Korean Film Biz Zone - Korean Film News

Na Hong-jin's Hope to Open in UK and Ireland on September 25

20260826

Still from Hope (Provided by Empire)Na Hong-jin's Hope will open in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on September 25. US distributor NEON announced the release date on August 14, and will handle theatrical distribution in both territories directly.NEON has set the North American release for September 9, with early-access screenings two days earlier, on September 7, at 175 premium large-format cinemas nationwide. The film will screen in six formats: Dolby Cinema, 4DX, ScreenX, Barco HDR, D-BOX, and Dolby Atmos. Its UK premiere took place on August 16 at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, in an IMAX screening.An Unidentified Presence Descends on Hope HarborHope is set in Hope Harbor, a remote fishing village in Korea. Police outpost chief Bum-seok, played by Hwang Jung-min, and officer Sung-ae, played by Hoyeon, investigate a series of attacks that strike the village. The cause is traced to an unidentified presence hiding in the nearby forest. As the village's hunters join the s

Kim Min-hee Wins Second Locarno Acting Prize as Nowhere to Lay My Eyes Takes Three Awards

20260825

Actress Kim Min-hee (left) and director Hong Sangsooat the 79th Locarno Film Festival. (provided by Seoul Shinmun)Nowhere to Lay My Eyes won the Pardo for Best Direction, the Pardo for Best Performance, and the Ecumenical Jury Prize at the 79th Locarno Film Festival. Director Hong Sangsoo received the Best Direction award, while lead actress Kim Min-hee won Best Performance. The awards ceremony was held on the closing night, August 15 (local time), in Locarno, Switzerland.Since 2023, the Locarno Film Festival has awarded a single, gender-neutral Best Performance prize rather than separate best actor and actress honors. This year, the award was shared by Kim Min-hee and Italian actress Monica Bellucci for Ketticè.The Ecumenical Jury Prize is an independent award presented by a jury separately convened by the Swiss Protestant and Catholic churches, given to a film that engages deeply with human dignity, social values, peace, and human rights.Hong Sangsoo's 35th Feature, With Kim Min-hee

Choi Min-sik, Han So-hee Headline Korean Remake of Hollywood's 'The Intern'

20260821

Poster of ‘Intern’ (Provided by Warner Bros. Korea)Choi Min-sik — the actor behind some of Korean cinema's most searing performances in films like "Oldboy" and "I Saw the Devil" — is stepping into unfamiliar territory this fall: a workplace comedy. "The Intern," a Korean-language remake of the 2015 Hollywood hit that starred Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, opens September 16, timed to anchor the Chuseok holiday box office. Directed by Kim Do-young ("Kim Ji-young, Born 1982"), the film pairs Choi with Han So-hee, with a newly released poster contrasting the two leads' commutes to work stirring early buzz ahead of release.The original "The Intern," written, directed, and produced by Nancy Meyers, grossed roughly $195 million worldwide against a $35 million budget, a solid commercial run for an adult-skewing comedy. The Korean version keeps the core premise intact: Han plays Seon-woo, a young CEO who has grown her fashion startup, Wootooto, into an industry dark horse in just three year

KOFIC Chairperson Visits Set of Mid-Budget-Supported Film The Taste of Prison

20260821

Chairperson Han Sang-jun visits shooting location for 2025 mid-budget production support selection The Taste of PrisonMeets with cast and crew to hear voices from the Korean film production fieldFollowing KRW 19.86 billion in support this year, KOFIC to announce KRW 26 billion in supplementary-budget support recipients in September Korean Film Council (KOFIC) Chairperson Han Sang-jun visited "Papillon Zip" (former Jangheung Prison) in Jangheung, Jeollanam-do, on Wednesday, August 19, the shooting location for The Taste of Prison (production: Jupiter Film Co., Ltd.), a selected recipient of the 2025 Mid-Budget Korean Film Production Support Project, and held an on-site meeting with the film's cast and crew.The Mid-Budget Korean Film Production Support Project is a KOFIC initiative launched in 2025 to restore the Korean film ecosystem, which has struggled amid the continued investment slowdown since the COVID-19 pandemic, and to encourage private investment by facilita

Korean Film Council Launches Probe into Ticket Scalping at Premium Theaters Like IMAX

20260820

Dedicated reporting channel for scalping and fraudulent trading at premium theaters opens August 18 Ongoing collection of online scalping cases and audience complaints to analyze distribution patterns The Korean Film Council (Chairperson Han Sang-jun, "KOFIC") will begin accepting reports on an ongoing basis starting Tuesday, August 18, regarding the illicit resale of tickets ("scalping") for premium theater formats at domestic cinemas, including IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema. The initiative aims to assess the scale of the problem, prevent harm to moviegoers, and foster a fair viewing environment.In recent releases of high-profile films, seats in premium theaters — which are in especially high demand among audiences — have reportedly been bought up in bulk using macro programs and other automated tools, then resold at a markup on secondhand marketplaces and social media. This ongoing practice has caused mounting harm and frustration among ordinary moviegoers.In response

