Moon Ji-won

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In this Korean name, the family name is Moon.
Moon Ji-won
문지원
Born (1982-01-01) 1 January 1982 (age 42)
South Korea
Other namesOne
Alma materDepartment of Visual Design at Haja Center
Occupations
Years active2002 — present
Organization(s)Korea Television and Radio Writers Association (KTRWA)
Korean name
Hangul
원
Revised RomanizationWon
McCune–ReischauerWŏn
Birth name
Hangul
문지원
Hanja
Revised RomanizationMun Ji-won
McCune–ReischauerMun Chiwŏn

Moon Ji-won (Korean: 문지원; Hanja: 文智媛, born 1982) is a South Korean film director and scriptwriter.[1] Moon made her debut as a director in 2002 by directing short film Keeping The Sea. She is also a columnist who publishes drama critiques from the perspective of a viewer in a sports magazine. Her notable work as scriptwriter are film Innocent Witness and television drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo.[2]

Early years and education[edit]

Moon Ji-won was born in Incheon in 1982. She dreamed of becoming a film director during her middle school years. Despite her reluctance, she enrolled in high school due to her mother's persuasion. She dedicated herself to her studies, formed a band, and actively participated in various activities. Although she faced academic setbacks, she gradually improved her grades. However, the school's early mornings and late dismissals, lack of independent thinking, and rigid structure made her lose interest. Unable to continue attending a school she had no passion for, she withdrew in her second year of high school.[1][3] She said,

I wanted to become a film director when I was in the 9th grade. I decided that finding my desired path was better than going to college. That's why I quit high school.[4]

Four months leaving her previous school, Moon attended Haja Center,[note 1] an alternative workshop-based school.[3] Attending the center, provided her with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and develop a more adaptable personality. Moon studied visual arts at the center, directing short films and video projects. Her 21-minute short film, "Keeping the Sea," was screened at prestigious domestic film festivals such as the Jeonju International Film Festival.[1]

In 2002, after convincing her Mother, Moon managed to become completely financially independent, working at an English academy to support herself. Pursuing her passion for filmmaking, she dedicated four days a week to shooting her 30-minute short film titled "Helmet." Her remarkable work on "Helmet" led to her receiving the prestigious Best New Director Award, the IF Award, at the 2005 Seoul International Women's Film Festival.[1] Her graduation video from the Department of Visual Arts at Haja Vocational School in December 2003 provides a glimpse into her transformative experience at the school.[6]

Career[edit]

Early career[edit]

In 2003, Moon worked as an instructor on a cable TV program dedicated to providing advice for teenagers.[1] In addition, she also worked as a columnist. From 2003 to 2006, she was in charge of "Reading Dramas with the 21-Year-Old One",[note 2] a series of drama critiques written from the perspective of a South Korean woman in her twenties. This column was serialized in national daily newspaper, Ilgan Sports. The series, which she wrote for over three years, was scheduled to be published as a book in early 2007.[4][7]

"I thought there should be a framework dedicated to dramas. It was a good opportunity to think about how to express films while watching dramas."[4]

On August 25, 2006, her third independent film, "Stars Beyond the Window" was broadcast on KBS's "Independent Cinema".[4] The story follows the road trip of Won and Sae-na, two protagonists in their 20s, as they embark on a journey driven by a desire to "live long" and explore the histories of women who rebelled against patriarchal society. The film captures the genuine concerns of young adults and adopts the format of a road movie.[8]

"Movies are a microphone through which I can clearly convey the stories I want to tell. 'Helmet,' 'Holding onto the Sea,' 'Stars Beyond the Window,' and others are films I made on the themes of concerns faced by people of my age."[4]

Since August, 2006, Moon became member of the MBC Viewer Committee. She was selected as a viewer representative for youth organizations and will serve as an MBC viewer representative for one year. MBC selects 12 viewer representatives recommended by various organizations such as youth, women, and disabled groups. The monthly viewer committee discusses and organizes the monitored content with the production team in specific broadcasting. Among the MBC viewer representatives, Moon is the youngest. After becoming a viewer representative, Moon spends 4 to 5 hours watching broadcasts every day, and her main interest lies in human rights issues covered in programs.[4]

I will effectively convey the voices of youth while serving as a viewer representative. As a youth organization representative, I can provide ideas about youth programs to the production team, and if there are any misconceptions, I can actively address them, which makes me happy. When emphasizing public service, distorted perspectives towards minorities can arise, and it can become another form of violence. As a viewer representative, I want to work on correcting such issues.[4]

