The Forest Called You

In a future iteration of Korea, the world outside is in disarray, and those who can afford it escape into virtual realities, leaving behind the harsh realities of life by engaging with vivid simulations of days gone by. Soop, a high school student, finds herself stuck in the tangible world, unable to partake in the virtual refuge. This exclusion leads to her being ostracized by her classmates. Her escape from this unkind reality is the constant rhythm of K-pop music that surrounds her, allowing her to drift into her own world. Her favorite idol, Yichae, is set to shoot a new music video at Soop’s very own school, sparking hope within Soop for a genuine connection amidst her alienation.Yichae, celebrated for her genuine persona, is among the few remaining authentic idols, yet she struggles with the pressure to conform to the unrealistic beauty ideals set by her virtual contemporaries. As Soop and Yichae find common ground in their mutual passion for music, their bond deepens, challenging them to stay authentic to themselves and each other. Both must navigate an increasingly synthetic world, searching for authenticity and true connection in a society that continually blurs the lines between the real and the artificial.