Long Long Night to World Premiere in TIFF's Centrepiece Section

20260819

Still fromLong Long Night poster (watchapedia)The 3D animated feature Long Long Night has been invited to the Centrepiece section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Distributor The Contents On announced the selection on August 6, confirming that the film will have its world premiere at the festival.TIFF is widely regarded as the largest film festival in North America. Centrepiece, the section in which Long Long Night has been selected, showcases notable films from around the world. The 51st edition of the festival will run from September 10 to 20 in Toronto, Canada.The Journey of a White Rock Rhinoceros and a Penguin — A 3D Animation Rooted in a True StoryLong Long Night follows Norden, the last white rock rhinoceros remaining on Earth, and a young penguin hatched from an abandoned egg, as they journey toward the ocean. Having each lost someone dear to them, the two lean on one another throughout their journey. The story draws its origin from the real-life ca

CJ CGV Returns to Pre-Tax Profit in Q2 as CJ 4DPLEX's Global Business Accelerates

20260818

Logo of CJ CGV (Provided by CJ CGV)CJ CGV posted a return to pre-tax profit in the second quarter of 2026, driven by the accelerating overseas growth of its specialty-format subsidiary CJ 4DPLEX and a steady recovery in the domestic theatrical market. The exhibitor reported consolidated sales of KRW 593.9 billion (approx. USD 428 million), up 20.8% year-on-year, with operating profit of KRW 11.5 billion (approx. USD 8.3 million) and pre-tax profit of KRW 9.0 billion (approx. USD 6.5 million) — the company's first quarterly pre-tax profit since the third quarter of 2024.CJ 4DPLEX, which operates the SCREENX and 4DX specialty formats, was the standout performer, posting sales of KRW 46.9 billion and operating profit of KRW 8.3 billion, up 56% and 260% respectively from a year earlier. The unit's growth was fueled by the continued global rollout of SCREENX and 4DX auditoriums and by the box office success of "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" and "Toy Story 5," with North America recording i

CJ ENM Signs India Distribution Deal With Amazon Prime Video, to Supply Over 100 K-Content Titles Over Two Years

20260814

(From left) Jangho Seo, EVP of Platform Division at CJ ENM; Shilangi Mukherji, Director and Head of SVOD Business, Prime Video India; and Manish Menghani, Director and Head of Content Licensing, Prime Video India (Provide by Prime Video India)CJ ENM has signed a multi-year distribution deal with Amazon Prime Video India. Under the agreement, more than 100 Korean titles will be rolled out on Prime Video in India over the next two years.The slate consists of 26 new CJ ENM titles alongside works from the studio's existing library. The deal extends an earlier global distribution agreement between the two companies to the Indian market specifically. New and upcoming releases will carry English subtitles along with Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubbing.Yumi's Cells Season 3 Leads New Titles, Library Favorites Also IncludedThe first new title to premiere is the romance drama Yumi's Cells Season 3. Yumi's Cells is one of CJ ENM's flagship franchises, based on the webtoon of the same name. The

A day of copyright culture with film

20260814

The Korean Film Council (Chairperson Han Sang-jun, "KOFIC"), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Chae Hwi-young), and the Korea Copyright Commission (Chairperson Kang Seok-won, "the Copyright Commission") successfully held the "A Day of Copyright Culture with Film" screening of OK! Madam: Bon Voyage on Wednesday, August 12, at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan.The event was a joint initiative linking KOFIC's ongoing policy to "revitalize Korean film and expand community access to cultural enjoyment" with the Copyright Commission's "campaign to promote proper copyright culture." About 300 people participated, including local residents invited in cooperation with the Busan Metropolitan City Social Contribution Information Center and the Haeundae General Social Welfare Center, along with staff, employees, and family members of the Centum District ESG council "Eu-sseuk (ESG)."Ahead of the screening, citizen participation programs were held in

Yoon Dan-bi's "The World Before" Invited to New Directors Section of San Sebastián Film Festival

