The South Korean film Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng has revealed a new set of official images ahead of its theatrical release. The photos showcase the tense and comedic atmosphere surrounding the creation process of the university entrance exam known as the CSAT, in which the film's protagonists are involved.
The film follows Maeng Bo Ram, played by Lee Sun Bin, a Korean language teacher from a small provincial town who, due to an administrative error, ends up joining the team in charge of writing the Suneung, South Korea's college scholastic ability test. For 40 days, the writing committee is completely isolated to work in secret on creating questions without errors or room for disputes.
What the new images of Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng show
In the released photos, Maeng Bo Ram appears raising her hand with confidence and openly expressing her opinions in front of the veteran exam writers. Her casual and direct attitude, typical of a younger generation of teachers, contrasts with the more experienced character of the rest of the committee, anticipating the clash of personalities that will define the film.
Other images introduce the various members of the committee. Na Eun Mi, played by Hwang Bo Ra, is a Korean literature teacher passionate about fashion who appears clasping her hands in admiration while looking at a screen showing a question she herself has written. Meanwhile, Professor Ye, played by Jung Soo Young, an academic specializing in aesthetics who studied in France, explains something with enthusiasm and animated gestures.
Also shown is Kang Ji Hye, played by Lee Jin Hee, a veteran writer who has been part of the CSAT writing committee five times, observing another team member's question with a thoughtful expression.
The reunion of rivals and the tension in the committee
The images also capture the reunion between Park Kyung Tae, played by Kim Young Min, head of the CSAT review committee, and his long-time rival Moon Joo Yeol, played by Yoo Jae Myung, head of the Korean language question writing committee.
In one of the photos, Moon Joo Yeol stands up abruptly from his seat in the middle of a tense discussion at the meeting table, while Go Jae Bong, a philosophy teacher played by Kim Kyung Min, watches cautiously from the corner of his eye. Also appearing are Hwang Si In, played by Lee Joong Ok, a teacher and poet who won a literary award for his debut poem, and Ki Jun Soo, played by Jeon Seok Ho, an employee of the evaluation institute known for his ability to manage labor relations.
One of the most striking images shows Moon Joo Yeol with a serious expression while someone hands him a pack of ginseng juice, described as his secret weapon, which increases curiosity about the unpredictable events that will take place at the exam writing headquarters.
Finally, a photograph shows all the committee members exchanging ideas enthusiastically in front of a whiteboard, a scene that summarizes the central question of the film: will these strong-willed characters be able to work together to create problem-free questions within the 40-day deadline?
Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng release date
Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng will hit theaters in South Korea on October 28.
Frequently asked questions about Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng
What is Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng about?
The film tells the story of Maeng Bo Ram, a Korean language teacher who, due to an administrative error, joins the committee in charge of writing South Korea's CSAT exam, working in isolation alongside other writers for 40 days to create error-free questions.
Who stars in Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng?
Lee Sun Bin stars in the film as Maeng Bo Ram. The cast also includes Yoo Jae Myung as Moon Joo Yeol, Kim Young Min as Park Kyung Tae, Hwang Bo Ra as Na Eun Mi, Jung Soo Young as Professor Ye, Lee Jin Hee as Kang Ji Hye, Kim Kyung Min as Go Jae Bong, Lee Joong Ok as Hwang Si In, and Jeon Seok Ho as Ki Jun Soo.
When is Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng released?
The film will be released in theaters on October 28.
What is the CSAT that appears in the film?
The CSAT, also known as Suneung, is South Korea's college scholastic ability test, whose writing process is carried out in complete secrecy for several weeks, as reflected in the film's plot.
