My Tutor Friend

My Tutor Friend

Year: 2003

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Kim Kyung-hyung

RomanceComedy

A wealthy high‑school senior, stuck repeating his third year, meets a financially strained university sophomore. Though their backgrounds could not be more different, they form a surprisingly funny and touching pair, learning to bridge their worlds while navigating love, ambition and everyday challenges together.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – My Tutor Friend (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of My Tutor Friend (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern day

The events take place in contemporary South Korea, following two twenty-somethings as they transition from school life to young adulthood. The period emphasizes academic pressure, financial concerns, and the lure of risky yet alluring life choices. It reflects the fast-paced urban experience and social dynamics of modern Korean youth.

Location

Surim, South Korea, Surim High School, Beach, Amusement Park

The story unfolds in Surim, a contemporary South Korean setting centered around Surim High School and the everyday life of a family fried-chicken business. Key locations include a college festival venue, a seaside beach that becomes a climactic backdrop, and an amusement park that hosts pivotal scenes. The city blends youth culture with practical family life, shaping the couple’s decisions and challenges.

🏙️ Urban 🏫 School life 🌊 Beach

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:27

Main Characters – My Tutor Friend (2003)

Meet the key characters of My Tutor Friend (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ji-hoon (Kwon Sang-woo)

A newly transferred student with a tough exterior and a knack for drawing attention, Ji-hoon often fights when provoked. He previously studied in the United States, a past that strains his relationship with his parents. Despite his bravado, he’s a well-rounded kid whose mid-term score and choices shape his path and loyalties.

🎭 Main protagonist 🧍 Complex 💬 Loyal

Su-wan (Kim Ha-neul)

Hardworking and blunt, Su-wan funds her education by tutoring neighborhood kids while managing the family fried-chicken business. She is stubborn yet sincere, and her persistence gradually softens Ji-hoon’s rough edges. She believes in standing by those she cares about, even when it’s risky.

🧠 Tutor 💪 Independent ❤️ Compassionate

Jong-soo (Gong Yoo)

The school’s king of the punch and a magnet for trouble, Jong-soo embodies rival energy and social turbulence around Ji-hoon. His actions trigger conflicts that test loyalty and force characters to confront their choices. He also carries a complicated relationship with his girlfriend Ho-kyung.

⚔️ Rival 🧭 Influencer 🕊️ Turbulent

Ho-kyung (Kim Ji-woo)

Jong-soo’s girlfriend who keenly watches the evolving dynamic around Ji-hoon. She’s part of the social network that adds pressure and danger, pulling her into the central conflict. Her own loyalties are tested as events spiral beyond control.

👀 Observer 💃 Complicated 🧷 Loyal

Ji-hoon’s Father (Baek Il-seob)

A stern, practical father whose fear of Ji-hoon slipping away from responsibility amplifies family tension. He pressures Ji-hoon to improve grades and consider the future, reflecting traditional expectations. His worries drive many pivotal decisions in the story.

👨‍👦 Father figure 🧭 Traditional 🪧 Authority

Su-wan’s Mother (Kim Ja-ok)

The family matriarch who keeps a steady eye on finances and social circles. She supports Su-wan’s tutoring work while navigating her own network of friends and expectations. Her role anchors the family’s resilience amid financial and social pressures.

👩‍👧 Family 💼 Practical 🌟 Supportive

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:27

Major Themes – My Tutor Friend (2003)

Explore the central themes of My Tutor Friend (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Romance

A slow-burning romance grows amid ambition, loyalty, and danger. Su-wan and Ji-hoon move from initial friction to mutual support as external pressures test their bond. Their relationship deepens through shared vulnerability, trust, and moments of care.

🏫 School Life

The tutoring dynamic and school setting reveal how academic pressure, grades, and rivalries shape the characters. Su-wan’s blunt, persistent approach contrasts with Ji-hoon’s rough exterior, driving personal growth. The high school and college contexts frame decisions and future goals.

🛡️ Loyalty & Danger

Loyalty is tested as violent conflicts threaten the couple’s safety. They must rely on each other to survive confrontations and protect those they care about. The story frames resilience and partnership as the core defense against external threats.

💼 Ambition & Responsibility

Tutoring money funds education, while parental expectations push characters to secure a stable future. The balance of duty and desire drives choices, blending personal dreams with practical pressures. The narrative shows how responsibility shapes growth and relationships.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:27

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My Tutor Friend Summary

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My Tutor Friend Summary

My Tutor Friend Timeline

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My Tutor Friend Timeline

My Tutor Friend Spoiler-Free Summary

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My Tutor Friend Spoiler-Free Summary

More About My Tutor Friend

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My Tutor Friend (2003) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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My Tutor Friend (2003) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow