The 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has unveiled the five films selected for the 'Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere' section and six dramas chosen for the 'On Screen' section. This diverse lineup includes four Korean works and two international works set to make their global debuts. The 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) will take place from October 2, 2024, to October 11, 2024.
The preview lineup for BIFF includes two international dramas, Beyond Goodbye and Born For Spotlight. Four Korean dramas have also been selected to premiere at the BIFF: Dong-jae, the Good or the Bastard, Gangnam B-side, Hellbound Season 2, and A Week Before I Die.
The K-drama and international drama lineup for 2024 BIFF
The "On Screen" section in the BIFF lineup previews the most noteworthy drama series. The Korean and international dramas featured in this list of BIFF are highly anticipated and generate significant excitement among viewers.
1) Beyond Goodbye
Beyond Goodbye is a Japanese melodramatic drama that tells the story of a woman who loses her boyfriend in a tragic car accident. A few months later, she meets another man who has received her boyfriend's heart through a transplant. As a result, he begins to develop feelings for her. The drama stars Kasumi Arimura and Kentaro Sakaguchi and is directed by Yoshikazu Okada.
2) Born for the Spotlight
Born for the Spotlight is the third series by renowned Taiwanese actress, writer, and director Yan Yiwen. The drama humorously and sensually portrays the competitive and dynamic environment where aspirations, passion, financial resources, and desires converge through the diverse careers of female characters in the entertainment industry.
3) Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard
The Korean drama line-up includes Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard. This drama is a spin-off of the well-known drama series Secret Forest. The drama centers around Seo Dong Jae, a prosecutor at the Cheongju District Prosecutors' Office whose future is uncertain due to past allegations of corruption.
As he investigates a high school girl's murder, he finds himself navigating a precarious balance between his instincts as a prosecutor and his opportunistic tendencies.
4) Gangnam B-side
Next in the lineup is Gangnam B-side. It is an exciting crime chase drama set in the glamorous Gangnam district. The captivating plot and suspense surrounding the missing person's case keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Jo Woo-jin, Ji Chang-wook, Ha Yoon-kyung, and Kim Hyung-seo are set to bring their characters to life with their exceptional performances, adding to the overall charm of the drama.
5) Hellbound season 2
Hellbound season 2 is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Hellbound season 1 (2021), which captivated audiences with its thought-provoking portrayal of a dystopian world and its exploration of controversial topics. Renowned director Yeon Sang-ho and talented writer Choi Kyu-seok reunite to present an even more immersive and captivating world in "Hellbound."
6) A Week Before I Die
A Week Before I Die is a youth fantasy romance that follows the story of Jung Hee-Wan, a 24-year-old woman who has lost her zest for life and lives in seclusion. One day, her childhood friend and first love, Kim Ram-Woo, who died years ago, unexpectedly appears before her as a grim reaper and reveals that she has only one week left to live.
If she wishes to pass away peacefully, she must call his name three times. Actors Gong Myung and Kim Min-ha have been cast in the lead roles in this intriguing drama.
The 2024 BIFF film lineup
The 'Today's Korean Cinema - Special Premiere' section in BIFF showcases the most recent and notable works of contemporary Korean commercial films that have gained popularity and recognition. This year, a total of five films have been scheduled for BIFF, including four world premieres and one Korean premiere.
1) Exposure
Exposure is a crime-thriller film that presents the narrative of two childhood acquaintances reuniting as a murderer and a police officer after a two-decade separation. Kim Min-ha, who gained international recognition for her role in Pachinko, and Choi Hee-seo, who is known for her performance in Anarchist from Colony, star in the film.
2) An Ordinary Family
Director Heo Jin-ho's latest cinematic offering, titled An Ordinary Family, stands as a meticulously crafted suspense film. The narrative revolves around four individuals, each harboring their own deeply held convictions, whose lives are turned upside down when they chance upon CCTV footage capturing the criminal acts of children.
The film features an ensemble cast, with Sol Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-ae, and Soo Hyun portraying the principal characters.
3) Bogotá
Set in Bogotá, Colombia, the film Bogotá presents the narrative of Koreans who become entangled in smuggling activities within Bogotá. This city serves as a final refuge for those who have lost hope.
The film features the esteemed actor Song Joong-ki and is accompanied by a distinguished cast that includes Lee Hee-joon, Kwon Hae-hyo, Park Ji-hwan, Jo Hyun-chul, and Kim Jong-soo, generating a sense of anticipation among audiences.
4) Don't Touch Dirty Money
Don't Touch Dirty Money marks the directorial debut of Kim Min-soo, who previously contributed as a screenwriter for The Villainess: The World of the Bad Guys. This crime drama follows the story of two detectives entangled in corruption who embark on a risky venture into crime in pursuit of greater wealth. The film features notable actors such as Jung Woo, Kim Dae-myung, and Park Byung-eun.
5) Hear Me: Our Summer
Hear Me: Our Summer, also known as Cheongseol, is gaining significant attention. This film is a remake of the Taiwanese film titled Cheongsul, which was also very well-received in Korea. It will once again present a heartwarming and beautiful story. Actors such as Hong Kyung, Noh Yoon-seo, and Kim Min-joo are among the film's cast.
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) will be held from October 2 to October 11, 2024.