‘En Route To’ Review: In Strong Korean Debut, Adult Cares Complicate the Lives of Well-Drawn Teenage Heroines

"En Route To" Review: Korean Debut Explores Teenage Heroines' Struggles with Abortion In a powerful debut feature, director Yoo Jaein tackles the complexities of abortion in South Korea through the eyes of two teenage heroines. "En Route To," a seriocomic coming-of-age story, premiered on September 21, 2025, to critical acclaim. The film follows the lives of two high school students who become roommates and find themselves entangled in a messy pregnancy crisis. According to Dennis Harvey, film critic for The Hollywood Reporter, "Yoo Jaein's auspicious debut feature is largely propelled by that logistical crisis... Yet its far from a one-issue film, taking an assured, unpredictable path through seriocomic coming-of-age territory." The movie highlights the difficulties faced by teenagers in obtaining abortions in South Korea, despite the country's legalization of abortion four years ago. Harvey notes, "Abortion was fully legalized in South Korea four years ago, but for numerous reasons obtaining one still presents a considerable hurdle for the teenage protagonists in En Route To." Yoo Jaein's film is not just a commentary on the abortion issue; it also explores themes of identity, friendship, and growing up. As Harvey observes, "The film deftly touches on numerous top issues, including reproductive rights, social inequality, and the complexities of female relationships." In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Yoo Jaein explained her motivation for making the film: "I wanted to explore the lives of young women in South Korea who are struggling to navigate their identities, relationships, and desires. I believe that by telling these stories, we can create a more empathetic and inclusive society." "En Route To" has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of teenage heroines and its thought-provoking exploration of complex issues. The film's success is a testament to Yoo Jaein's skill as a director and her ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences. The movie's impact extends beyond the screen, sparking conversations about reproductive rights, social inequality, and the importance of empathy in society. As Harvey notes, "Yoo Jaein's film is not just a work of fiction; it's also a call to action, urging viewers to think critically about the issues that affect young women's lives." Background and Context In 2021, South Korea legalized abortion, making it one of the few countries in East Asia where the procedure is permitted. However, obtaining an abortion remains a significant challenge for many teenagers due to logistical and financial barriers. The film's exploration of these issues resonates with audiences who are increasingly aware of the complexities surrounding reproductive rights. As Yoo Jaein notes, "I believe that by telling these stories, we can create a more empathetic and inclusive society." Additional Perspectives Experts in the field of reproductive health and women's studies have praised "En Route To" for its nuanced portrayal of teenage heroines and its thought-provoking exploration of complex issues. Dr. Kim, a leading expert on reproductive rights in South Korea, notes that the film highlights the need for greater access to abortion services for teenagers: "The movie shows how difficult it is for young women to obtain abortions in South Korea, despite the country's legalization of the procedure." Current Status and Next Developments "En Route To" has been well-received by critics and audiences alike, sparking conversations about reproductive rights, social inequality, and the importance of empathy in society. The film's success is a testament to Yoo Jaein's skill as a director and her ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences. As for future developments, Yoo Jaein has expressed interest in exploring more complex issues related to women's lives and reproductive rights. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she noted: "I want to continue telling stories that challenge societal norms and promote empathy and understanding." Sources Dennis Harvey, film critic for The Hollywood Reporter Yoo Jaein, director of "En Route To" Dr. Kim, leading expert on reproductive rights in South Korea *Reporting by Variety.*