Yoon Ga-eun was not a name many would have recognised in South Korea.
That is until her movie about a teenager who is a survivor of sexual violence became a dark-horse hit.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet," indie filmmaker Ms Yoon told BBC Korean at a studio in Seoul in late November. "Now I just feel almost blank - just grateful, and also a bit scared."
The World of Love has been dubbed the "movie of the year" by Korean media for its touching, empathetic portrayal of life after trauma. Instead of recreating the crime, the movie tells the story of what comes after: the everyday life of high-schooler Joo-in, from school to romance to family and friendships, and all the moments of conflict and joy that go along with it.
It has earned the praise of critics and audiences, and more than $1.1m in box office revenue since its debut in October. Viewers have given it a 9 out of 10 on South Korea's largest search portal, Naver.
