Global Streaming Coup: Award-Winning Director Lee Chang-dong's Film Catalog Lands Exclusively on Netflix!

Netflix is set to significantly broaden its global offering of films by acclaimed director Lee Chang-dong, a move spurred by the recent success of his latest work, “Possible Love.” The film, which secured the prestigious Silver Lion (Grand Jury Prize) at the Venice Film Festival, marks Lee’s first directorial effort in eight years and is driving a worldwide expansion of his filmography on the streaming platform.

“Possible Love” is scheduled for its theatrical debut in South Korea on September 23. Following this, it will launch in Australia and New Zealand on October 22, and then in the U.K., Japan, the U.S., and Canada on October 23. A global premiere on Netflix is slated for November 6, allowing a wide international audience to experience the film shortly after its initial releases.

In conjunction with the new release, Netflix has been actively adding more of Lee Chang-dong’s earlier masterpieces to its library in various countries. Titles such as “Green Fish” and “Secret Sunshine” began streaming in late August in Italy, the U.K., France, Australia, and New Zealand. “Peppermint Candy” and “Oasis” became available on September 4 in Italy and Spain. Furthermore, “Poetry” and “Burning” are also planned for release in key markets including Japan, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The rollout timing for these films varies by market, with some territories receiving them accompanied by subtitle options in as many as six languages, including Korean.

Lee Chang-dong’s distinguished career began with his directorial debut, “Green Fish,” in 1997. His filmography has since grown to include critically acclaimed works like “Peppermint Candy,” “Oasis,” “Secret Sunshine,” “Poetry,” and “Burning.” His contributions to cinema have consistently garnered top honors at international film festivals. Notably, he received a directing prize at the Venice Film Festival in 2002 for “Oasis,” and “Poetry” earned him the screenplay award at Cannes in 2010. Lee’s most recent accolade prior to the Venice win was at the 51st Toronto Film Festival, where he was honored with the Ebert Director Award, becoming the first Korean filmmaker to receive this recognition.

“Possible Love” explores the complex dynamics between two distinct couples: one comprising a man who has recently lost his job and his wife, and the other featuring a woman who directs documentaries and her husband. Their paths converge during the production of a documentary, a situation that brings to the surface their individual desires and struggles that had previously been concealed. The film boasts a stellar cast, starring Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong. It has also been selected as South Korea’s official submission for the best international feature film category at the 99th Academy Awards, highlighting its significant international recognition.