Sinchon Campus Yonsei University Appears in My Sassy Girl (2001)

My Sassy Girl (Korean: 엽기적인 그녀, romanized: Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo, lit. ‘That Bizarre Girl’) is a 2001 South Korean romantic comedy (Rom-Com) film directed by Kwak Jae-yong, starring Jun Ji-hyun and Cha Tae-hyun.

My Sassy Girl was largely popular and successful in South Korea when it released.  It was one of the five highest-grossing films at that time. It became a blockbuster across East Asia, certain parts of Europe, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

It gathered a large international fanbase of followers mainly in China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. (Nepal, India, etc).  This was one of the first films that gave South Korean films breakthrough into the International markets and audiences.

Hangul:  엽기적인 그녀
Hanja:  獵奇的인 그女
Revised Romanization:  Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo
McCune–Reischauer:  Yǒpkijǒgin Kǔnyǒ
Directed by Kwak Jae-yong
Produced by Shin Chul
Written by Kim Ho-sik and Kwak Jae-yong
Starring Jun Ji-hyun and Cha Tae-hyun
Music by Hyeong-seok Kim
Cinematography Kim Sung-bok
Edited by Kim Sang-bum
Production company: ShinCine Communications and IM Pictures
Distributed by Cinema Service
Release date • July 27, 2001
Running time 123 minutes (theatrical cut), 137 minutes (director’s cut)
Country:  South Korea
Language:  Korean
Box office Earnings:  $32.3 million

Synopsis of the South Korea film My Sassy Girl엽기적인 그녀(2001)

The film is about the male character, Gyeon-woo, an engineering student in South Korea, and the “Girl” (her name is never revealed in the film).  Gyeon-woo’s mother calls him and says to meet his aunt who is going to introduce him to a potential date.  Taking the train to meet his aunt, he accidentally and unknowing meets a drunk girl who is to become his comedic, fated relationship throughout the film.

The “Girl” is an aspiring screenwriter who writes Gyeon-woo into three different genres. These roles are hilarious and have a common plot: the Girl is from the future.

They go through memorable experiences together: encountering a South Korea AWOL soldier and other encounters.  These experiences help them grow closer, but not into something serious.  One day, the “Girl” calls Gyeon-woo and introduces him to her date.  Her date thinks that Gyeon-woo is just a close friend.  Gyeon-woo gives her date rules of dating the “Girl”, which is really about his understanding and love for the “Girl.”  Gyeon-woo leaves and the “Girl” discovers the 10 Rules that he wrote.  She realizes that its about her:

• At a café, instead of coke or juice order a coffee
• Prevent her from over-drinking
• Give in to her at every circumstance
• When she hits you pretend it hurts when it doesn’t and vice versa
• Surprise her with a rose on the 100th day anniversary
• Make sure you learn Kendo and Squash, and more.

She chases after him to the subway station where they have another comedic memorable experience.  Something like this doesn’t just happen to normal people it seems. They meet and it seems like it will be one of those happy ending relationships.  However, she decides that they should both write letters to each other, plant the “time capsule” underneath a tree and read them together two years later.

I don’t want to ruin a good story so I won’t tell you how the rest of it goes.  But the ending is an unexpected ending with a good Rom-Com ending that was created by the South Korea film.  So good, that the film was remade by different countries. Most importantly, the film was based off a true story!

Film Remakes and Adaptations of My Sassy Girl From Different Countries

This movie was so popular that it was redone in different countries. Copying is the ultimate form of flattery! It seems the Chinese aren’t the only ones doing it.

Japanese
In April 2008, a Japanese drama with the same name ” Ryokiteki na Kanojo (2008)” broadcast. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and actress Rena Tanaka were the lead roles.

South Korea
My Sassy Girl, a South Korea time period remake aired in 2017 on SBS. It starred Joo Won and Oh Yeon-seo. The remake takes place in the Joseon period. My Sassy Girl (TV series).

American
An American remake of the film was released in 2008 Titled “My Sassy Girl” it follows the same plot as the original South Korean film, “My Sassy Girl.” It is also a romantic comedy that takes place in New York City’s Central Park and Upper East Side.

Indian
An Indian Bollywood version of the My Sassy Girl was filmed and released on August 1, 2008. It’s called Ugly Aur Pagli starring Ranvir Shorey adn Mallika Sherawat. You can watch it on Netflix.

Malaysia
“White” is a Malayalam remake starring Mammootty and Huma Querishi.

Chinese
My Sassy Girl 2 (我的野蠻女友2) is a Chinese version released on 2010. Directed by Joe Ma, it stars Lynn Hung and Leon Jay Williams. You can watch it on Youku.

