Yeom Hye-ran in a nonetheless from ‘My Identify.’ Photograph: Let’s Movies; Aura Footage, courtesy of Berlinale, 2026.
On the 76th Berlin Worldwide Movie Pageant (operating from Feb. 12-22, 2026), whereas acclaimed German filmmaker Wim Wenders holds the fort because the Jury President, South Korean cinema is sneaking into the Berlinale’s halls with each the arrogance of a seasoned auteur and the grit of a rising star. Past the mainstream buzz, South Korean administrators are unfold throughout the slate, with all the things from haunting historic dramas to quirky meta-narratives. Whether or not it’s filmmaker Hong Sang-soo as soon as once more feeling proper at dwelling in Berlin or rising indie voices making waves, listed below are the Korean movies price testing on the 2026 Berlinale.
My Identify (Chung Ji-young)
Director Chung Ji-young enters the competition’s Discussion board part, well-known for experimental and courageous filmmaking, with a film that’s already being heaped with praises. The winner of the Jeju 4·3 Peace Basis State of affairs Grand Prize, it stars the unimaginable Yeom Hye-ran as a mom caught in a tug-of-war over her 18-year-old son’s identification whereas making an attempt to guard his title — and his future. It unfolds in opposition to the backdrop of the immensely violent historical past of the Jeju 4.3 incident in 1948, a communist-led rebellion on Jeju Island that was met with excessive authorities repression and led to mass civilian killings. My Identify isn’t your mild popcorn flick, however a deeply emotional journey that talks about long-held silences, generational trauma, and discovering therapeutic within the wreckage of historical past.
The Day She Returns (Hong Sangsoo)
It wouldn’t be a Berlinale with out the competition’s favourite “prolific auteur,” Hong Sangsoo. Returning to the Panorama part after a string of Silver Bear wins in earlier years, Hong brings The Day She Returns. It follows an actress (performed by Tune Solar-mi) who takes a break from her profession after getting married, solely to fall proper again into the insanity of an appearing class. The movie is an element comedy, half existential disaster in regards to the occupation itself. It’s meta, humorous, and certain going to go away you analyzing your individual life selections.
En Route To (Yoo Jae-in)
Marking a daring worldwide debut within the Era 14plus part, this movie doesn’t shrink back from the messy components of life. Yun-ji, a pregnant pupil, finds herself completely alone after her trainer vanishes. Determined to pay for an abortion, she makes the heartbreaking determination to steal her roommate’s financial savings. It’s an unfiltered have a look at bodily autonomy, social isolation, and the brutal selections younger persons are compelled to make, promising to deliver a contemporary, barely uncomfortable, however mandatory voice to the Berlinale.
Speedy! (Oh Ji-in)
This Korean brief movie has secured a spot within the Era Kplus competitors. Because the title and part counsel, it’s a fast, punchy, and certain very visible story designed to resonate with youthful audiences. Speedy! revolves round a younger lady who desires to be the quickest reader, similar to the native cool child in 1989 Seoul, however in making an attempt to be so, she realizes the entire “prodigy” factor is more durable than she thought. The film’s inclusion within the worldwide premiere lineup suggests it’s obtained that signature creativity that Korean shorts are well-known for.
For the whole 2026 schedule and screening occasions, go to the Official Berlinale Program right here.
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