20260812

Poster for "The World Before" Yoon Dan-bi's second feature "The World Before" has been invited to the New Directors section of the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival. Distributor Atnine Film announced the invitation on July 31.The San Sebastián International Film Festival will run from September 18 to 26 in San Sebastián (Donostia-San Sebastián), Spain, and is regarded as the most prestigious international film festival in the Spanish-speaking world. The New Directors section, to which "The World Before" has been invited, is an international competition open only to a director's first or second feature film, spotlighting filmmakers in the early stages of their careers.Invited to New Directors Section, "The World Before" Tells the Story of a Seventeen-Year-Old on an Island"The World Before" is set on an island with no land route to the mainland. Jin, seventeen, who lives there, crosses paths with Du-jae, who has come to the island for his grandmother's fun

Lee Chang-dong Wins TIFF Ebert Director Award at 51st Toronto International Film Festival

20260810

Director Lee Chang-dong (provided by Munhwa Ilbo)Director Lee Chang-dong has been named the recipient of the TIFF Ebert Director Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival's Tribute Awards, becoming the first Korean director to receive the honor. Netflix announced the selection on July 30.The Tribute Awards is a ceremony hosted by the Toronto International Film Festival that honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the film industry, presented across several categories. This year marks the eighth edition of the awards. The ceremony will be held on September 13.First Korean Recipient of the TIFF Ebert Director AwardThe TIFF Ebert Director Award, given in the directing category, is named in honor of American film critic Roger Ebert. Recipients are selected based on directing achievements that have brought meaningful change to the film industry and a body of work reflecting a distinct artistic vision.Lee Chang-dong was recognized for the singular pers

"Train to Busan" Returns to Theaters Worldwide for 10th Anniversary, Expanding to 12 Markets

20260807

Train to Busan 10th-anniversary North American re-release poster (courtesy of NEW; designed by Oliver Barrett)Yeon Sang-ho's Train to Busan is returning to major overseas markets in a 4K remastered version to mark its 10th anniversary. Release dates have been confirmed in four markets — the Philippines, North America, Japan and Italy — while eight other countries, including Spain and several Latin American territories, are still finalizing schedules.This re-release features newly remastered picture and sound in 4K, marking the first time Train to Busan has screened theatrically in the format.Starting in the Philippines, Expanding to Europe and Latin AmericaThe rollout is staggered across roughly a month. It begins in the Philippines on August 5, followed by North America on August 14 and Japan on August 21, before moving to Italy on September 2.The scale of the release is especially notable in the United States. Where the 2016 release was a limited run in a smal

"Let's Come Together for Independent Art Film": Indieground Unveils 2026 Independent Art Film Support Video

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The Korean Film Council (KOFIC; Chairperson Han Sang-jun) established Indieground to improve the distribution and circulation environment for Korean independent art films. As part of its independent art film promotion project, Indieground released the "2026 Independent Art Film Support Video" on its official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@indieground_kr). Themed "This Is All Independent Film," the support video conveys, through the voices of directors and actors, the wide-ranging spectrum of independent art film — something no single definition can capture. Distinct keywords such as "Welcome Kids Zone," "Rainbow," "A Kind of Counseling," "The Unembellished Truth," and "Now Is the Season" each reflect the value and affection that creators have found in independent art film. Each individual remark intuitively conveys the freedom and varied appeal that independent art film holds, offering a fresh perspective even to audiences encountering independent art film for the firs

51st Toronto International Film Festival to Feature Korean Directors in Both Competitive and Non-Competitive Sections

20260805

Still of The World Before' (provided by Segye Ilbo)New works by Korean directors have been invited to the 51st Toronto International Film Festival. Yoon Dan-bi's "The World Before" has been selected for the Platform section, the festival's competitive strand, while Lee Chang-dong's "Possible Love" and Yeon Sang-ho's "Paradise Lost" will screen in the Special Presentations section. Hur Jin-ho's "The Assassin(s)" was previously announced as a Gala Presentations title.TIFF is regarded as the largest film festival in North America. The 51st edition will run from September 10 to 20 in Toronto, Canada.Yoon Dan-bi's "The World Before" Selected for PlatformPlatform is TIFF's competitive section, selecting works based on a director's distinctive vision and singular artistic world. The festival created the section to spotlight directorial voices, and describes this year's selections as a reflection of contemporary auteur cinema."The World Before" follows a summer in the life of Jin, a seve

Korean Academy of Film Arts Marks 20th Anniversary of Feature Film Program with Largest-Ever Special Exhibition in Brazil

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45 feature and short films to screen, including opening film Bleak Night and closing film The Apartment with Two WomenKOFIC expands film cooperation with Brazil's National Cinema Agency and University of São PauloThe Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA), operated by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC, Chairperson Han Sang-jun) and led by President Cho Geun-sik, is holding the "15th Korean Film Festival in Brazil – Korean Academy of Film Arts Special Exhibition" in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2026.07.30 to 2026.08.14, in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center, Brazil (Director Jeong Jeong-hee). The exhibition will then tour major Brazilian cities and continue with online screenings through October, bringing KAFA's representative works to audiences across Brazil. The special exhibition is presented as part of the 15th Korean Film Festival in Brazil, an annual event organized by the Korean Cultural Center, Brazil to introduce Korean cinema to Brazilian audiences. Markin

