'Spirits' Homecoming' returning to theaters"Spirits' Homecoming," a widely discussed movie addressing the tragedy of Japanese military sexual slavery, is returning to theaters in an extended cut to mark its 10th anniversary, bringing renewed attention to an issue with only five surviving victims remaining. Connect Pictures, the film's distributor, said Friday that the extended version of "Spirits' Homecoming" — subtitled "Sister, Let's Go Home" in Korean — will open in theaters nationwide on Aug. 26. Directed by Cho Jung-rae, the original 2016 film was based on traumatic experiences of the late Kang Il-chul, one of the victims, and her drawing “Burning Women.” Made possible through crowdfunded donations from more than 75,000 citizens, the movie drew more than 3.58 million viewers and sparked nationwide attention upon its release. The updated 132-minute version adds six minutes of previously unreleased footage. By incorporating the stories of women from other Asian nations who suffered under the same system during World War II, the new version expands its narrative scope to emphasize cross-border solidarity and friendshipJul 24, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' to compete at Venice film festDirector Lee Chang-dong's "Possible Love" has been officially invited to compete for the Golden Lion at this year's prestigious Venice International Film Festival. Lee's feature was included in the lineup of 20 films nominated for the main competition section at the event scheduled for Sept. 2-12, in an announcement made at a press conference Thursday. "Possible Love" is Lee's first feature film in eight years following the critically acclaimed "Burning" (2018). The Netflix film centers on the intertwined lives of two married couples -- a laid-off worker and his wife and an affluent documentary filmmaker and her husband -- and the story that unfolds as they meet. It features a star-studded cast, including Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong. The invitation marks the auteur's return to the film festival after 24 years, following the drama romance "Oasis" (2002). The film won the Silver Lion for best director and the FIPRESCI critics award, while lead actress Moon So-ri won the Marcello Mastroianni Award presented to emerging actors. In 2012, Korean director Kim Ki-duk'sJul 24, 2026By Yonhap
Yoo Ah-in signals acting return amid Galaxy contract talksActor Yoo Ah-in has fueled fresh speculation about a possible return to acting after making a rare public appearance alongside director Jang Jae-hyun at the VIP premiere of the movie "Hope." Following his career-halting drug scandal, the actor had largely stayed out of the public eye until he appeared before audience members and industry peers with Jang, prompting speculation over whether he is preparing to resume his professional career. Yoo attended the VIP screening of the movie "Hope" at Megabox Coex in Gangnam District, Seoul, on July 13. He arrived with Jang and greeted film industry executives and colleagues before the screening. The outing drew heavy media attention as his first major public appearance since the Supreme Court upheld his suspended prison sentence on charges of habitual drug use. Prosecutors indicted Yoo in 2023 on multiple drug-related charges. Investigators found that he illegally used controlled medical anesthetics, including propofol, 181 times between September 2020 and March 2022. He also fraudulently purchased roughly 1,100 sleeping pills under other peopleJul 23, 2026By Hankookilbo
'Drowning' singer Woodz joins Lee Byung-hun in historical action film from 'Exhuma' cinematographerWoodz, widely recognized for his hit song “Drowning,” is set to join the cast of a historical action film scheduled to begin shooting in the second half of the year. The singer’s participation was announced Thursday by Hive Media Corp., the production company behind the tentatively titled film “Nambeol,” or “The Southern Campaign” in English. Set in Korea during the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty era, the film is billed as a hard-boiled, wuxia-style action feature. Its story follows nine warriors of disparate social backgrounds and talents who embark on a campaign to Japan’s Tsushima Island to rescue Korean captives held by local pirate lords. Woodz will play Cheonnom, whose name literally means “firstborn,” a skilled archer who never misses his mark. He joins the perilous campaign to support his family. Devoted both to his family and his fellow warriors, Cheonnom is determined to bring every member of the expedition home alive. The film is directed by Lee Mo-gae, who previously oversaw the cinematography for “12.12: The Day,” “Exhuma,” “Hunt,” “Yadang: The SnJul 23, 2026By Hankookilbo
Chaotic grace: Na Hong-jin captivates New York with 'Hope'Long celebrated as one of East Asia’s most uncompromising genre purveyors, Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin arrived at Lincoln Center this week to do what he does best: leave audiences entirely unnerved and thoroughly exhilarated. At the 25th New York Asian Film Festival, Na’s latest cinematic juggernaut, "Hope," held its North American premiere as the festival’s centerpiece selection. The film — a sprawling, claustrophobic thriller set in Hopohang, an isolated port town near the demilitarized zone, where local police officer Beom-seok investigates reports of a tiger, only to confront an unexplainable threat — has dominated Korea's domestic box office since its release. Following the screening Monday, Na was presented with the Daniel A. Craft Award for Excellence in Action Cinema, a prestigious honor recognizing creators who push the physical architecture of film forward. The director, celebrating his birthday on the night of the premiere, was serenaded by the audience before accepting the prize. "I find myself celebrating my birthday for a third consecutive day — before I left,Jul 23, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Yoon Dan-bi's 'The World