My Uncle the Wolf

Men in our time, seen through an uncle who lived for his country

Billed as “the first men’s play,” this is an adaptation of Choi Il-nam’s novel of the same name.

Kim Gyeong-su, a perpetual section chief, is cast as an aggressive salesman gorilla in a skit for the company’s labour–management harmony event. Having barely ever seen a play, he begs the organiser, a young assistant manager, to let him off — and she flatly crushes his pride. Just then, his uncle comes vividly to mind.

Kim Cheol-sik, who called himself a lone wolf born for his country, fought in the anti-Japanese movement, refused marriage to battle a corrupt regime, and ran for the National Assembly three times, losing every time. He later led the April 19 Revolution and died saving a child from being hit by a car. Recalling his uncle and breaking free from his weary routine, Gyeong-su finally declares, “I will go my own way.”

Kim Cheol-sik, a Don Quixote who would give everything for his nation, and Kim Gyeong-su, a salaryman in his forties who climbs onto the roof to remember his childhood hero whenever life gets hard — moving between past and present, My Uncle the Wolf tackles history and humanity seriously while exploring the troubles of men in our time with humour.