The anticipation is building as the Busan International Film Festival announces its selections for the highly anticipated Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere and On Screen strands. This year’s lineup promises an array of captivating stories, debuts, and returning favorites that are set to captivate audiences from around the world.
Introduced in 2021, the On Screen section has quickly become a highlight of the festival, showcasing series that push the boundaries of storytelling. This year, six world premieres are set to grace the screen – five from Korea and one from Indonesia.
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“I Am a Running Mate” is a standout in the lineup, marking the directorial debut of Han Jin-won, the co-writer of Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar-winning “Parasite.” The series follows an ordinary student’s quest to become the student president, merging coming-of-age themes with political drama. With a stellar cast including Yoon Hyun-soo, Lee Jung-sic, Choi Woo-sung, Hong Hwa-yeon, and Lee Bong-jun, this promises to be a compelling watch. Three out of the nine episodes will be screened at the festival.
The Waave original series “The Deal” presents a tale of criminal intrigue, as two young men kidnap their friend and demand a staggering ransom. This series marks Yoo Seung-ho’s streaming debut and features a talented ensemble cast including Kim Dong-hwi, Yoo Su-bin, and Lee Jooyoung. With three episodes out of eight set to screen at Busan, audiences are in for an exhilarating ride.
The Disney+ series “Vigilante” brings a popular webtoon to life, depicting a scholarly police academy student who takes justice into her own hands. Starring Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Jun-hyuk, and Kim Sojin, this series promises intense action and gripping storytelling. Three episodes out of eight will be showcased at the festival.
“A Bloody Lucky Day,” based on an acclaimed webtoon, tells the story of a cheerful taxi driver whose path crosses with a young murderer. With an impressive cast including Lee Sung-min, Yoo Yeon-seok, and Lee Jung-eun, this series offers a unique blend of intrigue and suspense. Three episodes out of eight will be screened.
“LNTS,” a whimsical comedy, takes viewers on a journey from indifference to becoming an unlikely blackmailing duo. With a talented creative team and a strong cast led by E Som and Ahn Jae-hong, two episodes out of six will be presented at Busan.
In the realm of feature films, the Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere section brings mainstream Korean commercial films to the forefront. “Believer 2,” a sequel to the hit 2018 film, is set to world premiere at the festival. With dynamic action sequences and a star-studded sequel including Cho Jin-woong, Cha Seung-won, Han Hyo-joo, and Oh Seung-hoon, this film is poised to continue the legacy of its predecessor.
Netflix’s “Ballerina,” directed by Lee Chung-hyun, tells a tale of revenge and retribution, centering around a formidable female warrior portrayed by Jun Jongseo. This film promises to be a gripping journey of determination and justice.
“Hopeless,” selected for Un Certain Regard at Cannes, will have its Asian premiere at Busan. This addition to the Korean film noir genre stars Hong Xa-bin alongside Song Joong-ki, promising a dark and atmospheric cinematic experience.
As the 28th Busan International Film Festival draws near, cinephiles and enthusiasts can look forward to an array of cinematic treasures, from compelling series to gripping feature films. With innovation, creativity, and storytelling prowess on full display, the festival is set to once again capture the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. The festival will take place from October 4 to 13, with the Asian Contents & Film Market running from October 7 to 10, offering an exciting platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts to explore and celebrate the magic of cinema.