Korean filmmakers urged to take creative leadership in productions with HollywoodKorean filmmakers must move beyond the passive role of selling original content and secure creative leadership in Hollywood partnerships to overcome the current domestic slump, according to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC). KOFIC, a state-run agency that supports and fosters the local film industry, warned in its report released Friday that the industry can no longer grow just by relying on local box office sales or selling remake rights. "A shift in the North American market entry paradigm is urgent," said Han Sang-jun, chairman of KOFIC. Stating the importance of the North American market, which is the largest in the world, he emphasized that the council must establish a practical policy foundation that reflects the actual needs of the field to ensure that Korean film professionals can secure their share on the global stage. “We need to prepare a promotion base centered on on-site demand along with the transition of the North American entry policy paradigm," he said. He added that he expects this study to serve as a major resource for pushing forward policies that vitalize Korean filmFeb 1, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Korean cinema tells different kind of story at SundanceThe popularity of Korean cinema overseas continues to go up, up, up with the success of recent films such as "KPop Demon Hunters" and Park Chan-wook's latest hit, "No Other Choice." A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism found that cultural exports, especially dramas and films, have helped raise Korea's global image to a new record high. Yet it seems that the Korean wave, or hallyu, hasn't hit Sundance in quite the same way. When Robert Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978, his goal was to showcase independent directors working outside of Hollywood, primarily in the United States. But over the past four decades, Sundance has grown to support many filmmakers based overseas too, including those with roots in Korea. As the visibility of Korean cinema gradually increased on the international stage, so too has its presence at Sundance — and this year is no exception. Two Korean American directors are competing in the U.S. Dramatic Competition this time around, both with their feature debuts. “Bedford Park,” written and directed by StephanieJan 31, 2026By David Opie
‘King’s Warden’ shows why Yoo Hae-jin remains successfulAttempting to confine Yoo Hae-jin, one of Korea’s most respected actors, to a single genre is futile. Across comedies, thrillers and dramas, he has consistently delivered performances that exceed expectations. But if one were compelled — however reluctantly — to single out a defining genre, it would be historical drama. Few actors feel as organically rooted in period settings as Yoo. That affinity is precisely why his upcoming film, “The King’s Warden,” is drawing anticipation. Set in 1457 in Cheongnyeongpo, a remote site in Yeongwol county, Gangwon Province, the film centers on a village leader who chooses to live alongside an exiled king for the sake of his community. It is the first Korean production to place King Danjong — the boy king of the Joseon Dynasty who was dethroned in a coup led by his uncle — at the heart of its narrative. At the helm is director Jang Hang-jun, with Yoo, Park Ji-hoon and Jeon Mi-do leading the cast. Sitting in a cafe in central Seoul’s Samcheong-dong, Yoo said he holds deep affection for the film, calling it a rare work that speaks across gJan 31, 2026By Hankookilbo
Shim Eun-kyung becomes 1st Korean to win Kinema Junpo best actress awardShim Eun-kyung has been chosen as best actress by the Japanese film publication Kinema Junpo, becoming the first Korean to win the honor. According to at9 Film on Friday, the actress was given Best Actress in the publication's Best Ten award for her role in the Japanese film "Two Seasons, Two Strangers" by Sho Miyake. "Thank for giving me this incredible award. I am already happy to have miraculously been able to be part of this film and am even happier to receive this award," she said. The film, a story about screenwriter Lee (Shim) traveling to a small snow-covered town while going through a slump, was also named Best Japanese Film. Founded in 1919, Kinema Junpo is a Japanese film magazine widely known for its annual awards, Best Ten, one of the most prestigious honors in Japanese cinema. Since her debut in 2003, Shim has starred in multiple box office hits, such as "Sunny"(2011) and "Miss Granny" (2014), before starring in Japanese films, such as "The Journalist" (2019).Jan 30, 2026By Yonhap
‘Number One’ captures precious value of life, familyIn the upcoming film "Number One," a young man begins seeing a mysterious number decrease every time he eats his mother’s cooking, an unsettling countdown that forms the emotional core of director Kim Tae-yong’s latest film about family and mortality. The filmmaker said that he wanted to create a story about the preciousness of life that will stay in the hearts of the audience at a time when many have grown numb to death in an era saturated with provocative content. "While there are many violent and provocative stories today, this movie talks about how valuable a single person's life is," Kim said during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. “Number One” follows a young man named Ha-min (Choi Woo-shik), who comes to realize that the number represents the remaining times he can eat a meal by his mother, Eun-sil (Jang Hye-jin) and that her life will end when the count reaches zero. Desperate to change her fate, Ha-min struggles to save her as time runs out. The film is based on Japanese writer Sora Uwano’s novel “The Number of Times You Can Eat Your Mother's Cooking Is 328” (Jan 29, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