Lee Chang-dong's Possible Love Invited to Venice Competition — Second Consecutive Year for Korean Cinema

20260803

Poster of 'Possible Love' (provided by Netflix)Director Lee Chang-dong's new film Possible Love has been invited to the competition section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival — his first Venice competition selection in 24 years, since 2002's Oasis. This marks the second consecutive year a Korean film has appeared in Venice's competition lineup, following Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice last year.The festival will run September 2–12 in Venice, Italy. Alongside Cannes and the Berlin International Film Festival, Venice is regarded as one of the world's three major film festivals, with competition entries vying for the Golden Lion, the event's top prize.A Return After Eight Years, Centered on Two CouplesPossible Love follows two married couples whose lives become entangled through the making of a documentary. A laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary director and her husband, come to confront each other's differing life circumstances and long-hidden desires over the co

CJ ENM's Decade-Long Bet on 'Save the Green Planet!' Pays Off as 'Bugonia' Earns Three Award Nominations

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Still from Bugonia [provided by Yonhap News Agency] Twenty-three years ago, director Jang Joon-hwan's "Save the Green Planet!" drew barely 70,000 admissions in its home market. The film went on to win several best new director prizes at Korean film festivals for its wildly original premise, but never found a domestic audience. CJ ENM, which had invested in and distributed the original, recognized untapped potential in the underappreciated title and began developing a Hollywood remake in 2018. Seven years later, that remake, "Bugonia," has picked up three nominations at the 6th Critics Choice Super Awards, including Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie, with stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons earning nods for Best Actress and Best Actor. The nominations mark the latest milestone in a Korean film IP's expanding footprint on the global stage."Bugonia" follows two young men who become convinced that the CEO of their company is an alien bent on destroying Earth

Korean Film Council to Host "Copyright Culture Day with Cinema"

20260730

The Korean Film Council (Chairperson Han Sang-jun, "KOFIC"), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Chae Hwi-young), and the Korea Copyright Commission (Chairperson Kang Seok-won, "KCC") will host a special screening event, "Copyright Culture Day with Cinema," featuring OK! Madam: Bon Voyage, on August 12 (Wednesday) at Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan. The event is a collaborative initiative linking KOFIC's ongoing policy to revitalize Korean cinema and expand regional access to cultural experiences with the KCC's campaign to promote a healthy copyright culture. It is designed as a meaningful occasion to invite local citizens — including members of underserved cultural groups who have limited access to theaters — to share in the everyday joys of cultural experience and the value of creative work. Notably, the featured film, OK! Madam: Bon Voyage, is an investment of the Korean Film Fund's film account and was selected for KOFIC's 2023 Pre-Produc

Na Hong-jin's 'HOPE' Shatters Opening-Day Record, Wins Praise from Bong Joon-ho and Lee Chang-dong

20260729

'HOPE' (provided by Plus M Entertainment, Forged Films) Director Na Hong-jin's long-awaited new film "HOPE," his first feature in roughly a decade since 2016's "The Wailing," drew approximately 330,000 admissions on its opening day to take the top spot at the Korean box office. It marks the highest single-day opening of any film released in Korea this year, and the strongest opening-day performance of Na's own filmography to date. Alongside the box office milestone, praise from Korean cinema heavyweights Bong Joon-ho and Lee Chang-dong has further fueled attention around the film.According to the Korean Film Council's integrated box office network, "HOPE" opened on July 15 with roughly 330,000 admissions, debuting at No. 1, with cumulative admissions reaching approximately 350,000. The figure far surpasses the previous best opening of the year set by Yeon Sang-ho's "Ghost Troop" (roughly 200,000 admissions), and also exceeds the opening-day numbers of Na

KOFIC Holds Briefing Session on Response to Megabox JoongAng Rehabilitation Proceedings

20260729

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC, Chairperson Han Sang-jun) will hold a "Briefing Session on Response to Megabox JoongAng Rehabilitation Proceedings" on July 29 (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. in the first-floor conference room of the Film Education Support Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul, for distributors, franchise theaters, and other film industry stakeholders.The briefing session was organized to provide accurate guidance on rehabilitation proceedings to film industry stakeholders who need to prepare for related procedures — including unsettled payments and creditor claim filings — following the commencement of rehabilitation proceedings for Megabox JoongAng, and to offer distributors, franchise theaters, and other affected companies the response measures needed to exercise their rights within the designated period.The session is expected to be attended by officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and KOFIC, LIN LLC, and representatives of investment/distribution co

