The premise is simple: four high school girls form a band and cover songs by legendary Japanese rock group The Blue Hearts, including "Linda Linda" and "Endless Song." Yet, that simplicity is what makes it timeless.

Actor Bae Doona described the film's enduring charm, saying, "Compared to other band movies, it's not fiery but rather honest and calm. That's why people will keep loving it even 20, 30, or 40 years later."

At a press screening held at Megabox COEX in Seoul, Bae Doona reunited with her co-stars Aki Maeda, Yu Kashii, Shiori Sekine, and director Nobuhiro Yamashita to celebrate the remastered re-release of Linda Linda Linda.

A 2005 Classic Returns to Theaters

Originally released in 2005, the film follows a group of girls preparing for their final school festival with an unexpected lead singer, Song (played by Bae Doona), a Korean exchange student. Though it began in small theaters, it quickly spread through word of mouth and gained fans in Korea, Japan, and beyond.

Bae Doona, who made her Japanese debut with this project, shared her pride: "This film captured one of the most beautiful moments of my youth. I'm so happy and proud it's being re-released after 20 years."

Director Yamashita reflected on his younger self: "I was 28 when we filmed it. Watching again now, I feel like praising that younger me who poured so much brightness into the film."

Reunion and Nostalgia

The cast recently reunited in Tokyo for the remastering event, instantly reconnecting like no time had passed. Bae recalled, "The other actresses ran out during their makeup sessions to welcome me. We were laughing and bouncing like kids again."

During filming, the group lived like a real band—rehearsing together, growing together, and learning the music as naturally as their characters did. Yamashita noted, "The practice sessions off-camera matched the film's story. The growth was real."

Timeless Appeal Across Borders

Linda Linda Linda has continued to resonate for two decades, partly due to its universal themes of youth, music, and friendship. "Even at the time of release, Western fans already loved it," Bae Doona said. "Its strength is in being simple, real, and relatable across cultures."

Co-star Yu Kashii added, "Casting Bae Doona was genius. Without her, it would have been a completely different film."

Director Yamashita concluded, "So much has changed in 20 years, but this movie captures something unchanged. That's why both past audiences and new viewers are moved by it today."

A Subtle Yet Powerful Youth Film

Unlike many high-energy teen music films, Linda Linda Linda moves at a slower, more relaxed tempo—ironically making its portrayal of youth even more radiant. There are no glamorous costumes or flashy stages, just the raw sparkle of teenage moments filling every frame.

Now, 20 years later, Linda Linda Linda returns to the big screen, not just as a nostalgic rewatch but as a reminder of why simple stories of friendship and music remain universally powerful.