'Good News' starring Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung invited to Toronto film festival

A scene from “Good News,” which is officially invited to the Special Presentations section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Courtesy of Netflix

Netflix’s upcoming Korean film “Good News” has been officially invited to the Special Presentations section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), set to run from Sept. 4 to 14.

Directed by Byun Sung-hyun, “Good News” centers on a suspicious secret operation to land a hijacked airplane in the 1970s, bringing together a group of people with hidden agendas. The film will have its world premiere at TIFF.

The Special Presentations section at TIFF showcases highly anticipated works from around the globe, often featuring strong artistic merit and broad audience appeal.

Previous Korean films featured in the section include “Veteran 2,” “Decision to Leave,” “The Age of Shadows” and “The Handmaiden.” TIFF is considered one of the “big four” film festivals alongside Cannes, Berlin and Venice, and is North America’s largest.

Festival CEO Cameron Bailey cited “Good News” as an example of “innovation, authenticity and a global perspective,” values that TIFF has upheld over the past five decades.

“Good News” marks the third time director Byun has been invited to a major international film festival, following “The Merciless” at Cannes in 2017 and “Kill Bok Soon” at Berlin in 2023.

Known for his stylish direction and gripping storytelling, Byun is expected to bring a new level of tension and psychological intrigue with his latest work.

The film also draws attention for its casting, which includes Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung and Ryu Seung-bum, a striking combination of veteran presence and rising talent. “Good News” will be released exclusively on Netflix.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.