'Shoplifters' filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda to helm first Korean film

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda / Courtesy of CJ Entertainment

“Shoplifter” filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda is set to direct his first Korean film, tentatively titled “Baby, Box, Broker.”

This will be Kore-eda's second film set outside Japan, following “The Truth,” which was shot in French and English.

The star-studded cast includes Song Kang-ho of Oscar-winning “Parasite,” Bae Doo-na of epic sci-fi film “Cloud Atlas” and Gang Dong-won of zombie blockbuster “Peninsula.”

The film centers on “baby boxes” that are left out for people to anonymously drop off their unwanted babies.

“'Broker' is a story about baby boxes,” Kore-eda said. “I'm currently working on the script that revolves around three great actors. I hope to create a thrilling, heartwarming and emotional film,” said Kore-eda.

“This film, like my latest French-language film 'The Truth,' will be set outside my home country and native language. I've been exploring questions like 'What can I share with the audience as we overcome language and cultural barriers?' and 'What does it mean to be a director?'”

From left, actors Song Kang-ho, Gang Dong-won and Bae Doo-na / Courtesy of CJ Entertainment, YG Entertainment, Giorgio Armani Beauty

According to the film's distributor CJ Entertainment, Kore-eda and Korean production staff have been working on the script for “Broker” for the past five years. The acclaimed director is currently completing the script and is scheduled to start production next year.

Kore-eda worked with Bae for the romantic fantasy film “Air Doll” in 2009 and this is Song and Gang's reunion after their hit action film “Secret Union” in 2010.

Kore-eda expressed excitement about collaborating with Korean actors and crew, whom he respects. He revealed that he met Song at the Busan International Film Festival and Gang when he was in Tokyo for work.

“I've continued to stay in contact with Song and Gang,” he said. “At first, we simply exchanged greetings, but then, it naturally led to us talking about working on a film together.”

“I worked with Bae in 2009 and thought to myself, 'I hope we can work together again ― next time, as a human character,' and that dream has finally come true 10 years later.”

The award-winning filmmaker has been invited to compete for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival five times. He won the Jury Prize at the 2013 festival for “Like Father, Like Son” and the Palme d'Or at the 2018 festival for “Shoplifters.”