What's Next for Korean Films? Netflix Unveils Preview of 2025 Slate at BIFF

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What's Next for Korean Films? Netflix Unveils Preview of 2025 Slate at BIFF

(From left to right: Director Han Ji-won, Director Lee Tae-sung, Director Kim Byung-woo, Director Yeon Sang-ho, Director Namkoong Sun, Director Kim Tae-joon, Director Byun Sung-hyun)

Entertainment

07 October 2024

GlobalSouth Korea

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During the Busan International Film Festival, Netflix unveiled its 2025 Korean film lineup at the Next on Netflix: 2025 Korean Films event on October 4. Reflecting on its journey with Korean cinema, Netflix offered an exclusive preview of seven new films slated for release next year.

Netflix Korea's Director of Content (Film), Vincent Taewon Kim, joined the creators to spotlight their upcoming 2025 projects, including Yeon Sang-ho with Revelations, Byun Sung-hyun with Good News (WT), Kim Byung-woo with The Great Flood, Kim Tae-joon with Wall to Wall, Namkoong Sun with Love Untangled, Lee Tae-sung with Mantis (WT), and Han Ji-won with Lost in Starlight. This gathering of creative minds provided a platform for directors to share insights into their filmmaking processes, discuss their visions for Korean cinema, and explore opportunities for collaborative growth within the industry.

Netflix has showcased 23 films since 2020, from Time to Hunt to this year's Uprising, which opened the Busan International Film Festival. Vincent Taewon Kim emphasized Netflix's core philosophy: bringing joy to viewers through diverse storytelling. To achieve this, it was important for us to focus on the quality and widen the variety of our 2025 film slate. Because viewers' tastes vary, we strive to provide both universal and unique narratives, he shared. Our film lineup for 2025 offers diverse genres, including action, thriller, romantic comedy, sci-fi, and animation, offering something for everyone.

Great stories can come from anywhere, and Netflix is thrilled to be a creative partner for storytellers, from established talents to newcomers, in realizing their visions. Yeon Sang-ho (Hellbound, Parasyte: The Grey) revealed that he will be taking a different approach in his filmmaking style with Revelations: I've used a lot of CGI from Train to Busan onwards. This time, I wanted to explore filmmaking without extensive CGI. Revelations will take a different, more cinematic approach, focusing on how a film crafted in this style at Netflix would be perceived by viewers.

The directors also shared the value of their collaboration with Netflix. Namkoong Sun, who will be showcasing her first commercial film, Love Untangled, next year marveled at Netflix's ability to connect intimately with global audiences, while Lee Tae-sung (Mantis (WT)) noted how the viewing experience aligns with the preferences of modern viewers. Byun Sung-hyun (Good News (WT), Kill Boksoon) added, The best part about working with Netflix is the tremendous support given to creators.

During this event, Netflix also announced its first Korean-language animated film, Lost in Starlight. Han Ji-won, who directed this feature, said, It was meaningful because this opportunity was made possible through collaborating with Netflix.

As we look forward to 2025, Netflix is set to deliver an exciting slate of Korean films, bringing them to audiences around the world.

First Look Stills for the 2025 Netflix Korean Films

Good News (WT)

Set in 1970, Good News (WT) depicts a suspicious operation carried out by a group determined to land a hijacked airplane by any means necessary. Good News (WT) is written and directed by Byun Sung-hyun, who gained international recognition for The Merciless (2017), which premiered at the 70th Cannes Film Festival and Netflix film Kill Boksoon (2023), which premiered at the 73rd Berlin Film Festival. Sul Kyung-gu (The Whirlwind), reuniting with Director Byun Sung-hyun for the fourth time following their collaborations on The Merciless, Kingmaker (2020) and Kill Boksoon, takes on a transformative role as a mysterious fixer who shows up whenever needed to resolve problems. Hong Kyung (Weak Hero Class 1) takes on the role of an Air Force lieutenant involved in the secret operation, bringing both intensity and subtlety to his role. Ryoo Seung-bum (Moving) joins the cast as the government official in charge of overseeing the entire operation.

DIRECTOR: Byun Sung-hyun (Kill Boksoon, The Merciless) WRITER: Byun Sung-hyun PRODUCED BY: Star Platinum CAST: Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, Ryoo Seung-bum

The Great Flood

Set on the last day of Earth, the sci-fi disaster film follows the desperate fight to save a child from a flooding apartment after a great flood has swept the planet. Director Kim Byung-woo returns with this blockbuster after earning box office and critical acclaim with The Terror, LIVE for its fresh take and interesting plot and Take Point for its precise and vivid portrayal of extreme situations and the people living them. Kim Da-mi, who made a lasting impression with her roles in the film The Witch: Part 1 - The Subversion and the series Itaewon Class, plays Anna, an artificial intelligence researcher struggling to survive a tidal surge. The role of Hee-jo, a security team member who tries to save Anna from the flood that threatens the entire world, is played by the versatile actor Park Hae-soo whose acting range spans from the worldwide hit Squid Game to Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area and Narco-Saints. With the winning combination of Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo, both known for their colorful characters and remarkable performances, The Great Flood brings to life the desperate struggles and the complex emotions that arise when faced with the extremity of an insurmountable disaster.

DIRECTOR: Kim Byung-woo (Take Point, The Terror, LIVE) WRITER: Kim Byung-woo, Han Ji-su PRODUCED BY: Hwansang Studios CAST: Kim Da-mi, Park Hae-soo,

LINK:	https://about.netflix.com/en/news/2025-korean-film-slate-preview-biff...
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