Boy in the Pool is a story about talent and effort or about natural ability and personal aspirations. In arts and sports, it is commonly accepted that ordinary individuals, no matter how hard they try, cannot surpass those born with talent. Seok-young might have believed herself to be talented in swimming during her childhood. However, after moving to a seaside village and encountering Woo-ju, a boy her age with remarkable swimming abilities, she discovers what innate talent truly means. And soon after, Seok-young learns the secret of the talent that he possesses. What Woo-ju is literally born with might or might not be a talent, and this is what makes this film unique. As time passes, she realizes that she lacks talent in swimming, and meanwhile, her younger sister, Ga-young, a piano prodigy, leaves. The film depicts her loneliness stemming from her deprivation of talent, yet it does not suggest that her life is over. The ending scene, as impressive as the one in Takeshi Kitano’s Kids Return (1996)—where Masaru tells Shinji, “Hell no. We haven’t even started”—foreshadows a fresh beginning for her and Woo-ju. It is also worth noting Hyo-woo (a member of the dance team HOOK), who portrays Seok-young. (MOON Seok)