Three Korean Films Set for World Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival |
Three Korean films will have their world premieres at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), scheduled for September 4-14, 2025. All three productions will be featured in the festival’s prestigious Special Presentations section, which showcases outstanding contemporary films from around the world.Featured Films“The Ugly” Director Yeon Sang-ho, known for “Parasyte,” presents this mystery thriller based on his own 2018 graphic novel. The film stars Kwon Hae-hyo as Young-gyu, a blind master of traditional seal engraving, and Park Jung-min as his son Dong-hwan. Together, they work to uncover the truth behind the death of Young-gyu’s wife.“Project Y” This crime drama from directorLee Hwan features Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo as two women who resort to stealing dirty money and gold bars to escape their difficult circumstances. The film explores themes of desperation and survival through the lens of these two protagonists.“Good News” A Netflix original film directed by Byun Sung-hyun, this tense thriller stars Sul Kyung-gu and we know and love today. Remember “Parasite”? Yep, it premiered here before going on to sweep the Oscars. “The Handmaiden,” “Mother,” “Decision to Leave” – all these masterpieces found their global audience through TIFF’s platform. It’s fascinating how Korean cinema has evolved from being a niche interest to commanding international respect. Much like how our own regional cinema in various languages has started gaining pan-Indian recognition, Korean films have transcended language barriers to tell universally compelling stories. The themes these films explore – family bonds, social inequality, survival against odds – resonate deeply across cultures, whether you’re watching from Seoul or Mumbai. The 50th edition of TIFF marks a golden jubilee for the festival, and having three Korean films in the spotlight shows just how far Korean cinema has come. It’s a testament to the power of authentic storytelling that connects with audiences regardless of geographic boundaries, much like how our own diverse film industries continue to find new audiences both domestically and internationally. Hong Kyung. Set in the 1970s, the story centers on a secret operation to safely land a hijacked plane.TIFF’s Korean Film Legacy This isn’t TIFF’s first rodeo with Korean cinema, and honestly, the track record speaks for itself. The Special Presentations section has been a launching pad for some of the most iconic Korean films
