The head of technology development at a computer company tries to care for his parents after a flood forces them to move out of their hometown and into Seoul. Having long been concerned about his aging parents living alone, he plans to have a house built for them. He buys some land and the build begins, but his mother passes away just before the house is finished. The Oldest Son explores the confusion of modernization, all while dreaming of the unachievable extended family. The film is well known for being based on the director’s actual life.