Korea Is Not as Beautiful as in Dramas, Jerome Kurnia Struggles to Find Work and Love in 'SEE YOU, GOODBYE'

Kapanlagi.com - The long wait will soon come to an end. It’s just a matter of days, the film SAMPAI JUMPA, SELAMAT TINGGAL by writer and director Adriyanto Dewo can be watched directly in cinemas across Indonesia starting June 5, 2025. This film, which was the opening for Jakarta Film Week 2024, stars five great actors including Jerome Kurnia, Putri Marino, Jourdy Pranata, Kiki Narendra, and Lutesha.

The story in SAMPAI JUMPA, SELAMAT TINGGAL centers on the journey of a character named Wyn who is trying to find her boyfriend, Dani, in South Korea. She then meets Rey and asks for his help in exchange for money. Although initially refusing due to fear of getting involved in a big problem, the man agrees to her request and takes her to the home of Anto – an Indonesian citizen who has long settled in the Land of Ginseng and often extends help to many people.

Rey is depicted as an illegal immigrant from Indonesia whose heart is so fragile in the film produced by Adhya Pictures and Relate Films. This is portrayed prominently through his habit of drinking alcohol and smoking to calm his mind from the chaotic worldly matters he has to navigate to survive in a foreign country. Not only does he struggle with work, but romance also becomes one of the things that leaves him feeling weak.

1. Trapped in the Dark Space of Life

Jerome Kurnia Works and Chases Love in UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, GOODBYE. (credit: KapanLagi.com/Ratri)

According to Jerome Kurnia's own admission, the character he portrays indeed has a life filled with ups and downs that seem concerning. Losing his beloved wife unexpectedly at a young age plunged Rey into a chasm of emptiness and severe trauma, forcing him to confront repeated pain.

"Rey is a very sensitive person, he is confused, 'How, yes, how do I process all of this?' He canu2019t get up in the morning at all. He looks at his house, he remembers what is no longer there. He walks to the place where he usually shops, the person is not there. Always remembering and he decides one day, 'Enough, I canu2019t be here anymore. I have to go far away.'" Jerome revealed during a press conference on Monday (02/06/2025) at Metropole XXI, Central Jakarta.

Rey's decision to move to South Korea did not immediately bring light into his life to become a better person. What actually happened was that he remained trapped in darkness because he had not yet come to terms with himself.

"He never tried to heal himself. Until he met Wyn, thatu2019s when he started to feel, 'Oh, maybe there is hope here again.'" He added while explaining Rey's character background.

2. Rey's Hope to Rise and Continue Living

Jerome Kurnia Works and Chases Love in UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, GOODBYE. (credit: KapanLagi.com/Ratri)

Wyn's sudden presence in front of him gives Rey the motivation to rise again and continue what he should go through every day: Life. Although he himself is not sure if that woman is indeed the right one or suitable for him, Jerome believes that the character he plays is convinced that the opportunity to continue living with a new color has come to him through Wyn.

"Actually, what he (Rey) sees in Wyn is something he doesn't know (what it is). Because he is not searching for Wyn, (instead) Wyn came to him--maybe sent by God or the universe. Suddenly they meet and he feels, 'Wow, why is there a feeling that arises again? How can I start to feel (something) again?' Is it love? Is it a memory from his past? He doesn't know (what it all means), but he feels, 'I need to shift my energy to Wyn again.'" Said Jerome Kurnia.

3. "Johatsu", The Main Inspiration for Story Development

Jerome Kurnia Works and Chases Love in UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, GOODBYE. (credit: KapanLagi.com/Ratri)

Adriyanto Dewo revealed that the biggest inspiration for the film UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, GOODBYE came from his experiences and feelings after reading an article about "johatsu". This phenomenon is described as an episode when someone intends to leave their old identity and continue living with a new identity, starting from their name, physical appearance, to the traits they possess.

In the 60s-70s, "johatsu" was used by couples who had less harmonious relationships. To avoid formal divorce, one of them decided to go far away and completely change their personal identity—like someone who has just been born into the world.

"After research, yes (I found out) that it turns out that "johatsu" is not only in Japan, (but) in Korea there is also, in America there is also, in Europe there is also. Because after reading that article (I) started to think, 'What does it feel like to be the person who is left behind? Do they make an effort to find this missing person?' So I started to think about whether human relationships, especially romantic ones, need a profound goodbye or not, like that." said the screenwriter and director.

4. South Korea Is Not As Bright As It Is in Dramas

Jerome Kurnia Works and Pursues Love in SAYONARA, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. (credit: KapanLagi.com/Ratri)

In reality, what is depicted in everyday life in South Korea does not entirely match the popular local dramas. Through the film SAYONARA, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, Adriyanto and the cinematographer attempt to uncover the reality behind the brightness of the country, even relying only on a tripod and a camera without other professional equipment.

"Because what we usually see in K-Dramas is bright. However, here during our research, it feels like behind these sparkling lights, I felt loneliness, you know. So, that feeling is what we try to capture from the sets (in) Korea, especially Seoul, Dangjin, and Seosan." Adriyanto Dewo added.

5. Synopsis of SAYONARA, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Jerome Kurnia Works and Chases Love in SAMPAI JUMPA, SELAMAT TINGGAL. (credit: instagram.com/sampaijumpaselamattinggal)

Wyn (Putri Marino) takes a bold step to go to South Korea alone in search of her boyfriend, Dani (Jourdy Pranata), who suddenly left her. Upon arriving there, she meets an Indonesian worker named Rey (Jerome Kurnia) who happened to have lived in the city where her boyfriend is now. The man agrees to help her in exchange for a bus ticket and some liquor.

The journey of Wyn and Rey to find Dani is not easy. Even Anto (Kiki Narendra), who has extensive connections with the Indonesian community living in South Korea, struggles to obtain information about his whereabouts. Suspicions arise that he has changed all his identities as soon as he stepped foot in South Korea.

In addition to his mission to help Wyn, Rey must quickly find a new job to survive. He then meets Vanya (Lutesha), a person who often provides jobs to Indonesians in the Land of Ginseng. Although Rey once managed to escape from the cruel circle of extortion led by the gangster leader, he feels he has no other option but to return to him.

The story about ghosting, the demand for closure regarding what has not truly ended, through moments of loss, sacrifice, resistance, and toxic relationships is beautifully presented in the film SAMPAI JUMPA, SELAMAT TINGGAL. However, life continues no matter what happens around us--the consequences of everything we reap will surely emerge later. Whether we like it or not, there needs to be some space in the heart to be ready to say "See You" or "Goodbye" to anyone.

(kpl/rtr)