Pixar’s Korean artist says fourth try led to dream job, calls “Elio” a personal filmAs Disney and Pixar prepare to release their new animated film “Elio” in Korea on July 18, one of the most visually striking elements — glittering sands and vast oceans — was crafted by a Korean artist behind the scenes. Lee Jae-joon, a 40-year-old effect technical director who joined Pixar in December 2021, helped bring the film’s complex natural phenomena to life. Effect technical directors are responsible for simulating natural and physical effects, such as water, fire, dust and wind, using computer graphics. Their work plays a crucial role in enhancing realism and immersion in animation, film and games. Lee has contributed to several major Pixar productions, including “Elemental,” a hit with Korean audiences, and “Inside Out 2,” which recently became the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Yet when Lee spoke with the Hankook Ilbo at Pixar’s headquarters in Emeryville, California, on May 6, he said “Elio” is particularly meaningful to him. “I saw myself in Elio’s loneliness,” Lee said. “He wants to escape Earth, and that reminded me of how I feltMay 30, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Big Deal’ unfolds soju war, personal values shaping work life"Big Deal,” a new Korean film, takes its Korean title — "Soju Jeonjaeng," literally meaning soju war — from Korea’s most popular distilled spirit, but it’s about more than just alcohol. Its story invites audiences to reflect on the meaning of work, loyalty and personal values by showing how people’s choices are tested as the world and ideas of success change around them. Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1997 financial crisis, the movie centers on a beloved soju company in financial trouble because of aggressive expansion which causes it to puts its fate in the hands of ruthless global investors. At the heart of the story are two opposing forces — Pyo Jong-rok (Yoo Hae-jin) and Choi In-beom (Lee Je-hoon). Pyo is a loyal employee who takes pride in his company and the cherished Korean spirit it produces. He believes in doing what’s right for the company. In contrast, Choi is a sharp strategist from a global investment firm who sees the company as a business opportunity. “A company is just a place to make money, not the vessel of my life,” Choi said in the film,May 29, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Yoo Ah-in’s potential comeback draws attention as new projects are releasedWith actor Yoo Ah-in awaiting a Supreme Court ruling over charges of habitual drug use, attention is turning to the possibility of his comeback as his unreleased projects are finally seeing the light of day. On March 26, “The Match,” starring Lee Byung-hun and Yoo Ah-in, was released in theaters across Korea. Directed by Kim Hyung-joo, the film tells the story of legendary Go player Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) as he faces defeat at the hands of his protégé and sets out to reclaim his title. Filmed in 2021, “The Match” was originally scheduled for release on Netflix in 2023, but its premiere was indefinitely postponed after Yoo faced charges for habitual narcotics under the guise of receiving sedation for cosmetic procedures. Yoo, who was initially sentenced to one year in prison and taken into custody, was later granted a suspended sentence on appeal. The day before the sentencing, the producers of “The Match” confirmed that the film would be released without cutting any of Yoo’s scenes, as the film centered on the rivalry between the two lead actors, making eMay 29, 2025By Xportsnews
InterviewRa Mi-ran brings humor, heart to superhero film ‘Hi-Five’Actor Ra Mi-ran takes on a new challenge in the upcoming superhero comedy film “Hi-Five,” which hits theaters Friday. The actor, known for her versatility and grounded performances, described the experience as both refreshing and unexpected. “It was a genre I had never tried before, so it felt new to me. I’ve mostly played ‘Mrs.’ roles, but this time, the director Kang Hyoung-chul persuaded me to play a ‘Miss’ and even said she is a pretty character. I thought, ‘When else will I get to perform this kind of role?’” Ra told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Wednesday. In “Hi-Five,” Ra portrays Seon-nyeo, a diligent yogurt salesperson who acquires mysterious superpowers after a kidney transplant. Unlike traditional superhero stories, “Hi-Five” centers on ordinary people who suddenly find themselves with extraordinary abilities. “I think our film is different from Marvel Studios’ movies, which show characters who are special beings with special powers. But in our film, it’s just ordinary people who suddenly get superpowers. This film is grounded in realMay 28, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
INTERVIEW Chang Kiha makes big-screen debut in quirky romantic comedy ‘Virus’Singer-songwriter Chang Kiha has made his official screen debut in the recently released film “Virus,” which hit theaters on May 7. The film, starring Bae Doona as Taek-seon, follows an unexpected journey sparked by a mysterious virus that rekindles her fading capacity to love. Chang plays Yeon-u, a key character whose grounded presence balances the film’s offbeat charm. In a recent interview, Chang recalled his initial reaction to the casting offer: “It felt so out of the blue. I hadn’t really acted before — well, I did a sitcom years ago — but I wasn’t actively thinking about acting again.” Upon reading the script, Chang realized the role was far more substantial than a cameo. He initially declined, but a call from actor and producer Kim Yoon-seok changed his mind. “Kim told me, ‘Film people don’t mess around. We’ll set the stage, just come and have fun,’” said Chang, laughing. “I mean, when else would I get to hang out with these amazing actors?” Chang, a longtime fan of both Kim and Bae, said the opportunity to work with them felt surreal at first.May 28, 2025By Hankookilbo
