If you’re a movie buff or a K-movie lover, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year on the global festival circuit. Four new Korean films, “Project Y,” “The Ugly,” “Good News,” and “No Other Choice,” will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 and the Venice International Film Festival 2025. Discover everything you need to know about these thrilling new films making waves at the festival scene.
Korean Films at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) & Venice Film Festival 2025
2025 is set to deliver powerhouse Korean storytelling straight to the world’s biggest festivals. These stand-out titles, including “Project Y,” “The Ugly,” “Good News,” and “No Other Choice,” are poised to captivate audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 and the Venice International Film Festival 2025.
“Project Y”: The New Noir Crime Thriller
Korean film “Project Y” (프로젝트Y) has everybody buzzing since its first casting announcement. This gripping Korean noir crime film is one of the most anticipated films to watch this year, especially in crime thrillers.
Han So-hee from “My Name” pairs with Jeon Jong-seo from “Money Heist: Korea” in this film, promising powerful chemistry. The story explores the harsh realities and desperation of two women who plot to steal hidden black money and gold bars to escape their painful realities. Korean noir fans can expect a complex story filled with suspense, moral complexities, and unexpected twists.
“The Ugly”: Brings Mystery and Family Secrets to TIFF
Known for his remarkable directing in “Train to Busan” and “Hellbound,” director Yeon Sang-ho created another must-watch film, “The Ugly” (얼굴), this year. The story digs deep into a dark family mystery stretching back 40 years. Starring Kwon Hae-hyo and Park Jung-min as a father and son, the story will reveal the painful truths.
By skillfully blending mystery with emotional depth, Director Yeon Sang-ho crafts a story that knows how to mix thrills with humanity. Expect layers of suspense wrapped in tightly woven family drama.
“Good News”: Adds More Korean Flair to TIFF 2025
Director Byun Sung-hyun‘s new work, “Good News” (굿뉴스), joins the lineup at TIFF. Known for directing the revenge action film “Kill Bok Soon,” he also wrote this thriller.
The film stars a strong cast, including Sul Kyung-gu as a mysterious problem solver who appears only when needed to crack cases, Hong Kyung as an Air Force First Lieutenant, and Ryoo Seung-bum as the government official leading the covert operation.
The story unfolds a secret and suspicious operation to land a hijacked airplane by any means necessary. This film delivers a gripping cat-and-mouse chase with political suspense, wrapped in a 1970s period setting. The film is part of a South Korean Netflix Original film that is scheduled for release before the end of 2025.
“No Other Choice”: Competes at Venice 2025
Another Korean film, “No Other Choice,” directed by the renowned Park Chan-wook of “Decision to Leave,” will be included in the main competition at the Venice International Film Festival 2025.
Starring Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, this film explores family resilience amid crisis. When a man who gets laid off unexpectedly must struggle hard to protect his family and home. With its intriguing storyline and A-list actors bringing its characters to life, it will captivate viewers in Venice’s prestigious lineup.
A Launchpad for Global Recognition
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Venice Film Festival are two of the most crucial platforms for introducing great films to the world. This year, four Korean films will premiere and compete at these festivals, highlighting Korea’s rising global cinema presence.
These films show Korean cinema’s growing impact and promise significant international attention and acclaim. Their presence at TIFF and Venice showcases the quality and diversity of Korean storytelling—from gripping noir thrillers to intense dramas.
TIFF will spotlight Korean noir and innovative narratives, while Venice highlights social realism and moral complexity. Together, these premieres underline Korea’s expanding influence and offer audiences fresh, compelling perspectives in world cinema
- TIFF 2025 runs from September 4 to 14, 2025.
- Venice Film Festival 2025 takes place August 27–September 6, 2025.
Get Ready to Watch!
With the arrival of four captivating films, “Project Y,” “The Ugly,” “Good News,” and “No Other Choice,” at The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 and Venice Film Festival 2025, Korean films are ready to dominate the 2025 festival circuit.
Join us on Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, WhatsApp Channel and Discord server for discussions. And follow Kpoppost’s Google News for more Korean entertainment news and updates.
