Korean film “The World of Love” has landed a distribution deal in China with Light Films Limited, marking a significant breakthrough in a market that has been largely closed to Korean cinema for nearly a decade.
The acquisition by Light Films Limited represents a rare achievement in the current landscape, as “Oh! My Gran” was the only Korean film to be officially released in Chinese theaters in the last 10 years, when it was released in 2021.
The Chinese distributor specializes in arthouse cinema and has a track record of curating notable films at international film festivals. His notable acquisitions include Kim Do-young’s “Kim Ji-Young: Born 1982,” Kore-eda Hirokazu’s “Nobody Knows,” and Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite.”
“The perspective of this feminist film is refreshingly new,” said Li Na, CEO of Light Films. “While it explores trauma and its lasting impact, its underlying tone is warm and uplifting, making it even more moving and encouraging.”
Directed by Yoon Ga-eun, acclaimed for “The World of Us” (Berlinale 2016) and “The House of Us” (BFI London 2019), the drama centers on 17-year-old Lee Jooin (Seo Su-bin), an unpredictable high school student whose angry outburst creates ripple effects throughout her world.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and took home the Jury Prize at the Roberto Rossellini Awards and the Audience Award at the Crouching Tigers section of the Pingyao International Film Festival. Chinese interest increased after the Asian premiere of the festival, with strong rumors and criticism from local audiences on platforms such as Douban.
The film is produced by Semosi and Vol Media, with Barunson E&A, the South Korean studio behind Oscar winner “Parasite” and Kim Jee-woon’s Cannes title “Cobweb,” acting as presenting studio and sales agent.
The Chinese deal adds to previously announced distribution deals with veteran Japanese distributor Bitters End, Hong Kong’s Edko Films and Taiwan’s Andrews Film in key Asian territories.