InterviewPark Ji-hoon breathes new life into tragic Joseon monarch in 'King's Warden'Singer and actor Park Ji-hoon is taking a major step in his acting career with his big-screen debut, portraying one of Korea’s most tragic monarchs in the historical film "The King’s Warden.” Taking on the role of deposed King Danjong (1441–57) of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty, the 26-year-old actor felt a deep respect for the character and the weight of portraying a historical figure who led a lonely and difficult life. "I was honestly scared when I first received the offer. I wondered if I could truly understand the heart of King Danjong, who lost his family and felt such emptiness," Park told The Korea Times, Tuesday. "I questioned whether I could express that depth of emotion in my first movie." “The King’s Warden” tells the story of the dethroned king during his exile as he forms unexpected bonds with villagers and Eom Heung-do, the village's head played by veteran actor Yoo Hae-jin. Through these relationships, the film explores how a fallen monarch finds the will to live once more. While history remembers him as a boy king who was deposed by his uncle and met a sorrowJan 28, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Miky Lee solidifies legacy as visionary architect of Korean cinemaYou may not know her name, but you've likely seen the impact of her work. From introducing multiplex cinemas to Korea to backing filmmakers who would later redefine world cinema, Miky Lee has spent decades building the foundation of an industry that now commands global attention. Long before "Parasite" introduced her to the world stage, she was already transforming how Korean stories were created, distributed and shared with the world. The CJ Group vice chairperson's legacy was recognized once again as she earned a spot as the only Korean on Forbes' 50 Over 50 Global 2026 list — joining influential figures such as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Oscar-winning actor Penelope Cruz. The U.S. business magazine praised Lee for her enduring leadership and transformative role in shaping Korea’s cultural industry and its global rise. While many in the West first became familiar with Lee after the historic Oscar win of "Parasite" in 2020, Forbes noted that her influence stretches back much further. "Though the world first learned her name in 2019, when she served as a producer forJan 28, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Netflix to release 4 Korean movies in bid for 2026 successNetflix is set to release four Korean films in 2026, rolling out one title per quarter in a streamlined slate that signals a shift in strategy. The platform ended last year on a disappointing note, after a run of releases that generated early attention but struggled to sustain critical momentum. Now, Netflix is recalibrating its Korean film output — seeking a more deliberate balance between mainstream appeal and auteur-driven credibility, with the aim of translating local hits more effectively for a global streaming audience. The four titles slated for sequential release in Netflix’s 2026 content road map are "Pavane," "Husbands in Action," "Cross 2" and "Possible Love." While modest in number, the lineup appears carefully curated to deliver mainstream entertainment tailored to Netflix’s global platform. The first release arrives Feb. 20 with "Pavane," a youth romance about three emotionally withdrawn individuals drifting through their own silences, until chance encounters pull them into a delicate orbit of connection and mutual healing. The film is directed by Lee Jong-pil, who prevJan 27, 2026By Hankookilbo
Sam Raimi explores workplace power dynamics in survival thriller 'Send Help'Director Sam Raimi returns to his genre-bending roots with "Send Help," a survival thriller that sees workplace hierarchies flipped on their head when a plane crash strands an overworked employee and her demanding boss on a remote island. "I hope that the film has an effect on the audience, not knowing who to identify, who's safe to follow," the director said during an online press conference, Monday. "Is it this woman who seems like our protagonist or is it this man who at first seems like our antagonist, but later we are attracted to? I love the switching back and forth of the audience identification." Starring Rachel McAdams as Linda and Dylan O’Brien as her boss Bradley, the film explores shifting power dynamics, psychological tension and moral ambiguity in a hostile environment. Raimi, known for films ranging from the cult classic "The Evil Dead" to the blockbuster "Spider-Man" trilogy and "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," returns to his horror roots for this project. He explained that the genre provides a unique sense of catharsis for viewers. "I think people like facJan 26, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
'Welcome to Wonder World' screening invites children to learn English naturally"Welcome to Wonder World" promises to be more than a kids' movie. Premiering at CGV Yeongdeungpo Thursday morning, the project combines singing, dancing and call-and-response, giving young audiences the chance to learn English, burn some energy and help the characters in the film solve problems. A fantasy film, "Welcome to Wonder World" is deliberately structured to help children remember songs, dances and phrases by teaching without being didactic. It promises to be an interactive, meaningful and fun day out for both parents and kids. The brainchild of a team with members from five different countries, "Welcome to Wonder World" already has the seal of approval from Park Hyun-young, a linguistic education expert known as "Supermom." Park lauded the movie for helping lower kids' hesitancy when a new language, saying that after engaging with the piece, "English becomes something they do, not something they're told to learn." This will be especially true of the two screenings this Thursday and Friday, where audiences can meet the actors in person as the movie's characters. They can take phoJan 26, 2026By Rory Kelly
