Netflix is set to showcase a diverse slate of nine originals at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which marks its 30th anniversary this year. The festival will feature a special lineup of Korean and global titles, highlighting some of Netflix’s most anticipated projects from world-renowned filmmakers.
Set in the 1970s, “Good News” follows a group of people determined to land a hijacked plane, no matter the cost. After a suspicious plan is hatched mid-flight, chaos ensues. The film, which was also invited to the Special Presentations section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), becomes the first Korean work in seven years to join BIFF’s Gala Presentation lineup. Directed by Byun Sung-hyun, who previously helmed Netflix’s “Kill Boksoon,” the film stars Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, and Ryoo Seung-bum in a suspense-filled thriller of unexpected twists and high-stakes conflict.
In the Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere section, “The Great Flood” presents a sci-fi disaster drama set in a flooded apartment building on the last day of Earth. Starring Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo, the film explores humanity’s desperate fight for survival amid catastrophe, heightened by emotionally charged performances.
BIFF’s On Screen section will also highlight Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese Netflix titles. “As You Stood By” is a Korean series centered on two women who, forced into a life-or-death situation, commit a fateful act of violence and face its devastating consequences. Directed by Lee Jeong-lim, the drama stars Jeon So-nee, Lee Yoo-mi, Jang Seung-jo, and Lee Moo-saeng, capturing friendship and resilience in a harrowing reality.
From Japan, “Romantics Anonymous” tells the tender story of a man who cannot be touched and a woman who cannot meet anyone’s eyes, finding connection through chocolate. Directed by Tsukikawa Sho (“I Want to Eat Your Pancreas”), the series stars Oguri Shun and Han Hyo-joo.
Also from Japan, “Last Samurai Standing” sets its deadly game in 1878, where 292 samurai must fight to the death until only one survives to claim a prize. Led by Okada Junichi and Fujisaki Yumia, the show promises fierce action and ferocious battles.
Taiwan’s contribution, “The Resurrected,” follows two mothers who revive a deceased fraud ringleader to avenge their kidnapped daughters. Directed by Leste Chen and Hsu Chao-jen, the intense series stars Shu Qi and Sinje Lee.
Netflix U.S. titles add further prestige to BIFF’s lineup. “Jay Kelly,” directed by Academy Award nominee Noah Baumbach, follows George Clooney as a famous actor confronting his past and present, alongside Adam Sandler as his loyal manager. “Frankenstein,” a reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic tale, comes from Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro. Meanwhile, Kathryn Bigelow directs “A House of Dynamite,” a tense thriller set off by the launch of a mysterious missile aimed at the United States.
Netflix will also host the second edition of Creative Asia in partnership with BIFF on September 20. This program for emerging filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals expands this year with Creator Masterclasses and a Deep Dive Training Session co-hosted with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
With an international lineup that includes “Good News,” “The Great Flood,” “As You Stood By,” “Romantics Anonymous,” “Last Samurai Standing,” “The Resurrected,” “Jay Kelly,” “Frankenstein,” and “A House of Dynamite,” Netflix once again takes center stage at the 30th BIFF, running from September 17 to 26 at the Busan Cinema Center and surrounding venues.
This article was written with the help of AI, based on a Netflix Newsroom story, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.
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