Korean Films Power Box Office to Near Pre-Pandemic Highs in H1 2026

20260729

Total H1 revenue of KRW 579.0 billion and 57.05 million admissions, with Korean films driving the recoveryTotal film industry revenue in the first half of 2026 reached KRW 579.0 billion, with 57.05 million admissions — up 41.9% (KRW 171.1 billion) and 34.2% (14.55 million admissions) year-on-year, respectively.Korean films led the box office recovery this half. Korean-film revenue came to KRW 370.2 billion with 37.37 million admissions, up 81.7% (KRW 166.5 billion) and 74.9% (16.01 million admissions) year-on-year. This marks the highest first-half revenue for Korean films since the pandemic, and revenue has now recovered to 94.2% of the pre-pandemic (2017–2019) first-half average.Foreign films, meanwhile, generated KRW 208.8 billion in revenue with 19.68 million admissions. While admissions fell 6.9% (1.46 million) year-on-year, revenue rose slightly by 2.3% (KRW 4.6 billion), driven by titles with a high proportion of premium-format screenings such as Project Hail M

Korea to Cap Actor Fees at Under 10% of Production Budget for State-Backed Mid-Budget Films

20260727

Signing of the agreement to revitalize Korean film production (provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)South Korea's top talent agencies and film production organizations have agreed to cap lead and supporting actor fees at under 10% of net production costs for government-supported mid-budget films. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) signed the "Agreement Between the Government, Producers, and Talent Agencies to Revitalize Korean Film Production" on July 16 at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, with participation from leading talent agencies BH Entertainment, Management SOOP, and J,WIDE Company, along with the Korean Film Producers Association (KFPA) and the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK).Amid ongoing criticism that high actor fees have been accelerating production cost increases, the agreement commits talent agencies and producers to ensuring th

Four Institutions in Busan's Centum District Co-Host Integrity Live Program

20260727

Joint anti-corruption and integrity education held by four public institutions in Busan's Centum district on Friday, July 24 Participating organizations: Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC), Korea Media Rating Board (KMRB), and Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute (KYCI) Institutions unite to spread a culture of integrity and strengthen anti-corruption awareness through inter-agency cooperation The Korean Film Council (Chairperson Han Sang-jun; KOFIC) co-hosted "Integrity Live (LIVE)," an integrity education program operated by the Korea Integrity and Civil Rights Training Institute (KICTI), together with the Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC; Chairperson Seo Tae-geon), the Korea Media Rating Board (KMRB; Chairperson Kim Byung-jae), and the Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute (KYCI; President Han Jeong-won) on Friday, July 24. Approximately 200 executives and staff from the four institutions attended the e

Korean Genre Cinema: Global Recognition for Both Content and Venues

20260724

poster of ‘The Eyes' (Provided by Edaily)Sitges Selects The EyesDirector Yeom Ji-ho's thriller The Eyes has received an official invitation to the Panorama section of the competition program at the 59th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, running October 8–18. The film's North American theatrical release is also confirmed, scheduled for July 10. The story follows Seo-jin — a photographer gradually losing her sight to a hereditary disease — as she pursues the truth behind the suspicious death of her twin sister, a premise in which her deteriorating vision becomes a source of sustained suspense. The cast includes Shin Min-a, Kim Nam-hee, Lee Seung-ryong, and Kim Young-ah.Founded in 1968, the Sitges Film Festival has grown into the world's foremost genre film festival and has previously hosted acclaimed Korean titles including Train to Busan, Sleep, The Night Owl, and The Roundup series. Festival organizers praised The Eyes

Toronto Selects Hur Jin-ho Once More: New Film The Assassin(s) to World Premiere at Gala Presentations in September

20260722

poster of ‘The Assassin(s)' (Provided by JTBC News)A Third Invitation — Repeated Trust in a FilmmakerThe 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) announced on July 8 the official selection of director Hur Jin-ho's new film for its Gala Presentations section. This is not Hur's first invitation to the festival. Following Dangerous Liaisons in 2012 and A Normal Family in 2023, this marks his third selection at TIFF.The 1974 Incident, Brought to the ScreenThe Assassin(s) takes as its central motif the assassination attempt on South Korea's First Lady that occurred during the Liberation Day ceremony on August 15, 1974. The film dramatically reconstructs the event, weaving imagination into the unresolved questions that history left behind. Yoo Hae-jin portrays Cheolgu, a detective tracing the case; Park Hae-il plays Jaehwan, the social affairs editor at a newspaper; and Lee Min-ho takes the role of Yeongil, a rookie journalist. In