The Korean connection in Hollywood horror film 'Sinners'"Sinners," Ryan Coogler’s latest film, has many moving parts — both literally and figuratively. But what grounds the story is a production team forged through trust, shared history and creative synergy. The emotional resonance of the film isn’t just felt on-screen; it echoes behind the scenes through the contributions of people like executive producer Rebecca Cho and executive music producer Serena Göransson — both of whom have roots in Korea. While the film doesn’t visually reference Korean culture, its connection to the peninsula is deeply tied to the production team. For both Cho and Göransson, bringing "Sinners" to Korea carries special significance — not just as professionals, but as individuals whose personal ties make the moment intimate and powerful. “For both of them having roots here and bringing a movie that very much touches on that subject, the moment for both is emotional and special for them to promote and show the movie here in Korea,” the team shared. “Both for the love and deep respect they have for the creator and how they can also relate to the sMay 28, 2025By Antonia Giordano
‘Sinners’ offers genre-bending tale of blues, blood and freedomRyan Coogler’s new film "Sinners" makes its Korean debut on Wednesday, blending horror with history, music and emotional weight. While previews might label it a horror film, "Sinners" goes far beyond the genre’s conventions, much like the blues music that drives its story. It’s a meditation on tragedy, love, family and the enduring search for freedom. Set in 1932 Mississippi, the film opens with Sammie Miller, played by breakout talent Miles Caton, rushing into his father’s church, bloodied and clutching part of a broken guitar. His father, a preacher, begs him to abandon the blues — the “devil’s music” — but Sammie clings tightly to both his father and his instrument. This tense scene, though short, already expresses themes such as religion, spirituality, self-expression and freedom that are seen throughout the movie. A flashback transports us to the day before, when the “Smokestack twins” — Elijah "Smoke" Moore and Elias "Stack" Moore, both played by Michael B. Jordan — return from Chicago, ready to open a juke joint in their hometown. Jordan gives a remarkaMay 28, 2025By Antonia Giordano
Netflix’s Korean animation ‘Lost in Starlight’ illuminates love, loss, Seoul’s futureNetflix will make history with the release of its first Korean animated feature film, “Lost in Starlight,” premiering globally on May 30. Written and directed by Han Ji-won, the film is a visually arresting, emotionally resonant romance set in a futuristic Seoul circa 2050, told through the voices of acclaimed actors Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung. “Lost in Starlight” follows the emotional connection between Nan-young (Kim), an ambitious astronaut dreaming of exploring Mars, and Jay (Hong), a talented musician who had to put aside his artistic pursuits. Their fateful encounter, sparked by Nan-young’s quest to repair her late mother’s cherished turntable, sets them on a journey that spans not only the city’s neon-lit streets but also the emotional distance between Earth and Mars. Director Han explained the significance of the film’s title and how the theme of love plays a pivotal role. “It’s about being far apart like Mars and Earth,” the director told reporters after screening at a theater in Seoul, Tuesday. “It’s a love story, but also about parting ways the moment lMay 27, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
‘When I Sleep’ offers tender look at grief, growth“When I Sleep” delves into the intertwined journeys of three women navigating their sleepless nights as director Choi Jung-moon offers a gentle exploration of grief that extends beyond death. "When I started writing the screenplay for 'When I Sleep,' the emotion I thought deeply about was grief. I thought not only about the grief that comes from death but also the grief of people who were by my side, changing and parting ways,” Choi said during a press conference Wednesday at a theater in Seoul. She added that she wrote the story while thinking about "people who have suffered because they are women, and those around me who resemble me." The movie delicately portrays the universal struggles of individuals grappling with their inner turmoil. It follows Seon-ah (Jung Ji-in), Ji-soo (Oh Woo-ri) and Bo-mi (Park Bo-ram) as they embark on a trip to visit a loved one’s grave, a journey that quickly takes an unsettling turn. The three protagonists carry their own burdens. Seon-ah, who works at an advertising company in Seoul, is engaged in a secret office romance with her superior. She leMay 22, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
'Parasite' director Bong Joon-ho joins livestream to celebrate Son Heung-min’s Europa League winFilmmaker Bong Joon-ho, best known for his 2019 Oscar-winning movie “Parasite,” brought his signature enthusiasm to the world of football, joining a live broadcast to cheer on Korean footballer Son Heung-min and his team, Tottenham Hotspur, as they won the UEFA Europa League title on Thursday. Tottenham ended their 17-year title drought with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute, when Brennan Johnson scored. The 55-year-old filmmaker, who had pledged earlier this year to join a live commentary if Tottenham reached the final, fulfilled his promise by appearing on football commentator Park Moon-sung’s YouTube channel Dalsu Live. Comedian Kim Shin-young, who made her big screen debut through director Park Chan-wook’s 2022 film “Decision to Leave,” also attended the broadcasting. Despite having slept only three hours before the match, which kicked off at 4 a.m. Korea time, Bong’s passion was clear from the start. When Son began the match on the bench, Bong predicted,May 22, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