Nepali
A Nepali version Titled Sano Sansar, it was released on 12 September 2008 and became very popular amongst teenagers in Nepali.

Lithuania
A Lithuanian version was remade. Titled “Moterys meluoja geriau: Robertėlis”, it was released on 3 August 2018. It is also based on the original popular South Korean film.

Summary of reviews for My Sassy Girl (2001) 엽기적인 그녀

Viewers love the acting, one of the main reasons why viewers from countries all over the globe have grown to love Korean films.

The music has strong instrumentals, mainly “Pachelbel Canon” by George Winston.  You will recognize and remember My Sassy Girl when you hear the music later in the future.

The rewatch value of the movie is at least 54 to 9999 more times. That’s my honest opinion.  I especially watched the ending scene at least over 30 times.  Very memorable and a Rom-Com scene that characterizes Korean films.

The acting is terrific – I have no complaints at all about any of the actors in this movie.

This film is a classic to rewatch.

It was recommended by many people and when others watched it, the film just went viral.

The story synopsis isn’t some cookie cutter story. It adds new twists and experiments with new movie scenes.

This movie and other films like it is the reason why people all across the world fell in love with Korean films, basically everything Korea.  It has happy, sad, funny, memorable moments.  It made me want to visit Korea, and I’m glad I did.  Check out our Youtube video channel.  This film is one of the best Korean films made.  Period.  No argument there.

My Sassy Girl (2001) 엽기적인 그녀 Trivia. Did You Know?

•  The film is based on a true story told in a series of blog posts written by Kim Ho-sik, it was later published as a fictional novel.
•  My Sassy Girl was the highest earning Korean comedy film ever and the second highest-grossing Korean film in 2001.
•  Over 10 weeks, over 4,852,845 movie goers went to the theaters nationwide to see the film, and over 1,765,100 tickets were sold in Seoul alone.
•  The movie earned over $26 million dollars in South Korea alone, putting it as one of the top five highest earning films in South Korea.
•  It was one of the highest South Korean films viewed in Hong Kong, selling over $1.7 million dollars of tickets there.
•  In Japan, it sold over $4.5 million dollars worth of tickets when it released there in 2003.
•  In total, the movie sold over $32,310,000 worth of tickets throughout East Asia.
•  It was one of the best selling DVD movies in Japan during 2006.
•  My Sassy Girl Soundtrack released in August 1, 2001 under the label, LS Media. The theme song for the film is the Korean song “I Believe” by Shin Seung Hun (신승훈). The song can be found translated into different Asian languages such as Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, etc.
•  There are alternate versions of My Sassy Girl Available

•  Two scenes have been found in the movie that have different soundtracks for each scene:
•  During the scene where villain Gyeon-woo fights the heroine, the soundtrack to Ashes of Time from Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wai is heard.  In the Hong Kong-EDKO version, it has a Korean soundtrack.
•  During the scene where Gyeon-woo exchanges shoes with the Girl, “My Girl” sung by The Temptations is played, whereas the EDKO version has a Korean soundtrack.
•  The original Internet Serial from which the movie was based on is https://web.archive.org/web/20041116144319/http://blue.utb.edu/tyi/Korean/yubgi/yubgi01.htm

Interesting Side Notes About My Sassy Girl (2001) 엽기적인 그녀

1.  One of the scenes shown during the film sequences of when Gyeon-Woo is reading The Girl’s letter shows “The Girl” in the coffee shop touching her ex-boyfriend’s hand ordering a soda. Throughout the film, whenever Gyeon-Woo orders soda, the Girl changes it to coffee.
2.  Kim Il-Woo plays the owner of the motel, where Gyeon-Woo and the Girl stay at twice, a subway operator and the gang leader that Gyeon-Woo encounters in prison. Kim Il-Woo died in June 13, 2004 in Seoul.
3.  Gyeon-Woo plays a scene dressed as a transvestite girl when he and the “Girl” broke up. He later appears on another subway scene sitting next to the “Girl”, who is on her way to bring a package to her grandmother.
4.  The Ashes of Time (Dung che sai duk 東邪西毒) soundtrack was used for the wuxia/samurai spoof scene .
5.  In the scene where the “Girl” meets the an old man at the tree where the time-capsule is buried, if you look closely as the scene ends, you can see a small UFO flying away.
6.  Other related Titles:

• My Sassy Girl (2001)
• Windstruck (2004)
• Cyborg She (2008)
• My Sassy Girl (TBS / 2008)
• My New Sassy Girl | Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo 2 (2016)
• My Sassy Girl (SBS / 2017)

Cast Members of My Sassy Girl 엽기적인 그녀(2001)

My Sassy Girl (2001) 엽기적인 그녀 Official Film Trailer

Yonsei University(연세대학교), Sinchon Campus

https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/index.jsp
https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/intro/guide.jsp
https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/intro/directions1.jsp
https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/intro/openmap.jsp

Address: 50 Yonsei-ro, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Yonsei University (Korean: 연세대학교; Hanja: 延世大學校; [jʌn.seː]) is a private research university in Seoul, South Korea.  It is considered the oldest and most prestigious university in South Korea and part of South Korea’s three SKY universities.  SKY is the first letter of the top three prestigious university in South Korea; Seoul National University, Korea University and Yonsei University.  These three universities have graduated some of South Korea’s influential engineers, politicians, physicians, journalists and professors.

