South Korean Thrills: ‘The Ugly’ and ‘Project Y’ Set to Dazzle at TIFF 2023!

South Korean films “The Ugly” and “Project Y” have been selected for the Special Presentations section at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, according to distributor Plus M Entertainment, which announced the news on Tuesday.

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, the creative force behind “Train to Busan” and “Hellbound,” “The Ugly” adapts Yeon’s 2018 graphic novel for the big screen. This captivating mystery thriller follows a blind seal engraving artisan and his son as they uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the wife and mother. Veteran actor Kwon Hae-hyo portrays the blind craftsman, while rising star Park Jung-min undertakes the challenging dual roles of the father’s younger self and the son. The film is set to make its world premiere in Toronto before its release in Korean theaters in September.

Also premiering at the festival is “Project Y,” the latest work from acclaimed director Lee Hwan (known for “Young Adult Matters” and “Park Hwa-young”). This high-stakes drama centers on two women, played by breakout stars Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, who orchestrate a daring heist in pursuit of freedom. Although a domestic release is planned following its TIFF debut, an exact date has yet to be announced.

With these additions, the total number of Korean films featured at this year’s prestigious festival rises to three.

Previously announced as part of the Special Presentations lineup, Netflix’s “Good News” completes the Korean contingent. Directed by Byun Sung-hyun, known for “Kingmaker” and “Kill Boksoon,” this 1970s-set thriller follows a covert mission to land a hijacked plane. The star-studded cast includes Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, and Ryoo Seung-bum.

TIFF’s Special Presentations section is a coveted platform for films that meld artistic vision with mainstream appeal. In recent years, Korean cinema has made its mark with entries such as “Decision to Leave,” “The Handmaiden,” and “The Age of Shadows.”

Scheduled to run from September 4–14, this year’s TIFF will open with Colin Hanks’ documentary “John Candy: I Like Me” and conclude with Canadian director Anne Emond’s “Peak Everything.” The festival also features an impressive lineup of world premieres, including works from comedy icon Aziz Ansari, Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro, the mastermind behind “Knives Out,” Rian Johnson, and Scarlett Johansson, who makes her directorial debut with “Eleanor the Great.”