Indieground Opens Submissions for 2027 Independent Film Library

20260721

Call for Submissions: 2027 Indieground Independent Film Library Approximately 80 films to be selected (up to 20 features, up to 60 shorts); distribution support grants to be awarded Submissions accepted 2026.07.20 (Mon) through 2026.08.04 (Tue) via the Indieground website Indieground — established by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC; Chairperson Han Sang-jun) to improve distribution and exhibition conditions for Korean independent and art-house cinema — has launched its call for submissions for the 2027 Independent Film Library. The submission window runs from 2026.07.20 (Mon) through 2026.08.04 (Tue) via the Indieground website.The Indieground Independent Film Library is the organization's flagship program, in operation since 2020, developed to create new distribution pathways for Korean independent and art-house films and to expand their reach to wider audiences. Selected films receive multi-channel support, including screenings on the Indieground online platform, community

Hong Sang-soo's Nowhere to Lay My Eyes Selected for Locarno International Competition — Kim Min-hee and Choi Myung-gil Star

20260720

Still from ‘Nowhere to Lay My Eyes’ (Provided by E Today) Hong Sang-soo Returns to Locarno International Competition for Fifth Time Hong Sang-soo is heading back to Locarno. The festival's executive committee announced on July 9 (local time) that the director's 35th feature, Nowhere to Lay My Eyes, has been selected for the International Competition of the 79th Locarno Film Festival — the fifth time Hong and the festival have been in competition together. The festival opens on August 5 next month. Jeju Island in Search of a Mother — Kim Min-hee as Actress and Production Manager In the film, the character Sanghee sets off for Jeju Island with her younger brother to track down news of a mother she has long been out of contact with. As with his previous works, Hong Sang-soo served as sole creator across all departments — direction, production, screenplay, cinematography, sound, editing, and music. Kim Min-hee participated both as an actress and as production manag

Government, Producers, and Management Agencies Sign Cooperation Agreement to Revitalize Korean Film Production

20260720

Korea's leading talent management agencies respond to government's Korean film recovery efforts with voluntary commitment to actor fee caps Cooperation on actor fees for KOFIC's Mid-Budget Film Production Support program, alongside plans to establish a private-sector consultative body The Korean Film Council (KOFIC, Chairperson Han Sang-jun) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST, Minister Chae Hwi-young) will sign the "Government–Production Company–Management Agency Agreement for Revitalizing Korean Film Production" with major domestic management agencies and film production organizations on Thursday, July 16, at 2:00 PM at MMCA Seoul (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul). The signing ceremony will be attended by KOFIC, MCST, leading management agencies including BH Entertainment, Management SOOP, and J,WIDE Company, along with the Korean Film Producers Association (KFPA) and the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK). Representatives from each signatory

As Indonesian Horror Redefines Asian Genre Cinema, Korea Looks to Women Directors for New Energy

20260716

Still of ‘Ghost in the Cell’ In April 2022, Indonesian horror film KKN di Desa Penari (also released internationally as Curse of the Dancing Village) opened in theaters and went on to draw 9.2 million admissions within two months, becoming the highest-grossing film in the country's history. In the years since, horror has become the financial backbone of Indonesia's film industry, peaking in 2024 when 68 horror titles accounted for 66% of total admissions nationwide. As genre film increasingly emerges as a driving force across Asian film industries, Korea is pursuing a different kind of renewal. This year, marking its 30th anniversary, the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) launched a special program on genre film and, alongside it, unveiled the first-ever list tracing the lineage of Korean women directors working in genre cinema — 11 films by 11 directors, spanning theatrical releases from 1997 to 2026. Indonesia's horror boom rests on a narrativ

BIFAN Turns 30: Fan Bingbing, Isabelle Huppert Lead Starriest Lineup Yet as Festival Pushes Into AI

20260715

Actress Fan Bingbing attends a press conference for the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), held July 3 at the Hyundai Department Store Jungdong branch in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province.(provided by Kookmin Ilbo) The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) opened its 30th edition on July 2 with its most star-studded international guest list to date. Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing, French screen legend Isabelle Huppert, and veteran action director Yuen Woo-ping all attended the opening ceremony and a press conference the following day. Running through July 12 under executive director Shin Chul, this year's festival screens 321 films from 50 countries. The opening film, Yuen Woo-ping's "Blades of the Guardians," carried the weight befitting a 30th-anniversary curtain-raiser: the wuxia epic stars Wu Jing in the lead role, with martial arts icon Jet Li making a much-anticipated special appearance marking his first return to the screen in 14 y

