How Korean and Hollywood Films Differ: “We’re Not Making Heroes” But Individuals

Story by Georg Szalai

Image from The Hollywood Reporter

scrn logline

South Korean filmmakers prioritize personal narratives over Hollywood-style heroics, finding commercial and artistic balance to resonate globally.

beat sheet

Veteran producer Woo-sik Seo notes Korean directors aim for a 'commercial and artistic balance' since they lack Hollywood's deep pockets, focusing on individuals' inner struggles rather than larger-than-life heroes.
Director Kim Yeo-Jung says her film 'Somebody' explores the universal theme of mother's love, and she's committed to making movies that appeal to Korean audiences first, believing this specificity will lead to international opportunities.

call sheet

Um Tae-Hwa, Yeo-Jung Kim, Hyoun-soo Kim, Woo-sik Seo, Bong Joon-ho, Yoon Suk Yeol, KOFIC (Korean Film Council), Barunson C&C, Library Pictures International, Squid Game (Netflix), Concrete Utopia, Somebody, Mother, Okja

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