Welcome to the 18th Korean Film Festival!

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea’s national liberation, and in celebration of this historic milestone, the festival places a special focus on films that reflect and commemorate this defining moment in Korean history.

Our opening film, Harbin, is a historical drama that tells the powerful story of An Jung-geun, a key figure in the Korean independence movement often referred to as the “Korean Spring.” The film stars Hyun Bin, a familiar face to Hungarian audiences.

As always, our Fresh section presents a curated selection of the latest titles from contemporary Korean cinema. In the Faces category, which highlights prominent voices in Korean film, this year’s lineup introduces the works of three promising directors: Hyeongjun Shim, Jung-min Oh, and Garam Kangyu. We are especially delighted to welcome all three directors to Budapest for in-person discussions and Q&A sessions.

Our annually themed Focus section this year revolves around the topic of national liberation, exploring it through diverse genres and cinematic eras. In the Extra section, audiences can enjoy a special showcase of award-winning films from our official partner and sponsor, the Jeonju International Film Festival. Meanwhile, the Bonus program features a curated selection by the organizers of the Korean Film Club in Hungary, now celebrating its 15th anniversary.

To close the festival, we’ll be screening the sequel to Hitman, a film first introduced to Hungarian audiences during the 14th Korean Film Festival. The second installment became a box office sensation in Korea, ranking as the third-highest grossing film of the year. One thing’s for sure—there’ll be no shortage of laughs and action!

I wish you all a wonderful cinematic journey and an unforgettable experience with this year’s films.

Hye Ryong Yu

Festival Director,
Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Budapest