[Photo &] Secret Love with a Teacher, Abortion Pills... Official Selection for Competition at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival 'On the Way to Erase'

Another monster rookie produced by the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) has caught the world's attention. Director Yoo Jae-in's feature debut 'On the Way to Erase' has been officially invited to the 76th Berlin International Film Festival opening next month.

On the 16th, the Korea Film Council announced that 'On the Way to Erase' has been listed in the competition section 'Generation 14Plus' at the Berlin Film Festival. The 'Generation' section introduces well-crafted films that deeply explore the lives and growth of children and teenagers. Previously, Yoon Ga-eun's 'Our Body' was invited, and Kim Bora's 'House of Hummingbird' and Kim Hye-young's 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' have won awards, making it a gateway for Korean independent films.

'On the Way to Erase' has garnered early attention from critics for its bold subject matter and delicate direction. The film depicts the journey of high school student Yoon-ji, who is in a secret relationship with her homeroom teacher, as she sets out to obtain illegal abortion pills. It tackles heavy themes of power dynamics and self-determination, proving its artistic merit by sweeping the 'New Currents Award' and 'Actor of the Year Award' (Lee Ji-won) at the 30th Busan International Film Festival last year.

Sebastian Macht, the head of the Generation section at the Berlin International Film Festival, praised the selection, stating, "A work that delicately portrays friendship and self-assertion among women," and noted that it addresses the themes of abuse of power and self-determination within a beautifully constructed cinematic world. He particularly emphasized that the performances of the actors enhance the film's overall quality.

Director Yoo Jae-in expressed, "I am excited and looking forward to my first overseas film festival invitation," and added, "I am grateful to share this joy with the staff and actors who completed the film together." The film industry is focusing on the steps of this promising new director who is set to lead the future of Korean cinema.