly runs into his first love Dohui at a funeral after 12 years apart. They once found solace in each other’s emotional wounds—but something tore them apart.
Dohui, once full of promise, never achieved the dreams he chased. Jooyoung, now still rooted in the taekwondo world, grapples with the deep scars of their past. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface. Can love, once cursed, be freed and redeemed? Or has too much time passed to bridge the distance between their hearts?
With a restrained yet powerful emotional core, the film showcases the subtle cues—clothing tones, set design, body language—that express a deep internal transformation. Especially in the final act, the narrative masterfully weaves all its threads together, delivering a cathartic payoff that lingers long after the credits roll.
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo Cast
Charactor
A passionate and emotionally complex taekwondo instructor, trying to reconcile the past with a future he’s still afraid to embrace.
Kim Nu Rim
Kim Nu Rim made his official debut in School 2021 and is currently managed by Fantagio. Known for his emotional depth and soft masculinity, he fully embodies Jooyoung’s quiet strength and vulnerability.
Jooyoung’s first love—haunted, sensitive, and desperate to find meaning after years of searching.
Lee Sun
Lee Sun debuted in 2024 with this role and is represented by YNK Entertainment. A student at the Korea National University of Arts, his performance has been widely praised for its nuance and maturity.
Director
Hwang Da-Seul (황다슬)
An alumna of the Korean National University of Arts, Hwang Da-Seul is widely credited with pioneering South Korea’s modern BL web series movement. Her debut Where Your Eyes Linger was the country’s first web-based BL series, and she has since directed the acclaimed To My Star, Blueming, and now Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo—a continuation of her signature emotionally rich storytelling style.
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo Review
Review
⭐ Story（4.5/5）
The film builds its emotional arc with remarkable patience, gradually unveiling the past wounds that shaped both leads. While it condenses the longer drama version into a feature-length format, it retains a poignant rhythm that treats trauma and love with genuine care. The final reveal is elegant and soul-healing.
⭐ Acting（5/5）
Kim Nu Rim and Lee Sun deliver performances that are raw, restrained, and heartbreakingly honest. Their expressive eyes and subtle body language say more than words ever could. For Lee Sun, especially, this debut role is a career-launching moment. Every emotion feels lived-in, not performed.
⭐ Chemistry（5/5）
The film doesn’t rely on flashy or overly physical intimacy; instead, it captures longing in glances, pauses, and gestures. The two leads feel emotionally intertwined even when apart, and their final reunion is a masterclass in understated queer romance.
⭐ Production（4.5/5）
Cinematography, costume, and sound design all work in harmony to reflect each character’s inner world. Color symbolism—such as green for rebirth—is used with precision. The only reason it’s not a perfect 5 is due to minor pacing dips, but overall it’s visually and emotionally polished.
⭐ Ending（4.5/5）
The conclusion is not loud or melodramatic, but intimate and healing. It’s a subtle victory of personal freedom and emotional truth. The motorcycle motif and final conversation reflect that sometimes, the greatest form of love is helping someone set themselves free—even if that freedom includes you.
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo Information
Awards & Recognition
🏆 Best New Actor – Lee Sun, 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards
🏆 Best Score – 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards
🏆 Best Picture (Nomination) – 61st Baeksang Arts Awards
Where to Watch
Related Links
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