The upcoming film Number One (literal title) has released a new set of stills highlighting the evolving relationships between Choi Woo Shik, Jang Hye Jin, and Gong Seung Yeon. While rooted in a fantastical premise, the film grounds its story in deeply human emotions tied to family bonds and personal choices.
Number One follows Ha Min (Choi Woo Shik), who one day begins to see a mysterious number whenever he eats a meal prepared by his mother, Eun Sil (Jang Hye Jin). With each meal, the number decreases by one, and Ha Min gradually realizes that when it reaches zero, his mother will die. This unsettling discovery disrupts the rhythm of his ordinary life.
The newly released stills capture both mundane and meaningful moments. One image shows Ha Min as a high school student, visibly confused after noticing the number for the first time during a family meal—marking the moment when the extraordinary intrudes upon the everyday. Other stills depict the familiar bickering between Ha Min and Eun Sil, who always greets her son warmly in the same place. Their interactions reflect a household dynamic that feels authentic and relatable.
As Ha Min comes to understand the implication of the disappearing number, his once-normal routine begins to unravel. Determined to protect his mother, he distances himself from her, turning shared meals—symbols of care and connection—into sources of fear and guilt. The film carefully traces this emotional shift, emphasizing the quiet tragedy of avoidance born from love.
The story also follows Ha Min into adulthood, where his relationship with his longtime girlfriend Ryeo Eun (Gong Seung Yeon) unfolds against the backdrop of life in Seoul. Though the couple shares tender moments, Ha Min’s expressions are marked by anxiety and inner conflict, revealing how the burden of his secret affects even his happiest relationships.
Eun Sil’s emotional journey is equally poignant. Her lonely expression as she struggles to understand her son’s growing distance contrasts with the bright smile she shows when interacting with Ryeo Eun. Unaware of the truth, she continues to offer warmth and kindness, underscoring the quiet resilience of a mother’s love.
Stills showing the three characters sharing laughter and comfort over meals hint at the emotional depth the film aims to deliver. Through restrained storytelling and intimate moments, Number One promises a reflective exploration of life, family, and the difficult choices shaped by love.
Number One is scheduled to premiere in theaters on February 11.