A Brief History of Yonsei University

Yonsei University goes back to Chosun Christian College, when the college was founded in March 5, 1915 by an American Protestant missionary by the name of Horace Grant Underwood.  Underwood became the first president of Chosun Christian College.  The first courses was taught in April 1915.

During World War II:

On August 22, 1910, Japan annexed Korea with the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910, thereby Korea becoming a Colony nation.  Terauchi Masatake was the first Governor-General of Korea.  He passed the Ordinance on Chosun Education (조선교육령; 朝鮮敎育令) in 1911, and then the Regulations on Professional Schools (전문학교 규칙) and later the Revised Regulations on Private Schools (개정사립학교 규칙) in March, 1915.  These mandatory laws were intended to stifle Korean education and language and making mandatory all courses to be taught in Japanese.

During the Korean War (1946–1952)

Yonhi opened in January 21, 1946 and recognized as a university in August 15, 1946.  The university faced many obstacles: financial, political, etc.  The progress of establishing and improving the university came to a halt due to the Korean War.

In 1957, Severance Medical College and Hospital merged with Yonhi University to form Yonsei University.  The university still stands today.  The university is a member of the SKY university.  Three universities make up the SKY University in South Korea.

Seoul National University was established in 1946
Korea University was established in 1905

How to get to Sinchon Campus, Yonsei University

Sinchon Station (Seoul Subway Line #2)

Exit no.2 (Yonsei University , Severence Hospital Direction)
Exit no.3 (Yonsei University, Korea Cyber University Direction)

Yonsei University / Infront of Yonsei University By Bus

blue bus 153, 163, 171, 272, 470, 601, 606, 672, 673, 700, 707, 710, 750A, 750B, 751
green bus 6714, 7737

red bus 9714, M6724, M7106, M7111, M7119
airport bus 6011
general bus 567, 73
Reserved seat bus 770, 800
Nonstop bus 1000, 1100, 1200, 1900, 2000, 2000-1

Main gate of Yonsei University By Bus

blue bus 163, 171, 172
green bus 7017,7713, 7720, 7727, 7728, 7737
red bus M6724
general bus 567, 72
Public light bus Seodaemun03, Seodaemun04

Infront of Severence By Bus

blue bus 272, 470, 601, 606, 672, 673, 700, 707, 710, 750A, 750B, 751

Hospital Stop (Center lane) By Bus

green bus 6714, 7737
general bus 567, 73
Reserved seat bus 770

Severence Hospital Stop By Bus

blue bus 163, 171, 172, 472
green bus 7017, 7024, 7713
Public light bus Seodaemun03, Seodaemun04, Seodaemun05

Things to Do and Visit Near Yonsei University, Sinchon Campus

• Trickeye Museum in Seoul
• National Museum of Korea
• The War Memorial of Korea
• Changdeokgung Palace
• Myeondong Shopping Street
• Bukhansan National Park
• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Ewha Woman’s University
• Yeonsero (Yonsei University Street)
• Hongik University Street

Source: Seoul Walk

Sinchon University Shopping District are popular with university students and Ewha Woman’s University is within walking distance. The Sinchon district area is a happening place, you will find the latest trendy fashions, cafes and inexpensive restaurants, and more.

There are sooo much to do and see near Yonsei University.  If you plan on attending Yonsei University, then it will be pure awesomeness.  Other things to research to do and see when you are near Sinchon Campus, Yonsei University:

• Gift shops
• Spas
• Museums
• Parks
• Art Galleries
• Historic Sites
• Flea and Street Markets
• Shopping Malls
• Bars
• Theaters
• Classes like cooking, art
• Food Tours
• Tours
• Performances
• Visitor Centers
• Scenic Walking Area
• Observation Decks and Towers
• Hiking
• Theme Parks
• Aquariums
• Concerts
• Events and Conventions
• Fashion Events and Tours
• Coffee Cafes
• And More…

Source: Seoul Walker

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DISCLAIMER: The paragraphs above is my attempt at Korean English humor. I am a Korean-American, so I believe it is ok. If you don’t like it, then don’t read the paragraphs above. Too late, you already done it.