In 2013, she was selected as a creative education student in the Creative Talent Partnership Project,[note 3] organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency.[9] As part of the program, she received a monthly stipend of one million won and dedicated her time to writing scenarios. Reflecting on this period, she revealed in an interview that despite facing financial constraints, being chosen for the project provided her with the means to sustain herself while allowing her creative abilities to flourish. Furthermore, she emphasized the valuable lessons she learned during this time, which continue to shape her work.[10][11][12]

Debut as feature film scriptwriter[edit]

In 2016, Moon's talent gained recognition when she won the esteemed Grand Prize at the 5th Lotte Scenario Contest,[note 4] during the 21st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The contest received 964 entries, which underwent a rigorous blind judging process by prominent figures in the Korean film industry, unaware of the works' titles or authors' names. Moon's winning screenplay, which later transformed into the film Innocent Witness, earned her a prize of 100 million won.[13]

Under the direction of Lee Han, known for his work on the coming-of-age film Punch and The Truth Beneath, the screenplay came to life in 2018.[13] The film revolves around Soon-ho (Jung Woo-sung), a lawyer burdened by his father's debt, who takes on the murder case of Mi-ran (Yeom Hye-ran), a housekeeper accused of killing her employer. Ji-woo (Kim Hyang-gi), an autistic high school student, becomes the sole witness in the case. In an attempt to persuade Ji-woo to testify and disprove her testimony, Soon-ho befriends her.[14]

Innocent Witness premiered in South Korea on February 13, 2019. The film achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the break-even point of 2 million admissions. According to the Korean Films Commission, by March 3, it had garnered a total of 2,288,410 admissions.[15] The film received critical acclaim, resulting in Moon and Lee Han being nominated for Best Screenplay at 55th Baeksang Arts Awards and 56th Grand Bell Awards.[16][17]

Career as television series scriptwriter[edit]

After the success of Innocent Witness, the production company A Story approached Moon to create a television drama, with similar theme, and the project started in 2019.[18] Moon developed the character Woo Young-woo, drawing inspiration from both the autistic character Ji-woo in Innocent Witness and real-life rookie lawyer Shin Ju-young. Moon adapted Shin Ju-young's book "Master of the Court" for the drama, which vividly depicting courtroom stories based on Shin Ju-young's firsthand experiences as a rookie lawyer. The drama effectively captures the relentless pursuit of truth and the genuine concerns of clients while incorporating the passionate energy embodied by Shin Ju-young.[18][19] Moon Ji-won, said,

I unfolded the book "Master of the Court" to find the material for the legal drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo. What was in the book was not a simple case material, but the passionate dedication of lawyers who do not hesitate to sacrifice themselves for their clients. The book is a source of inspiration for the passion of lawyers.[19]

The drama series Extraordinary Attorney Woo was aired every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:00 (KST) on ENA from June 29 to August 18, 2022, for sixteen episodes.[20] Additionally, it became a Netflix Simulcast Original Series available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions within one hour of its airing.[21] The drama quickly gained immense popularity and generated significant buzz, leading to what is now known as the "Woo Young-woo Syndrome." It achieved remarkable success, with nationwide viewer ratings reaching 17.5% and metropolitan area ratings surpassing 19%. Notably, this marked the triumphant debut of writer Moon Ji-won in the drama genre.[22]

Upcoming projects[edit]

Moon will make her directorial debut with the film 'Deaf Voice'. 'Deaf Voice' is based on Masaki Murayama's novel Deaf Voice Courtroom Sign Language Interpreter, which tells the story of the protagonist catching the real culprit of a terrible murder that occurred 20 years ago. produced by Barunson Studio, is scheduled to begin production in 2024 after the casting process is completed.[23]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Films of Moon
Year Title Credited as Note(s) Ref.
English Korean Director Screenplay
2002 Keeping the Sea 바다를 간직하며 Yes Yes School short films [24]
2003 The Helmet 헬멧 Yes Yes [25]
2006 Star over the Window 창문 너머 별 Yes Yes Short films [26]
2009 Written on the Body Yes Yes [27]
2013 Bad Child 나쁜 아이 Yes Yes [28]
2017 Nose Nose Nose EYES! 코코코 눈! Yes Yes [29]
2019 Innocent Witness 증인 No Co-writing[note 5] Feature films [30]
TBA Deaf Voice 데프 보이스 Yes Yes [31]

