Gangster comedy ‘Boss’ offers unique twist on classic genreDirector Ra Hee-chan believes his film "Boss" will be compelling for audiences this Chuseok holiday season because it flips the traditional gangster movie formula by focusing on characters finding their true identities rather than on a fight for power. "The ironic situation where they don't want to be the boss felt like an effective way to present a comedy," the director said after the film's premiere in Seoul, Wednesday. "I worked to write a deeper story that combines comedy with the dilemma of gangsters who have other dreams." He added that the film's unique concept and its characters differentiate it from other gangster comedies. "The fact that these gangsters are seeking their own identity and dreams, not just loyalty, is what makes it different," he said. The film's humor comes from the intense rivalry between Soon-tae and Kang-pyo, two second-in-commands who are desperately trying to avoid becoming the boss. Jo Woo-jin portrays Soon-tae, a talented Chinese restaurant chef who wants to be the best in his field but is stuck as the gang's second-in-command. Jung Kyung-ho plays Kang-pyoSep 24, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
BIFF 2025 'The People Upstairs' review: Ha Jung-woo excels in cheeky sex comedy3/5 stars Noisy neighbours are an all-too-common scourge of Asia's overcrowded cities, but what do you do when their intimate nocturnal antics become too loud to ignore? For the protagonists of Ha Jung-woo's "The People Upstairs," which just premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, a direct approach backfires spectacularly, leading to an uncomfortable and frequently hilarious dinner party between two wildly different couples. This relocated adaptation of Cesc Gay's "Sentimental" is the latest in a string of Korean remakes of Spanish films, which also includes "Door Lock" and "Intimate Strangers" (both from 2018). The new film stars Gong Hyo-jin and Kim Dong-wook as a married couple whose relationship has grown so stagnant that they sleep in separate rooms and avoid any semblance of intimacy. When the incessant moans, gasps and repetitive thumping sounds from the couple upstairs become unbearable, Jung-ah (Gong) resolves to confront their new neighbours. But when she learns that it is her favourite online therapist, Kim Su-gyeong (Lee Hanee), and her husband (Ha Jung-woo) whSep 24, 2025By SCMP
BIFF 2025 'The Great Flood' review: Kim Da-mi can't save puzzling Netflix fantasy2/5 stars Drowning in ambition but narratively adrift, Kim Byung-woo's latest high-concept blockbuster opens with an apartment complex being consumed by a giant tsunami before morphing into a science-fiction thriller that defies simple explanation. Kim's filmography boasts a string of audacious genre-bending experiments, from "The Terror Live to Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy." "The Great Flood," which premiered last week at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, is an action-packed puzzle box that continues in a similar vein. Kim Da-mi plays An-na, an AI developer and single mother who wakes to discover that Seoul is being bombarded by unprecedented rainfall and flooding, with the water level already reaching her second-floor flat. Just as she and her six-year-old son Ja-in (Kwon Eun-seong) are being evacuated to a higher floor, a giant wave crashes into the building, sending them and their escape plan into chaos. During its opening movement, "The Great Flood" is breathlessly tense, boasting impressive digital effects and a palpable sense of danger. An-na and Ja-in are repeatedly seSep 23, 2025By SCMP
Hyun Bin makes surprise appearance at wife Son Ye-jin’s ‘No Other Choice’ premiereActor Hyun Bin made a rare public appearance to support his wife, Son Ye-jin, at the VIP premiere of her new film "No Other Choice" in Seoul. The screening took place Monday at CGV Yongsan IPark Mall in Seoul. The event drew attention as several stars’ family members turned out to show their support, including Hyun Bin and actress Lee Min-jung, wife of Son’s co-star Lee Byung-hun. During the photo session, Hyun Bin walked the red carpet, drawing cheers for backing Son’s latest project ahead of its release. The gesture underscored the couple’s strong bond, as well as the close friendship between the Hyun-Son and Lee-Lee couples. Son has been busy promoting the film, recently appearing on YouTube channel Fairy Jae-hyung to share updates about her life as both an actress and mother. Married to Hyun Bin since March 2022, she gave birth to a son that November. “I work and care for my child at the same time. If I can’t multitask, something falls through the cracks,” she said. “As a perfectionist, I just keep living busily.” When asked by host Jung Jae-hyung if Hyun Bin is theSep 23, 2025By Hankookilbo
BIFF 2025 30th BIFF becomes festival for all, not just cinephilesBUSAN — The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) kicked off last week with an electrifying energy, drawing in huge crowds. This year, Korea’s largest film festival is not just for movie fans, but for anyone looking to be part of a vibrant cultural event. The excitement is everywhere, and it’s clear the event has evolved into a full-fledged cultural destination. While films remain the heart of the festival, this year’s biggest attractions are the official merchandise shops. Both the p!tt GROUND booth at Busan Cinema Center and the shop at CGV Centum City have seen hundreds of people lining up to obtain limited edition festival merchandise. BIFF collaborated with a range of creative partners to launch a diverse lineup of 64 official merchandise items. Among them, IAB Studio stood out with collections inspired by cinema and the festival’s 30-year legacy. The studio also designed uniforms for staff and volunteers. Their zip-up hoodie sold out quickly, alongside other items such as caps, film cameras and pins. Another popular item is the 30th-anniversary commemorative postaSep 22, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ director