<Declaration of Idiot>

Director : Lee Jang-Ho
Starring : Lee Bo-hee, Kim Myeong-kon, Lee Hee-seong, Kim Ji-young
Location Sites : Yeonpo Beach, Taean, Chungcheongnam Province

Film Information

<Declaration of Idiot>(Babo Seoneon) is a 1983 production by director Lee Jangho. The premier of this movie received considerable attention from critics for its strong experimental aspects and social criticism. Records show that it was also rather successful at the box-office. Since his debut in 1974 with <Heavenly Homecoming to Stars> (Byeoldeului gohyang), Lee Jangho has voiced the sensitive side of the younger generation of the 1970s in productions with Ha Giljong, Kim Hoseon and Byeon Insik. He returned in 1980 with <Good Windy Day>(Baram Buleo Joeunnal), but he is said to have felt disillusion for the oppressive movie industry and ruthless censorship under the military regime in the 1980s. <Declaration of Idiot>(Babo Seoneon) was made in this state of despair in 1983. The suicide scene of the movie director (played by Lee Jangho himself) shows his state of mind at the time. This movie, filmed in the tradition of silent motion pictures, especially the slapstick comedies of Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton, was created through the director's cynical attitude of "destroying movies."

The movie criticized the policies of the military regime, namely the 3S (Sex, Sports, Screen) Policy, through the main characters who are all social outcasts: a prostitute, a disabled person and a fat person. Criticizing the regime's cultural policies and the movie industry for taking advantage of such policies, Lee Jang-Ho received favorable reviews both domestically and internationally.

The three main characters dream of moving up the social ladder, but cruel reality leaves a bitter aftertaste. The tumultuous contradictions of the 1980s and the trend toward democratization movements as a solution can be seen in the brief escape to Yeonpo Beach followed by the death of the prostitute Haeyoung, the despair of the remaining two as they prepare the funeral as well as a ceremony ridding their grudges in front of the National Assemby.

Synopsis

Dongcheol, living as a pickpocket, begger, pimp and scavenger, is accustomed to the dark, criminal life. One day he tries to kidnap Haeyoung, a fake college student and meets Yukdeok. Dongcheol and his pal Yukdeok find out that Haeyoung is a prostitute. To stave off hunger, Haeyoung runs errands in exchange for food. Dongcheol and Yukdeok are kicked out after a fight with a customer. Haeyoung follows them. At a beach, the three have a pleasant time and Dongcheol falls in love with Haeyoung. Later, Haeyoung works at a bar in Seoul, but dies from all the alcohol. A sad melody plays as they prepare Haeyoung's funeral.

Phone Interview with Director on Filming Location

Q : How did you come to choose Yeonpo Beach? Did someone recommend the location?
A : First of all, it is important to understand the time period when <Declaration of Idiot> was made. Do you know when that was? At the time, I created the movie in a state of despair.

Q : I am well aware.
A : Then you probably heard that I worked without a screenplay. In other words, I was making a movie to ruin it.

Q : Then why choose Yeonpo Beach?
A : It's just as I said. The location wasn't important at all. I randomly chose a spot and anywhere was OK.

Q : What kind of atmosphere did you want to produce at Yeonpo Beach?
A : We just went there to have fun. It just had to be a beach, the location was not of importance. That's the kind of movie <Declaration of Idiot>(Babo Seoneon) is. <Declaration of Idiot>(Babo Seoneon) wasn't aimed at being a good movie or searching for a great location for stunning scenes.

Location of Shooting

In <Declaration of Idiot>(Babo Seoneon), Yeonpo Beach is a location that signifies freedom. After escaping from a brothel, the three arrive at Yeonpo Beach. They feel a sense of happiness here. The solidarity among the three is more than love or friendship, it is a bond among social outcasts. The joy and pleasure of freedom from society is shown through the playful, child-like scenes on the beach. The clear, tranquil sea of Yeonpo Beach is just the place for them to stride around nude and run around as they wish. The small island in the middle of nowhere, Sobunjeumdo, seems to symbolize their isolated situation.

However their freedom is just temporary. Their freedom was briefly supported only by what little money they had and once they run out, Haeyoung once again engages in prostitution. Dongcheol and Yukdeok also set out to earn some money. Capitalist values are in control of the beach as well. Their happiness comes to an end and they return to the city, i.e. reality. Back in the city, Haeyoung becomes a plaything for rich rascals and Dongcheol and Yukdeok become waiters at these parties. The death of Haeyoung brings an end to their journey.

Development restrictions have preserved Yeonpo Beach just the way it appeared in the movie. Some high-rise buildings are under construction following the recent lifting of these regulations; however, most buildings are only one-story, in harmony with the natural surroundings. The beach on which the three characters strolled and the distant view of the island Sobunjeomdo remain just as they were.

General Information

Yeonpo Beach is located 14km southwest of Taean, with a 2.5km long, 60m wide sandy beach. The average water depth is 1~2 meters and the water temperature is 23 degrees Celsius, the highest in the country. With high sand quality, pine forests and wild flowers, the scenery is quite beautiful. According to local residents, in addition to <Declaration of Idiot>(Babo Seoneon), movies such as< K&J> (1977, Seok Raemyeong) and <Waikiki Brothers> (2001, Lim Soonrye) were filmed at Yeonpo Beach. Many television dramas including "TV Literature" were filmed here as well.

Directions

(1) Seosan - Cheonan - Onyang - Hongseong - Haemi - Seosan - Taean
(2) Suwon I.C. - Baran - Asan Bay - Dangjin - Seosan - Taean
(3) Gyeongbu Expressway Pyeongtaek I.C. - Anjung - Asan Bay - Dangjin - Seosan -Taean
Buses from Taean to Yeonpo run 24 times daily, a 20-minute ride. Get off at Dohwang 1-ri bus stop.

Nearby Attractions

Quiet, clean beaches such as Hagampo Beach, Padori Beach are nearby.