Flying into the unknown rarely feels funny. But what if a real plane hijacking sparked a wild political black comedy? That’s exactly what the 2025 Netflix original Korean film, “Good News,” brings to your screen. This movie adapts a real-life incident from 1970 into a sharp, dark comedy thriller. Let’s unpack why “Good News” is about to fly high with Korean film lovers everywhere. Ready for takeoff?
“Good News” (굿뉴스) Netflix Original Korean Film 2025
Before you settle in, here’s a quick snapshot.
“Good News” is not your run-of-the-mill airport thriller. It throws you into the chaos of a real 1970 event—when Japanese terrorists hijacked a plane bound for North Korea. But what makes it stand out is the film’s unique voice, a biting satire on government nonsense and the tragic comedy of political power games.
Behind the scenes, heroes and villains blur, and the plot twists with surprising humor and heart. The film is directed by the talented Byun Sung-hyun, known for mixing grit with dark humor in his past works.
An Edge-of-Your-Seat Synopsis with a Comic Twist
Set in 1970, a group of Japanese hijackers seizes a plane at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, demanding to be flown to Pyongyang. This sparks a diplomatic nightmare. No official landing rights exist, and every move risks international disaster.
South Korea, Japan, and the United States form a secret task force to stop the terrorists without spilling blood or creating a political crisis. A mysterious fixer known only as “Nobody” (Sul Kyung-gu) leads this covert team. He is a man with baffling skills and unclear motives. Alongside him is Lt. Seo Go-myung (Hong Kyung), a young Air Force officer eager to prove himself.
The daily race against time turns into a showcase of government bungling, self-importance, and the thin line between heroism and survival. The hijackers themselves are a mix of confused zealots and scared kids—far from the ruthless villains Hollywood often paints. Its story is filled with heart, humor, and surprising depth.
Star Power: Cast Who Bring the Characters Alive
Sul Kyung-gu (“Hyper Knife”) as “Nobody,” whose slick skills mask a complicated character.
Hong Kyung (“Revenant”) plays Lt. Seo Go-myung, a man torn between duty and fear, as he faces a tense reality.
Ryoo Seung-bum (“Moving”) as Park Sang-hyeon represents the self-serving intelligence director, juggling power and survival.
These leads anchor the film perfectly, striking a balance between tension and comedic timing.
In supporting roles, there are Japanese actors Show Kasamatsu as Denji, a hijacker from the Red Army faction, and Takayuki Yamada as Shinichi, a key Japanese hijacker.
Furthermore, there are also Korean actors such as Kim Sung-oh, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Hyun Bong-sik.
The movie also features guest roles like Park Hae-soo (“Karma”), Jeon Do-yeon (“Kill Bok Soon”), and Hwang Jung-min (“Narco Saints”). Their appearances add layers of intrigue and flair.
You can expect great energy and chemistry from the cast, lending power to their sharp dialogue and intense scenes.
Behind the Scenes: Byun Sung-hyun’s Bold Vision
Talented director and writer Byun Sung-hyun created the movie “Good News.” In this film, he takes the roles of co-writer and director. He is known for blending thriller, comedy, and political satire into a smart, punchy package.
Some of his popular works include “The Merciless” (2017), “Kingmaker” (2022), and “Kill Bok Soon” (2023). Recently, he co-wrote the Netflix original film “Mantis” (2025) with directors Lee Tae-sung and Lee Jin-seong. “Mantis” is a spin-off of “Kill Bok Soon.”
“Good News” employs an inventive visual style, incorporating surreal touches to capture the chaos and pressure of the hostage rescue. Behind the witty script lies a sharp critique of political cowardice and bureaucracy, officials prioritizing reputation over lives, even in moments of crisis.
Produced by Star Platinum and tailored for global audiences by Netflix, this film is available to Korean film fans worldwide.
Fun Facts
“Good News” is inspired by the actual hijacking of Japan Airlines Flight 351 by the Red Army Faction.
After learning sign language for his role in the movie “Hear Me: Our Summer,” actor Hong Kyung learned Korean, Japanese, and English for his role in “Good News.” He even memorized key terms related to air traffic control to authentically portray his character, Seo Go-myung, an ambitious Air Force officer and air traffic controller, to achieve a more realistic and polished performance.
Director Byun Sung Hyun reunites with veteran actor Sul Kyung-gu for the fourth time in this project. They previously collaborated on “The Merciless,” “Kingmaker,” and “Kill Boksoon.” Each film tells a completely different story, but their teamwork shapes complex characters with careful thought and detail.
Premiere and Viewing Details
First premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 5, 2025, “Good News”earned praise for its sharp script and bold style. Now, it’s ready for a worldwide audience via Netflix on October 17, 2025.
This wide release offers a thrilling story to global viewers. It’s as funny as it is thought-provoking.
Why “Good News” Should Be Your Next Watch
This film is not just about flights and hijackings. It’s about humanity caught in political games. It’s about courage under fire and comedy hiding in crisis.
Director Byun Sung-hyun crafts a thrilling ride that entertains and makes you think about the price of power and the value of truth. If you love smart stories with heart, colorful characters, and a dose of dark humor, “Good News is an experience you won’t forget.
Last Boarding Call: Don’t Miss Good News’ Clever Flight
“Good News” challenges everything you expect from a film about a hijacking. It’s sharp, funny, and deeply human. The story shows how messy politics get when real people’s lives hang in the balance.
Available for streaming on Netflix this October 17, it’s time to buckle up and enjoy a Korean film that’s bold, unique, and stirring!
So, will you look past the headlines and discover the real story behind the crisis? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
In the meantime, watch the thrilling teasers for the new Netflix original Korean film “Good News” in 2025 below.
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