Before' to compete in Toronto film festKorean director Yoon Dan-bi's coming-of-age film "The World Before" has been invited to screen at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the film's distributor said Wednesday. The film is among the 12 films that will have their world premieres at TIFF's Platform program, the festival's only competitive section, according to At 9 Film. "Platform was created to spotlight directorial voices and this year's 12-film selection is an imaginative reflection of new auteur cinema now," Anita Lee, chief programming officer of TIFF, was quoted as saying in a separate press release on the event's website. It is the second Korean film to compete in the section following Yoon Ga-eun's "The World of Love." "The World Before" centers on two teenagers, Jin and Doo-jae, as they encounter new feelings upon the latter's arrival on the island where Jin lives, to attend his grandmother's funeral. Sim Su-bin, who appeared in the film "En Route To" (2005) and the hit Netflix series "Teach You a Lesson," portrays Jin, while Kim Eo-jin, who appeared in the school drama "Fragile" (2024), plays her cJul 22, 2026By Yonhap
Why so much swearing? The story behind Na Hong-jin's 'Hope'“Hope” surpassed two million admissions Sunday, just five days after its release, reaching the milestone faster than any other film released this year. But what do cinema’s leading directors make of Na Hong-jin’s first film since “The Wailing” (2016)? “It stands at the pinnacle of cinematic entertainment, pushing every element — tension, suspense, visceral impact and pace — beyond its limits,” said director Lee Chang-dong, who joined Na for an audience Q&A at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul on July 14, a day before the film’s release. Lee was Na's teacher during his first year at the Korea National University of Arts. Bong Joon-ho, whose film “The Host” (2006) similarly centered on a mysterious creature, joined Na for another audience Q&A at Megabox COEX in Seoul on the film's release day of July 15. “I watched it in a state of complete exhilaration,” Bong said. “The first 62 minutes offer the thrill and madness of action, but they also gradually build up all the wretchedness, insignificance, cowardice, sordidness and frailty of the human characters.”Jul 22, 2026By Hankookilbo
'Teenieping' sequel dives into maternal love with bigger spectacleFollowing the success of “Heartsping: Teenieping of Love,” which drew more than 1.2 million viewers in 2024, the beloved TV animation franchise “Teenieping” is returning to the big screen with a deeper emotional story centered on family and maternal bond. Directed by Kim Su-hoon, CEO of SAMG Entertainment, the new fantasy animated movie “Teenieping: Legend of the Whale Heartstone" follows the miraculous adventure of Princess Romi and her fairy companion Heartsping as they set out to save Romi's mother, Queen Belita. "It took about four years to produce this film," Kim said during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. "We received so much love for the first movie that we felt a lot of pressure. I hope audiences will enjoy this new installment as well." Unlike the first movie, which focused on the budding friendship between Romi and Heartsping, the sequel places motherly love at the center of its narrative. The primary setting of the ocean and the symbol of the whale were specifically chosen to reflect this theme. "This film focuses heavily on the relationship between a mother anJul 21, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Lee Chang-dong's film 'Possible Love' earns TIFF invitationDirector Lee Chang-dong's new film, "Possible Love," has been officially invited to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Festival organizers said Monday that the film will screen in the Special Presentations section of the 51st edition of TIFF, which opens in Canada on Sep. 10. The event, North America’s largest film festival, is widely recognized as among the world's leading film events alongside Venice, Cannes and Berlin. The Special Presentations section introduces new works by world-renowned actors and directors, and previously featured Bong Joon-ho’s "Parasite" (2019) and Park Chan-wook’s "Decision to Leave" (2022). TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey praised the film, calling "Possible Love" a powerful work that deeply explores marital relationships, class and cinema itself. While the festival operates without a traditional competition section, its moviegoer-voted People’s Choice Award is a highly watched indicator of prospective Academy Award success. The film represents Lee’s first feature in eight years. It follows two married couples from starkly different economic bacJul 21, 2026By Hankookilbo
Spider-Man takes over Seoul's Lotte World Tower for summer eventA superhero’s view of Seoul is coming to life this summer, as visitors can step into the world of Spider-Man at the top of Lotte World Tower through a new collaboration tied to Sony Pictures’ upcoming film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” The “Spider-Man: Brand New Day X Seoul Sky” program opened Friday and will run through Aug. 31, offering themed exhibitions, limited-edition merchandise and a high-altitude attraction that lets guests walk 541 meters above the ground. The centerpiece is the Sky Bridge Tour, an outdoor attraction that takes visitors across an 11-meter bridge near the top of Lotte World Tower while wearing safety gear inspired by Spider-Man’s adventurous image. The limited seasonal experience is available through same-day reservations on a first-come, first-served basis, with only four participants allowed each day. The collaboration comes ahead of the film’s scheduled theatrical release in Korea on July 29, creating a connection between the movie’s skyscraper-filled action scenes and Seoul Sky’s panoramic urban views. The program features themed installatiJul 21, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
