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Kim Sae-ron film set for May 30 release
A film featuring the late South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron will open in theaters May 30 following a press screening and audience Q&A session on May 21, the production company announced Monday. "Guitar Man," produced by local pharmaceutical firm Sungwon Pharmaceutical, centers on a struggling musician who finds purpose through his art. Kim plays Yoo-jin, a keyboardist in the band. Production materials describe her character as someone whose warmth helps the isolated protagonist reconnect with oth
May 12, 2025 -
Comic action 'Hi-Five' readies for release amid star's absence
The press conference for the upcoming superhero comedy "Hi-Five" convened Monday at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Seoul, with director Kang Hyung-cheol and his cast in attendance. Conspicuously absent was Yoo Ah-in, who has vanished entirely from public view following his drug conviction in September. "I wanted to make a fun, entertaining film — the kind you'd find in video rental shops back in the day," said Kang, explaining his vision. "I've been fortunate enough to direct several films, a
May 12, 2025 -
South Korean sci-fi bestseller inks six-figure film deal with Warner Bros
Cheon Seon-ran’s heartwarming science fiction novel "A Thousand Blues" is headed for the big screen in the US. Hubble, the literary imprint of Seoul-based East-Asia Publishing, said Saturday that it had signed a film adaptation deal with Warner Bros. Pictures, and that the novel is "now on track to meet a global audience on screen." The Hollywood studio behind blockbuster franchises such as Harry Potter and Dune, is said to have been drawn to the novel’s "original and compelling" storytelling. D
May 11, 2025 -
Interview: Bella Kim and poetry of identity
Rarely does an actor encounter a role that mirrors their own life experience with uncanny precision, especially for a debut performance. For Bella Kim, who plays the lead role in the French-Korean film "Winter in Sokcho" that recently made its Korean premiere at the Jeonju International Film Festival, the boundary between character and self proved remarkably thin. When Kim arrives at a cafe in Jeonju, having navigated through a sudden downpour, she carries herself with the effortless poise you'd
May 10, 2025 -
Interview: Jerome Yoo's dreamlike vision
Jerome Yoo bends precisely at 90 degrees, utters a greeting of "annyeong haseyo," then straightens up with a mischievous grin. Dressed in matching blue denim with a statement watch glinting on his wrist, he looks more like a college student on cultural exchange than a filmmaker on the festival circuit. A promising voice in Canadian independent cinema for some time, the 31-year-old's artistic footprint extends well beyond his casual appearance. "Mongrels," Yoo's feature debut, had already collect
May 10, 2025 -
Jeonju International Film Festival wraps up ten-day showcase
JEONJU, North Jeolla Province — The 26th Jeonju International Film Festival concluded its ten-day run on Friday evening, capping off an event that presented 224 films from 57 countries to over 70,000 attendees. This year's edition maintained its focus on independent and experimental cinema, with 80 works making their world premieres across various sections. Earlier in the week, American director Joel Alfonso Vargas's family drama "Mad Bills to Pay" took home the Grand Prize in the international
May 9, 2025 -
Rose drops track for Brad Pitt film 'F1: The Movie'
Rose of Blackpink has returned to the music scene with an original track for the upcoming film "F1: The Movie." Warner Music Korea announced that Rose released the song “Messy” on Friday as part of the film’s soundtrack. The film is scheduled to premiere next month. "F1: The Movie" follows veteran driver Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, as he teams up with rookie racer Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) to lead a struggling Formula 1 team back to victory. The music video features scenes of Rose walki
May 9, 2025 -
Movies in theaters this week
"The Old Woman With The Knife" (South Korea) Opened April 30 Action/Drama Directed by Min Kyu-dong A 65-year-old professional assassin (Lee Hye-young) finds her principles crumbling when she develops feelings for a veterinarian (Yeon Woo-jin) and his daughter, while a young, obsessive killer (Kim Sung-cheol) watches her every move. "Holy Night: Demon Hunters" (South Korea) Opened April 30 Action/Horror Directed by Im Dae-hee A powerful team of supernatural warriors (Ma Dong-seok, Seohyun, David
May 9, 2025 -
Tom Cruise brings 'Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning' to Korea
"I enjoy the pressures of making movies. I enjoy the responsibility," Tom Cruise told reporters at a press conference for "Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning" held Thursday at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. The 61-year-old superstar's visit marks his 12th trip to Korea, cementing his status as the most frequent Hollywood visitor to the country. Cruise arrived in Seoul Wednesday on a private jet, greeting fans at Gimpo Airport for about 20 minutes. Later, he was spotted in Seoul's Gon
May 8, 2025 -
Late Kim Sae-ron's family lodges complaint against Kim Soo-hyun over child welfare violations
The family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron on Wednesday filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against actor Kim Soo-hyun, accusing him of violating the Child Welfare Act and making false accusations. Bu Ji-seok, the family's legal representative, discussed this latest legal action during a press conference in Seoul earlier in the day, reiterating the late actress's previous claims that she had been romantically involved with the actor starting when she was in her second yea
May 7, 2025 -
Tom Cruise visits Seoul to promote new 'Mission: Impossible' film
Hollywood star Tom Cruise returned to South Korea on Wednesday, marking his first visit in two years -- this time to promote the latest installment in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Cruise arrived at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul aboard his private jet around 4:20 p.m. He was greeted by a large crowd of enthusiastic fans, some chanting his name and waving posters featuring scenes from his blockbuster films, including the "Mission: Impossible" and "Top Gun" series. Wearing a
May 7, 2025 -
Jeonju film fest announces 2025 award winners
Director Joel Alfonso Vargas' "Mad Bills to Pay" took home the grand prize in the international competition at the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival, while Cho Hyun-suh's "Winter Light" received the same prize for the Korean competition on Tuesday, at an awards ceremony held at Jeonbuk National University's Samsung Cultural Center in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Winners across the festival's international, Korean and short film competitions were crowned at the awards ceremony, with 50 fi
May 7, 2025 -
Jeonju film fest side events to enliven long holiday weekend
The 26th Jeonju International Film Festival kicked off Wednesday with an opening ceremony at the Sori Arts Center in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province -- drawing film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world. Now in full swing, the 10-day festival continues through May 9 with a packed schedule of screenings and events designed to take advantage of the long holiday weekend. With South Korea enjoying a four-day break stretching from Saturday through Tuesday, the festival has lined
May 2, 2025 -
Movies in theaters this week
"A Minecraft Movie" (US) Opened April 30 Fantasy/Adventure/Comedy Directed by Jared Hess In this live-action adaptation of the popular video game, four misfits are pulled into a cubic world where they team up with a former doorknob salesperson (Jack Black) to battle a power-hungry ruler. "All We Imagine as Light" (India/France/Netherlands/Luxembourg/Italy) Opened April 23 Drama Directed by Payal Kapadia Colleagues in a Mumbai hospital (Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam) navigate their str
May 2, 2025 -
Films worth catching at this year's Jeonju film fest
The 26th Jeonju International Film Festival, South Korea's premier showcase for independent and art-house cinema, kicked off Wednesday, bringing 224 films from 57 countries to the cozy North Jeolla Province city through May 9. This year's lineup features 80 world premieres amid a spectrum of narrative innovations and cultural perspectives. For those making the pilgrimage to Jeonju — the historic city known as much for its culinary heritage as its cultural significance — here are three standout f
May 1, 2025