'Project Y' to 'The Man Who Lives with the King' and 'Humint,' a variety of Korean films are coming to theaters in the new year.
In 2026, the lineup of anticipated Korean films decorating the new year box office is drawing attention from prospective audiences.
The first to open on Jan. 21 is 'Project Y' (director Lee Hwan, presented by Plus M Entertainment·Penchar Invest, distributed by Plus M Entertainment, planned by WOWPOINT·Climax Studio, produced by Climax Studio·WOWPOINT, co-produced by Plus M Entertainment), a film that tells the story of Miseon and Dokyung, who, dreaming of a different tomorrow in the middle of a glamorous city, steal black money and gold bullion at the edge of their lives. Promising a sensuous crime entertaining movie, 'Project Y' has drawn interest with its tangled relationships of strong characters who leap toward a single chance to change their lives, its fast-paced and unpredictable developments.
In addition, the intense acting transformations of Han Sohee, Jun Jong-seo, Kim Shin-rock, Jeong Young-ju, Lee Jae Kyoon, Yoo Ah and Kim Sung-Cheol amplify expectations with a fresh yet perfect cast. Proving this anticipation, 'Project Y' was invited to domestic and international film festivals even before its release, including the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, the 30th Busan International Film Festival, the 10th London East Asia Film Festival and the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival, and unusually announced a simultaneous release in Korea and Japan. Having become an undisputed global topic, 'Project Y,' with sensuous and bold direction and distinctive music by hip-hop musician and producer GRAY, is expected to captivate audiences visiting theaters in the new year of 2026 as a crime entertaining movie worth enjoying on the big screen.
Next, 'The Man Who Lives with the King,' directed by Jang Hang-jun and opening on Feb. 4, is a film set in 1457 Cheongnyeongpo that tells the story of a village chief who volunteered for exile to revive the village and a young former king who was exiled after being driven from the throne; it has drawn attention as the first Korean film to portray the hidden story of King Danjong. Starring Yoo Hai Jin, Park Jihoon, Yoo Ji-tae and Jeon Mido, it raises expectations.
'Humint,' the new film by director Ryu Seung-wan scheduled to open on Feb. 11, is set in Vladivostok, where secrets and truth are submerged in a cold sea of ice, and depicts the clash of people with different aims; it stars Zo In-sung, Park Jeongmin, Park Hae-jun and Shin Sae-kyeong. As an action drama by Ryu Seung-wan following Berlin and Mogadishu, its spectacular action and exotic scenery captured through locations in Latvia are drawing the attention of prospective audiences.
[Photo] Movie poster provided.
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