KOFIC and MCST Convene Emergency Industry Forum on Megabox JoongAng Rehabilitation Proceedings

20260714

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC; Chairperson Han Sang-jun), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST; Minister Chae Hwi-young), convened an emergency industry forum on the afternoon of Friday, July 10, to assess the current state of the sector and explore response measures in connection with Megabox JoongAng's recent filing for the commencement of corporate rehabilitation proceedings. The forum was attended by Chairperson Han Sang-jun and Minister Chae Hwi-young, alongside representatives from film distribution companies and franchise theater operators closely linked to Megabox JoongAng's business operations. The meeting provided a direct channel for gathering firsthand industry perspectives and discussing effective government-level support measures. Representatives from the film distribution sector and franchise theater operators raised concerns over the business impact and wider industry ripple effects stemming from the commencement of M

'Hana Korea': Danish Director's Decade-Long Journey to Tell a North Korean Defector's Story

20260710

Still of 'Hana Korea' (provided by Triple Pictures) "Hana Korea," the feature narrative debut of Danish documentary filmmaker Frederik Sølberg, opens in South Korean theaters on July 8. The film follows Hye-seon (played by Kim Min-ha), a young North Korean defector navigating an unfamiliar life in Seoul, and is based on interviews with roughly 30 defectors who have resettled in the South. Sharon Choi (Choi Seong-jae) — best known internationally as director Bong Joon-ho's interpreter — co-wrote the screenplay. The film also stars Kim Joo-ryoung and Ahn Seo-hyun. It is co-produced by Sisso Pictures and Sontag Pictures, with Triple Pictures handling distribution. The story follows Hye-seon, a 21-year-old defector from Yanggang Province, as she pursues her ambition of becoming a nurse. At Hanawon, the government's resettlement support center for North Korean defectors, she is steered toward faster career paths such as baking or nail care, but she insists on pursuing h

Newly Launched 'KoCo Fund' Opens Second-Half Call for Entries — Deadline July 10

20260709

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) will close applications for the second-half round of the 'Film International Co-Production Support Program (KoCo Fund),' newly introduced in 2026, on July 10.The KoCo Fund supports international co-production projects created jointly by Korea's film industry and overseas production companies, and was newly established this year. With a total budget of KRW 3 billion, it selects six to seven projects and provides up to KRW 500 million per film in production funding.Second-Half Review: Around 3 Films Selected with KRW 1.4 BillionFor this second-half review, KOFIC plans to select a total of around three films with a budget of KRW 1.4 billion. The selection results are scheduled to be announced in late August.Second-Half Application Guide Application Deadline — July 10, 2026 Second-Half Budget — KRW 1.4 billion Selection Size — Around 3 films Results Announcement — Late August First Half: 4 Films Selected — Diverse Partner Countries from Year OneIn the

Academy Invites 529 New Members: Directors Maggie Kang and Kim Jee-woon Set to Gain Oscar Voting Rights

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(From left) Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, Michelle L.M. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) released its 2026 new member invitation list on June 24 (local time), and among the 529 invitees are a number of individuals connected to the Korean film industry — spanning animation, genre filmmaking, cinematography, screenwriting, and acting. Among the invitees, Korean-Canadian director Maggie Kang commands particular attention. Her Netflix animated feature KPop Demon Hunters, co-directed with Chris Appelhans, swept the 98th Academy Awards this past March, taking home both Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song. Five others associated with the film have also been extended invitations alongside Kang: co-director Chris Appelhans, producer Michelle L.M. Wong, singer-songwriter EJAE — who performed and co-wrote the winning song "Golden" — co-lyricist Mark Sonnenblick, and music editor Oren Yaacoby. Genre filmmaker Kim Jee-woon also appear

'Korean Short Films: From Introduction to Advanced' Indieground × Eodum-dan Screening Collective Special Screening Program

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Cine Academy: Introduction to Short Films Launches — Discover the New Appeal of Korean Short Film Eight Films Spanning Actor-Director Park Jeong-min's Work to a Cannes Palme d'Or Winner In-Person Screenings at Art Nine Cinema, July 17–18; Free Online Screenings July 25–31 Indieground, established by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC, Chairperson Han Sang-jun) to improve the distribution environment for Korean independent and art-house cinema, will co-present the special screening program Cine Academy: Introduction to Short Films together with the Eodum-dan Screening Collective. This special program, co-organized by Indieground and Eodum-dan, is designed to lower the barrier to Korean short film and help audiences discover its distinctive appeal. Eodum-dan is composed of graduates from the 4th cohort of the Indieground Distribution Academy; following the completion of their training, its members have continued to organize screenings independently while remaining active across v

