From Seoul to Cannes: How Korean movies conquered the world’s most prestigious film festivals (2024)

Above Bong Joon-ho’s groundbreaking 2019 dark comedy thriller movie ‘Parasite’ won Best Picture at the 92nd Oscars in 2020

Discussing Korean cinema’s impact on the international stage would only be complete by giving an honourable mention to 2019’s Parasite by mastermind Bong Joon-ho. His blockbuster became the first non-English language film, a Korean movie, to win the Academy Award for Best Picture–a monumental moment for Korean cinema. However, Bong’s journey to Oscar glory began on the festival circuit.

Parasite first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the coveted Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest honour. The victory marked a watershed moment for Korean cinema, signalling its arrival as a major player in the global film industry. The film’s success at Cannes paved the way for its subsequent triumphs at other festivals and awards ceremonies, culminating in its historic Oscar win.

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Not forgetting, Parasite also took home the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award in 2020 for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, beating out Jay Roach’s Bombshell, Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit, the first time a foreign-language film has won in the category.

Above The trailer for Park Chan-wook’s 2003 neo-noir thriller ‘Oldboy’, which divided audiences worldwide

One of the strengths of Korean cinema lies in its ability to excel across various genres whilst maintaining a distinctly Korean flavour. From pulse-pounding thrillers to heart-wrenching dramas, Korean filmmakers have demonstrated their versatility and craftsmanship.

Park Chan-wook’s 2003 neo-noir thriller Oldboy—the one with the jaw-clenching, grotesque sannakji (live octopus) eating scene—won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, introducing many international viewers to the gritty, stylised world of Korean cinema. The film’s complex narrative and shocking twists left audiences stunned and critics raving.

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In contrast, Lee Chang-dong’s Poetry showcased the more contemplative side of Korean filmmaking. The film, which won Best Screenplay at Cannes in 2010, tells the poignant story of an elderly woman grappling with Alzheimer’s disease and a family tragedy. Its nuanced exploration of ageing and mortality resonated with viewers across cultural boundaries.

Above Directed by Kim Bora, ‘House of Hummingbird’ won three awards at its Tribeca premiere, taking the Grand Prix for Best Feature Film (Generation 14+ category) at Berlinale, and the Audience Award at the Busan International Film Festival

Whilst established directors like Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook continue to make waves, a new generation of Korean filmmakers is emerging, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques to the international stage.

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Yoon Ga-eun’s The World of Us premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2016, offering a tender and insightful look into the world of childhood friendships and social hierarchies. The film’s universal themes and delicate touch earned it critical acclaim and showcased the depth of talent in Korea’s indie film scene.

Similarly, Kim Bora’s House of Hummingbird made its mark at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) before bagging awards at Berlin and Tribeca. The coming-of-age drama set in 1990s Seoul demonstrates the increasing diversity of voices in Korean cinema, particularly those of female directors.

Above Song Joong-ki (of ‘My Name Is Loh Kiwan’ and ‘Vincenzo’), Park So-dam (of ‘Record of Youth’ and ‘Parasite’), and Jeon Yeo-been (of ‘Vincenzo’ and ‘A Time Called You’) at the BIFF 2021 red carpet

International film festivals have played a crucial role in bringing Korean cinema to global attention, providing a platform for Korean films to be seen by influential critics, distributors, and industry professionals, often leading to wider international releases and recognition.

The BIFF, Asia’s largest film festival, has become a vital showcase for Korean and Asian cinema. Many Korean films that go on to achieve international success often premiere at Busan, benefiting from the festival’s growing prestige and industry connections.

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Beyond Busan, Korean films have become regular fixtures at major European festivals. The Venice Film Festival has embraced Korean cinema, with Kim Ki-duk’s Pieta winning the Golden Lion in 2012. The Berlin International Film Festival, too, has been a strong supporter, with Hong Sang-soo’s On the Beach at Night Alone earning Kim Min-hee the Silver Bear for Best Actress in 2017.

Above Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Paul Dano star in ‘Okja’, a drama about a girl who must keep a powerful company from abducting her pal, a gentle beast

The success of Korean movies at international film festivals has had far-reaching effects beyond the realm of entertainment, serving as a form of cultural diplomacy, enhancing South Korea’s soft power and fostering greater interest in Korean culture, language, and society.

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That being said, this cultural exchange works both ways. As Korean filmmakers gain international recognition, they often collaborate with overseas talents, leading to remarkable cross-cultural productions. Bong Joon-ho’s Okja and Park Chan-wook’s The Little Drummer Girl are prime examples of this trend, combining Korean sensibilities with international casts and settings.

Above Behind the scenes of the making of ‘Parasite’, arguably the greatest Korean movie of our generation

Korean movies continue to make their mark on the international festival circuit, and there are no signs of slowing down. With a new generation of filmmakers emerging and established directors continuing to push boundaries, the future looks bright for Korean films on the global stage.

The impact of Korean cinema extends beyond awards and accolades. It has opened doors for greater diversity in international filmmaking, challenging the dominance of Western narratives and proving that compelling stories can come from any corner of the globe.

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As we look to the future, one thing is certain: from Busan to Cannes, Seoul to Venice, the influence of Korean filmmakers is here to stay, It will continue to be felt, impressing audiences and other budding filmmakers with exceptional vision, unparalleled storytelling prowess, and of course, awe-inspiring Korean productions.

This article/explainer was assisted by AI. We are dedicated to bringing you into our world with more meaningful content, and AI is allowing us to explore this frontier and deliver more content you will love.

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K-entertainment Korean Movies Korean Cinema Korean Films Film Festival Oscars Cannes Film Festival Busan International Film Festival Venice Film Festival Berlin International Film Festival Parasite Bong Joon-ho TAIC