Watch Leaving Mom (2025) Official Trailer

A mother's memories, a child's journey

Every day, Hoan performs as a "street clown," using his skills as a sidewalk barber to make ends meet and take care of his mother. Mrs. Le Thi Hanh suffers from Alzheimer's disease and behaves like a child. Her illness is not only a financial burden but also deprives Hoan of the chance to live freely and pursue his dreams. Despite her condition, Mrs. Hanh retains vivid memories of South Korea, where she once lived a happy life with her husband Jeong-min and their eldest son Ji-hwan before tragedy struck. One day, Hoan begins experiencing symptoms of memory loss along with epilepsy. Realizing he can no longer be his mother’s sole caretaker, he decides to take her to Korea to leave her in the care of his brother - a man Hoan has never met.