Overview and Context
Sex is Zero is a teen sex comedy released in December 2, 2002, directed and written by Yoon Je-kyoon. It is often described as Korea’s American Pie, blending crude humor with youthful adventures and surprisingly emotional moments. At that time, it was a major box office success, with 4 million tickets sold\
The film surpassed expectations with its popularity and financial success, especially when considering it was produced on a limited budget. It was released in a time when South Korea was still exploring modern genre combinations, and its distinct merging of Korean culture with Hollywood’s teen humor was distinct.
Plot Summary
The story follows Jang Eun-sik, a socially awkward law student in his late 20s, resuming university after completing military service. Eun-sik’s clumsy kindness shows in his dorm, where he is the roommate of a hilariously eccentric group of men. Their crude and sexual escapades often provide the film’s humor.
Eun-sik quickly falls in love with Lee Eun-hyo who is an aspiring aerobics athlete. For powerful women like Eun-hyo, an aerobics athlete in training, looking confident and athletic is just the tip of the iceberg. Unlike other women on campus, Eun-sik found her captivating. It seems that Eun-hyo has already imprinted on Eun-sik as just a talking friend, not a romantic partner.
In the meantime, Ham Sang-ok, a rich and arrogant student, falls for Eun-hyo. Their romance is not the healthiest however as Sang-ok does not care about her at all and treats her like trash. Although Eun-sik is hurting, as best friend, he has no choice but to keep supporting Eun-hyo as her romance with Sang-ok falls apart.
Their story takes a sinister twist when Eun-hyo has to get an abortion. Sang-ok emotionally checks out of the relationship and in her most exposed state, Eun-sik emotionally blankets her with care, nursing her back to health with uncomplicated kindness. The movie comes to a close with Eun-hyo recognizing the genuine care and devotion Eun-sik has offered throughout the years and questions him whether he still has the same feelings, suggesting that their relationship can blossom into a sincere bond instead of one built on shallow yearning.
Main Cast and Characters
Im Chang-jung as Jang Eung-sik: Soft-spoken and socially clumsy, but charming protagonist. His character provides a blend of sentimental sincerity balaced with comic relief.
Ha Ji-won as Lee Eun-hyo: Confident strong female lead showing emotional depth beneath her strong-willed exterior. Balances the male-dominated tone of the film.
Jung Min as Ham Sang-ok: Cold, rich student and Eun-sik’s rival represents a more superficial masculine stereotype.
Supporting roles include a colorful ensemble of campus oddities, love interests and professors, which add layers of slapstick sexual tension and absurdity.
Genre, Style and Tone
Sex Is Zero is the perfect example of a sex comedy, filled with explicit jokes, raunchy humor, sexual nudity, and more. The first half of the film is full of voyeuristic gags, over-the-top comic situations, and physical comedy. It feels closer to the American gross-out teen comedies of the late 90s and early 2000s.
The tonal shift in the second half of the film is what makes it stand out. What starts as an exercise in frivolous fun escalates into a fully articulated emotional narrative. The treatment of Eun-hyo’s pregnancy and abortion reveal the character’s growth and development in a mature, understated manner. The film’s uniqueness is derived from the blend of lower humor and deeper emotional dramas.
Themes and Subtext
- Unrequited Love:
One of the film’s central themes is unreciprocated feelings of love. Eun-hyo does not romantically return Eun-sik’s love until later. The reason behind it is because of the emotional honesty and patience Eun-sik offers in the relationship, which is a refreshing break from the other male characters selfishness.
- The Duality of Masculinity:
In the film, the immature, sexually obsessed campus guys are sharply in contrast to the sad Eun-sik, who is emotionally sincere. While the sexually obsessed campus guys are utterly egocentric and driven by lust, Eun-sik is a caring, emotionally steady and resilient person.
- Female Vulnerability and Strength:
Portrayed as a strong and fully capable woman, Eun-hyo is resilient, yet ultimately a woman let down by external circumstances. One of the more intriguing themes of the story is her emotional arc which combines pride, vulnerability, and eventually, empowerment.
4. Maturity Through Adversity:
Most of the characters undergo an unexpected transformation. While Eun-hyo faces the reality of adult decisions and their consequences, Eun-sik evolves from a goofy underdog to a genuine, emotionally supportive man.
Reception and Legacy
Critics provided the film with a mixed review upon release. Some found the comedy to be overdone and childish, while others appreciated the film’s unexpected emotional elements. Regardless of the film’s review, the audience response was positive. The film went on to achieve box office success while building a loyal fan base, especially among younger viewers.
The film’s popularity paved the way for a sequel. Released in 2007, Sex Is Zero 2 featured Im Chang-jung, who reprised his role and was joined by a new female lead. Although the sequel retained its comedic elements, it was regarded as lacking in the emotional and impactful depth that the first film possessed.
One of the notable legacies for the film is the inclusion of Lee Si-yeon, a transgender actress who played a comedic role in the first sequel and returned to the film after publicly transitioning. Her appearance contributed to the early discourse on gender identity in South Korean popular media.
Conclusion
At first glance, Sex Is Zero may come off as a raunchy campus film filled with sexual innuendos, crude humor, and college antics, but beneath the surface, it explores themes of youthful love, personal vulnerabilities, and emotional development. While the film, with its crude humor and exaggerated approach, may not be for everyone, it remains a bold and defining piece of Korean cinema from the early 2000s.
Sex Is Zero, with its emotional twists and development of flawed characters, goes beyond the humor. It serves as a bittersweet testament that every laugh carries a deeper, often unacknowledged, truth.
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