
Director Hong Sang-soo, left, and actor Kim Min-hee pose with their Silver Bear for “The Novelist’s Film” at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, Feb. 16, 2022. EPA-Yonhap
By Baek Byung-yeul
Bong Joon-ho and Hong Sang-soo, two of Korea’s most celebrated film directors, will showcase their latest works at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, which kicks off on Thursday, to meet with film enthusiasts across the globe.
Also known as the Berlinale, the festival is widely regarded as one of the “Big Three” film festivals alongside Cannes and Venice. This year it will showcase a diverse selection of films from around the world, including several from Korea.
Among Korean filmmakers, Hong stands out for his notable track record at international film festivals, often independent of domestic box office performances. Although no Korean film has yet to win the coveted Golden Bear at the Berlinale, Hong has already made his mark by securing the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize twice, first with his 2022 film “The Novelist’s Film” and again in 2024 with “A Traveler’s Needs.”
This year, Hong will present the world premiere of his 33rd feature film, “What Does That Nature Say to You,” which will be competing for the Golden Bear. The 64-year-old director describes his new work as “a bittersweet comedy that offers profound insights into the dynamics of human relationships.”
Bong Joon-ho, who gained global acclaim after winning the Palme d’Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival and the Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards with his film “Parasite,” will also showcase his new film “Mickey 17” to global fans at the Berlinale Special section. Starring British actor Robert Pattinson, this sci-fi thriller is Bong’s first film in six years since “Parasite.”

Director Bong Joon-ho, left, and lead actor Robert Pattinson attend a press conference for the upcoming sci-fi film “Mickey 17” at a theater in Seoul, Jan. 20. Yonhap
In addition to these highly anticipated works, director Min Kyu-dong’s new film “The Old Woman with the Knife” will also be screened in the Berlinale Special section. This action-packed thriller, based on Gu Byeong-mo’s novel of the same name, tells the story of a showdown between an aging female assassin and a young male assassin.
Two other Korean films, Kang Mi-ja’s “Spring Night” and Kim Moo-young’s “The Sense of Violence,” are invited to the festival’s Forum section as well. The Forum section, led by Barbara Wurm, is a non-competitive showcase of contemporary international cinema.
An industry official highlighted the importance of Korean films at the Berlinale, stating that it provides a valuable opportunity to connect with film industry professionals from around the world and promote their work.
“European audiences have consistently shown a keen interest in Korean cinema,” the official from a Korean film distribution company said.
“Participating in this globally prominent film festival allows us to showcase Korean films to a wide range of industry insiders, while also exploring opportunities to import quality international films into the Korean market.”
To support the Korean filmmakers and industry professionals, the Korean Cultural Center in Berlin will host a Korean Film Lounge at the center during the Berlinale.
This lounge will provide a space for business meetings, complete with meeting rooms, complimentary internet access and refreshments, for those participating in the European Film Market, which runs concurrently with the festival.