Na Hong-jin's Hope Named Centerpiece of NYAFF — Cannes Competition Sensation Set for North American Premiere

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Still of ‘HOPE' (provided by VAIRETY) Na Hong-jin's Hope Selected as NYAFF Centerpiece — Buzz Continues in North America Following Cannes Na Hong-jin's Hope has been named the centerpiece film of the 25th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), with its North American premiere set for July 20 at SVA Theater in New York. The selection follows the film's invitation to the Competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, extending its momentum across both prestige art-house and genre festival circuits. The centerpiece slot — alongside the opening and closing films — is one of the defining selections of any festival, programmed at the peak of the event to drive attention and ticket sales. NYAFF annually designates one Asian genre film that combines artistic merit with broad appeal for the centerpiece slot; this year, Hope takes that honor, maximizing its visibility to North American audiences and industry professionals. Na Hong-jin Recei

Beyond Export: Lầu Chú Hỏa and Korea's Second Southeast Asia Playbook

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Poster of ‘Lầu Chú Hỏa’ (provided by Hive Media Corp) The latest box office hit from Hive Media Corp — the studio behind Seoul Spring and Insiders — is not a Korean film. It is a Vietnamese horror film, Lầu Chú Hỏa, based on urban legends surrounding a real mansion in Ho Chi Minh City. Released in Vietnam on June 12, the film surpassed 500,000 admissions within its first week, topping the local box office at number one, and broke even after three weeks with cumulative revenue exceeding 70 billion dong (approximately 4 billion KRW). It marks Hive Media Corp's first foray into overseas investment and production — a result born from combining Korean production and development expertise with locally rooted subject matter. Korean Know-How Meets Vietnamese Legend Lầu Chú Hỏa is a co-production between Hive Media Corp and Runup Vietnam, the Vietnamese subsidiary of Korean company RUNUP Company. The film adapts urban legends attached to a real building in downtown Ho

Hit Films Return, But Korean Cinema Warns the Fundamentals Are Broken

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Panelists at the 22nd Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival's 'Deep Focus: What's Next?' session (provided by Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival) The numbers look like a recovery. In the first quarter of 2026, Korean films captured 75.3% of domestic admissions — a sharp rebound from the 53% share recorded in the same period a year earlier. Leading the surge was The King's Warden, director Jang Hang-jun's historical drama starring Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, which crossed 16.28 million admissions to become the second-highest-attended film in Korean box office history. Yet at nearly the same moment, thirteen film industry organizations held a joint press conference warning of structural collapse, and Megabox — one of Korea's three major multiplex chains — filed for court rehabilitation. The surface and the foundation are telling different stories. Beneath the headline numbers lies a more precarious picture. According to the Korean Film Council's 2025 industry report, dom

Korean Film Council Appoints Jang Gwang-su as New Secretary-General

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The Korean Film Council (KOFIC; Chairperson Han Sang-jun) approved the appointment of Jang Gwang-su as its new Secretary-General at the 12th Regular Committee Meeting of 2026, held on Friday, June 26. Jang joined the Korean Motion Picture Promotion Corporation — KOFIC's predecessor institution — in 1993, and has since accumulated more than 33 years of wide-ranging practical experience across KOFIC's headquarters and several of its affiliated institutions, including KOFIC Namyangju Studios and the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA). He began his career at KOFIC Namyangju Studios, where he served as Head of the Sound Recording Team and later as Director of the Studios, contributing to the development of Korea's film production infrastructure. He subsequently served as Head of the Creative Support Team and Director of the Support Projects Division, leading a range of initiatives to support filmmakers, revitalize the independent and art-house film ecosystem, and expand film cul

KOFIC Holds 2026 Screenplay Contest for Korean Films Awards Ceremony

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The Korean Film Council (Chairman Han Sang-jun; KOFIC) held the awards ceremony for the 2026 Screenplay Contest for Korean Films on Thursday, June 25, at SCENE ONE (S#1), KOFIC's Korea Film Planning and Development Center in Myeongdong, Seoul.KOFIC's Screenplay Contest for Korean Films is a pure creative fiction screenplay competition designed to discover and nurture talented emerging writers. Outstanding works are selected based on filmability, artistic merit, originality, freshness, and diversity.This year's contest received a total of 1,225 submitted screenplays — up from 963 the previous year — and following an intensive selection process, 14 outstanding screenplays were chosen. The Grand Prize was awarded to ▲ Kim Wan for Our Child. A psychological thriller told from the perspective of a mother with antisocial personality disorder, the work was praised by jurors as "a piece with living, breathing characters built around an intriguing premise, made compelling by a