Television drama[edit]

Television drama of Moon
Year Title Credited as Ref.
English Korean Director Screenplay
2022 Extraordinary Attorney Woo 이상한 변호사 우영우 No Yes [32][33][34]

Accolades[edit]

Awards and nominations[edit]

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nominationAwards and nominations
Award Ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
7th Seoul International Women's Film Festival 2005 If Award The Helmet Won [35]
9th Seoul International New Media Festival 2009 Best Love Award Written on the Body Won [36]
6th Seoul International Experimental Film Festival 2009 Avid Award Won [37]
Busan International Film Festival – 5th Lotte Scenario Contest[note 4] 2016 Grand Prize Innocent Witness Won [38]
55th Baeksang Arts Awards 2019 Best Screenplay – Film[note 6] Nominated [16]
56th Grand Bell Awards 2019 Best Screenplay[note 6] Nominated [17]
APAN Star Awards 2022 Best Screenplay — Television Extraordinary Attorney Woo Won [39]
Baeksang Arts Awards 2023 Best Screenplay — Television Nominated [40][41]
Busan International Film Festival – Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards 2022 Best Scriptwriter Nominated [42][43]
Kim Soo-hyun Drama Art Hall
(Cheongju Cultural Industry Promotion Foundation) 		2022 Serial Drama Category – Good Drama of the Year Won [44]
Kinolights Awards 2022 Korean Drama of the Year Won [45]
Cultura Awards 2023 Cultura Award Television Won [46]

Listicles[edit]

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Ref.
Cine21 2022 [Planning] 2022 Series Writer of the Year,
Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Director Moon Ji-won 		Won [47]
2023 22 Writers Shortlisted [32]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Haja Center (하자센터), officially known as Seoul City Youth Future Career Center (서울시립 청소년미래진로센터), is an alternative school that was established in December 1999 by Yonsei University. It operates as a youth center entrusted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and was aimed at creating a model to address youth unemployment during the IMF economic crisis. Students specialize in one or more areas, including video, design, music, and performance.[3][5]
  2. ^ Reading Drama with One, a 21-year-old (21살 원이의 드라마 읽기). The translation assumes that "원이" refers to One, Moon's pen name, who is 21 years old, rather than a literal translation of the word "circle".
  3. ^ The Creative Talent Partnership Project (콘텐츠 창의인재동반사업 프로그램) is the representative content talent training program of the Korea Creative Content Agency. They support 1:1 mentoring between mentors and prospective creators, and strive to develop the creative abilities of prospective content creators and strengthen the competitiveness of the content industry.
  4. ^ a b Lotte Entertainment established "the Lotte Scenario Contest" (롯데 시나리오 공모대전) in 2012. In 2016, the contest underwent a name change and became known as "The Lotte Creative Contest" (롯데크리에이티브 공모전).
  5. ^ Co-writing with scriptwriter/director Lee Han
  6. ^ a b Shared with Co-writer Lee Han