Maggie Kang says husband looks like Saja Boys’ AbbyMaggie Kang, the director of Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” met audiences in person and revealed her favorite characters from Huntrix and Saja Boys. On Sept. 20, a special sing-along screening of “KPop Demon Hunters” took place at Sohyang Theater Shinhan Card Hall in Busan’s Haeundae District during the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), with a guest visit with Kang. The action-fantasy animation tells the story of K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who secretly protect the world through their songs and lead secret lives as demon hunters. The film has dominated global music charts, and BIFF hosted Korea’s first sing-along screening of the film. The event drew a wide range of viewers, including many children, and was one of the most sought-after screenings at the festival. During the guest visit, Kang fielded questions directly from young fans. Children asked questions that reflected their curiosity from repeatedly watching the film, while adults sitting nearby eagerly helped them gain Kang’s attention by raising their hands and waving light sticks. TheSep 22, 2025By Xportsnews
K-drama 'Tempest' angers mainland viewers for 'insulting' China by saying it 'favors war'The K-drama "Tempest," featuring the acclaimed actress Jun Ji-hyun, has sparked considerable outrage among Chinese netizens, who accused the series of "insulting China" by depicting the country as "favoring war" and "uglifying" one of its major cities. Directed by Kim Hee-won, "Tempest" premiered on September 10 and follows skilled diplomat Seo Mun-ju, portrayed by Jun, as she investigates the truth behind a deadly attack that threatens the stability of the Korean peninsula. Jun is recognised as a leading Hallyu star, gaining prominence with the romantic comedy film "My Sassy Girl" in 2001 and achieving even greater fame through her role as Cheon Song-yi in the blockbuster drama "My Love from the Star." Hallyu stars have become influential figures in Korean pop culture, celebrated for their roles in amplifying the global appeal of the Korean Wave (Hallyu). Both of Jun's previous productions were massive successes, amassing high viewership and ratings in China. However, her current popularity has been overshadowed by a controversial scene in "Tempest." One particularly contentious line in eSep 20, 2025By SCMP
BIFF 'Good News' movie review: Hilarious Korean farce based on a real-life hijacking"Good News" is the new film from Byun Sung-hyun, director of "The Merciless" and "Kill Boksoon," and opens with the caption: "Inspired by true events, but all characters and events portrayed are fictional," before asking "What is the truth then?" The event in question is the March 1970 hijacking of Japan Airlines flight 351 by members of the Red Army Faction of the Japan Communist League. What unfolds is a riotously entertaining black comedy about the nature of truth, the power of propaganda and the delicate intricacies of international cooperation. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Sol Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, Ryoo Seung-bum and Takayuki Yamada, "Good News," which just premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, stays closer to how the events actually played out than its opening statement might suggest. After seizing control of the aircraft in Japan, the hijackers, led by Denji (Show Kasamatsu), demand to be flown to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, where they hope to receive political asylum. When the plane enters South Korean airspace, however, an international crSep 19, 2025By SCMP
BIFF 2025 'BAKA's Identity' shines spotlight on youth poverty in JapanBUSAN — Japanese movie director Nagata Koto said she aimed to sound the alarm on the problem of poverty and its psychological ramifications for younger generations in her country with her new film "BAKA's Identity." "Many foreign tourists visiting Japan seem to have the impression that Japan is a peaceful, beautiful and clean country. However, polarization is intensifying within Japanese society. Young people, in particular, are struggling with poverty," Nagata said during a press conference at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, Friday. "Not only are they suffering financially, but they are also having a difficult time due to psychological poverty. Many Japanese people are unaware of this reality, so I wanted to make a film that addresses that issue." "BAKA's Identity" was selected for the newly established Competition section at this year's BIFF. Based on Nishio Jun's novel "Orokamono no Mibun," the drama follows Takuya (Takumi Kitamura), Kenji (Go Ayano) and Mamoru (Yuta Hayashi) as they navigate poverty and the criminal underworld. BIFF programmer Karen Park descrSep 19, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Ha Jung-woo and Gong Hyo-jin reunite after 13 years in ‘People Upstairs’Actors Ha Jung-woo and Gong Hyo-jin are teaming up again after 13 years in the upcoming film “The People Upstairs,” which Ha also directed. Gong said the film is packed with Ha’s signature humor, raising expectations for their reunion. An open talk for the film took place Friday at Busan Cinema Center during the 30th Busan International Film Festival, with Ha, Gong and Kim Dong-wook in attendance. “The People Upstairs,” adapted from a Spanish film, tells the story of two couples — one living upstairs and the other downstairs — who get together for dinner after tensions arise over noise between their homes. The film showcases Ha’s sharp observations and comic sensibility. “I watched the original, and it was very entertaining,” Ha said. “It all unfolds in one space, but it felt diverse and engaging. The characters were charming enough to avoid monotony. I added new elements such as yoga and cooking scenes while working on the script to make it richer than the original.” Ha and Gong last worked together on the 2012 film “Love Fiction.” Gong said meeting Ha againSep 19, 2025By Hankookilbo
