The Next Sohee (2022)
Starring Bae Doona, Kim Si-eun | Directed by July Jung
Genre: Drama, Crime, Social Realism
IMDb: 7.9 | Rotten Tomatoes: Critically Acclaimed | Douban: One of the Highest-Rated Korean Films of 2022
“The Next Sohee” isn’t just another Korean drama — it’s a raw, haunting reflection of modern work culture and systemic exploitation. Directed by July Jung and led by the outstanding Bae Doona, this social thriller quietly became the highest-rated Korean film of 2022, surpassing critically acclaimed titles like Decision to Leave and The Hunt.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Sohee (Kim Si-eun), a bright and optimistic vocational high school student on the brink of graduation. In order to fulfill her academic requirements, she is assigned to an internship at a large telecommunications company’s customer service department — supposedly a prestigious and rare opportunity.
Her teacher beams with pride:
“After all her hard work, our Sohee finally landed a job with a major company.”
But Sohee quickly realizes that reality is far from the rosy promise.
Inside the call center, rows of young employees sit in cubicles with headsets glued to their ears, rattling off scripted responses in flat, robotic tones. They aren’t really helping customers — they’re part of a “defense department”, whose real job is to manipulate and prevent clients from canceling their contracts.
What’s worse, Sohee is handed a “Speech Manual” on her first day — a cold script for emotional manipulation masked as customer service. Her days become emotionally draining, and her mental health deteriorates under the weight of toxic productivity, impossible quotas, and corporate gaslighting.
Then, something tragic happens.
Enter Detective Oh Yoo-jin (Bae Doona)
After a devastating incident, Detective Oh Yoo-jin begins to investigate Sohee’s case. As she digs deeper into the telecom company’s practices, she uncovers a wider pattern of labor abuse, exploitation of minors, and systemic negligence.
Yoo-jin’s journey to seek justice becomes more than just a case — it’s a mirror reflecting society’s callous treatment of vulnerable workers.
Why It Hits So Hard
- Based on true events, the film doesn’t shy away from exposing “workplace PUA,” forced labor, and corporate cruelty.
- It brings forward a chilling reality many young people face today — treated as disposable tools in systems built on silence and submission.
- Sohee’s story has resonated deeply with audiences who see their own struggles reflected on screen.
What Stands Out
✅ Kim Si-eun delivers a devastatingly honest portrayal of youthful hope crushed by institutional betrayal.
✅ Bae Doona brings gravitas and warmth as the detective who won’t let Sohee be forgotten.
✅ Gritty direction and minimalist cinematography that highlight the cold sterility of modern work culture.
✅ A searing critique of how society abandons its youth in the name of “experience” and “resilience.”
Verdict
“The Next Sohee” is a heartbreaking and urgent film that peels back the mask of corporate Korea. It’s not just a movie — it’s a cry for help, a call for reform, and a haunting reminder that behind every cubicle, there’s a real person breaking under pressure.
A must-watch for anyone who’s ever felt trapped by work, misunderstood by authority, or discarded by the system.