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e "(中)"단편영화 찍으며 세상과 교류" 감독지망생 원" [(In)"Aspiring director who interacts with the world while filming a short film]. Munhwa Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  2. ^ ""나의 길 찾아갈 수 있는 자신감이 큰 힘"" ["Confidence to find my way is a great strength"]. 제민일보 (in Korean). October 4, 2009. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "대안학교 '하자…'첫 졸업생 3명 ＂남들과 다른길…희망 찾았다＂" [Alternative school 'Let's...' 3 first graduates "A different way from others... I found hope"]. The Dong-a Ilbo (in Korean). December 14, 2003. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g ""청소년 목소리 제대로 전하겠다"" ["I'll deliver the youth's voice properly"]. PD저널 (in Korean). September 21, 2006. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  5. ^ "네이버 뉴스 라이브러리: 10대-그곳에 가고 싶다 (8) 청소년 문화작업장'하자' "놀면서 일하는게 우리방식"" [Naver News Library: Teenagers - I want to go there (8) Youth Cultural Workshop 'Let's's play and work is our way"]. NAVER Newslibrary: Hankyoreh. December 9, 1999. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  6. ^ "1st Graduation Video - "I've been to school"". YouTube (in Korean). December 18, 2003. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  7. ^ ""발랄한 20대 시선으로"" ["With a youthful twenties"]. Media Today (in Korean). July 9, 2003. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
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  9. ^ "도란도란 문화놀이터" [Doran Doran Cultural Playground : Naver Blog]. Naver Blog. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
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  11. ^ "'우영우' 문지원 작가 "우연히 길 걷다 떠오른 이름… 차기작은 소설 영화화"" ['Woo Young-woo' Moon Ji-won's writer "The name that came to mind while walking on the street by mistake... The next film is a novel movie"]. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). August 5, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  12. ^ Jeon, Sung-min (February 3, 2023). "[수출효자 K콘텐츠] 우영우 뒤엔 콘진원 있었다...멘토링·창작지원금 큰 도움" [[Export Hyoja K Contents] There was a conjinwon behind Woo Young-woo... Mentoring and creation support fund is a great help]. Aju Business Daily (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  13. ^ a b "'증인' 이한 감독 "'좋은 사람일까' 고민할 수 있다면, 이미 좋은 사람" [엑's 인터뷰]" [Witness' Director Lee Han "If you can think about 'Is he a good person', he's already a good person" [Ex's interview]]. www.xportsnews.com (in Korean). March 4, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  14. ^ Jo, Yoon-joo (September 30, 2016). "롯데 시나리오 공모대전, 1억 대상작 문지원 작가의 '증인'" [Lotte Scenario Contest, 'Won-Won' by writer Moon Ji-won, a 100 million grand prize]. The Financial News (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  15. ^ "Jung Woo-sung and Kim Hyang-gi's "Innocent Witness" Climbs Box Office". HanCinema. March 4, 2019.
  16. ^ a b Cho, Yeon-gyeong (April 5, 2019). "55회 백상예술대상 영화부문 최종 후보 공개" [The 55th Baeksang Arts Awards Finalists in the Film Division Revealed]. Is Plus (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  17. ^ a b Kim, Joo-won (January 17, 2020). "[공식] '제56회 대종상 영화제' 오는 2월 25일 개최, 최종 노미네이트 작품 발표" [[Official] The 56th Daejong Film Festival will be held on February 25th, and the final nominated work will be announced.]. 서울경제 (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  18. ^ a b "'이상한 변호사 우영우' 제작한 이상백 에이스토리 대표 "스타 캐스팅보다 대본에 집중해야"" [Lee Sang-baek, CEO of A-Story, who produced 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', "You have to focus on the script rather than star casting"]. 씨네21 (in Korean). August 4, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  19. ^ a b "'이상한 변호사 우영우' 원작 '법정의 고수' 화제" [The topic of 'The master of the court' based on 'The strange lawyer Woo Young-woo']. 문학뉴스 (in Korean). July 21, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  20. ^ Kim, Hyun-seo (June 29, 2022). "'이상한 변호사 우영우' 인물관계도 보니?...원작에도 쏠린 관심" [Did you see the relationship between the characters of 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo'? Attention focused on the original]. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  21. ^ Hong, Se-young (June 2, 2022). "박은빈 로펌 생존기, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 메인포스터" [Park Eun-bin's Law Firm Survival Story, 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo' Main Poster] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022 – via Naver.
  22. ^ "[기획] 2022년을 빛낸 시리즈 스페셜" [[Planning] Series Specials That Shine Up in 2022]. 씨네21 (in Korean). December 15, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  23. ^ "'우영우' 문지원 작가, '데프 보이스' 감독 데뷔…코다 주인공" [Writer Moon Ji-won of 'Woo Young-woo', director of 'Deaf Voice' debut... Koda's main character]. 싱글리스트 (in Korean). May 15, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  24. ^ "바다를 간직하며" [KMDb - Korean movie database - Keeping the Sea]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  25. ^ "헬멧" [KMDb - Korean movie database - The Helmet]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  26. ^ "창문 너머 별" [KMDb - Korean movie database - Stars over the Window]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  27. ^ "Written on the Body" [KMDb - Korean movie database - Written on the Body]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  28. ^ "나쁜 아이" [KMDb - Korean movie database - Bad Child]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  29. ^ "코코코 눈!" [KMDb - Korean movie database - Nose Nose Nose EYES!]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  30. ^ "'이상한 변호사 우영우'가 우리 사회에 던진 질문들". 씨네21 (in Korean). August 25, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  31. ^ Lee, Ye-eun (May 15, 2023). "'우영우' 문지원 작가, 장편영화 '데프 보이스' 감독으로 데뷔" ['Woo Young-woo' writer Moon Ji-won debuts as director of the feature film 'Deaf Voice']. TV리포트 (in Korean). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  32. ^ a b "'이상한 변호사 우영우' 문지원 작가 인터뷰 ①" ['Interview with writer Moon Ji-won of 'Woo Young-woo, a strange lawyer ①]. 씨네21 (in Korean). September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  33. ^ "'이상한 변호사 우영우' 문지원 작가 인터뷰 ②" ['Interview with writer Moon Ji-won of 'Woo Young-woo, a strange lawyer ②]. 씨네21 (in Korean). September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  34. ^ "'이상한 변호사 우영우' 문지원 작가 인터뷰 ③" [Interview with writer Moon Ji-won of 'Wea strange lawyer Woo Young-woo' ③]. 씨네21 (in Korean). September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  35. ^ "제 7회 서울국제여성영화제(2005)" [KMDb - Korean Movie Database - The 7th Seoul International Women's Film Festival (2005)]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  36. ^ "서울국제대안영상예술페스티벌" [KMDb - Korean Movie Database - Seoul International ALT Cinema & Media Festival·neMaf]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  37. ^ "제 9회 서울국제대안영상예술페스티벌(2009)" [KMDb - Korean Movie Database - Experimental Film and Video Festival in Seoul]. Korean Movie Database (in Korean). Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  38. ^ Koo, Jung-mo (September 30, 2016). "제5회 롯데시나리오 공모전 대상에 문지원의 '증인'" [Moon Ji-won's 'Witness' to the 5th Lotte Scenario Contest]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  39. ^ Myung, Hee-sook (September 29, 2022). "송중기, '빈센조'로 이견없는 대상…'옷소매' 3관왕 저력 [에이판스타어워즈](종합)" [Song Joong-ki, 'Vincenzo' as the undisputed winner... 'Clothes Sleeve' 3-Win Power [Apan Star Awards] (Comprehensive)] (in Korean). My Daily. Retrieved September 29, 2022 – via Naver.
  40. ^ Oh, Seung-hyun (April 7, 2023). "'더 글로리'·'우영우' 박 터졌네…59회 백상예술대상 후보 공개" ['The Glory' and 'Woo Young-woo' exploded… Candidates for the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards revealed] (in Korean). Xports News. Retrieved April 7, 2023 – via Naver.
  41. ^ Park Soo-in (April 29, 2023). "'헤어질 결심' 대상→더 글로리' 3관왕, 이변 없는 수상[백상예술대상①]" ['Decision to break up' Daesang→The Glory' 3 crowns, no surprises [Baeksang Arts Awards ①]] (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved April 29, 2023 – via Naver.
  42. ^ Lee, Nam-kyung (October 8, 2022). "'이상한 변호사 우영우' 베스트 콘텐츠상→박은빈 배우상 영예(종합)[ACA 2022]" [Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo Best Content Award → Park Eun-bin Actor Award (Comprehensive) [ACA 2022]] (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network. Retrieved October 8, 2022 – via Naver.
  43. ^ Shackleton, Liz (October 9, 2022). "'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', 'Squid Game' Win Big at Busan's Asia Contents Awards". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
  44. ^ Kim, Jung-ae (December 8, 2022). "올해의 좋은 드라마는 '이상한 변호사 우영우'" [This year's good drama is 'Woo Young-woo, a strange lawyer']. 충청매일 (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  45. ^ Kim, Ji-Woo (December 21, 2022). "'뜨거웠다' 박해일, 박은 빈 그리고 손석구" ['It was hot' Park Hae-il, Park Eun-bin and Son Seok-gu] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2023 – via Naver.
  46. ^ "박소란· 박찬욱· 문지원, '2023쿨투라 어워즈'수상" [Park So-ran, Park Chan-wook, Moon Ji-won, '2023 Cooltura Awards']. Munhwa Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  47. ^ "[기획] 2022 올해의 시리즈 작가, '이상한 변호사 우영우' 문지원 감독" [[Planning] 2022 Series Writer of the Year, Director Moon Ji-won of 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo']. 씨네21 (in Korean). December 15, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2023.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Moon_Ji-won&oldid=1216567923"