[Sportschosun Jorge Young] The human drama "Hana Korea" (directed by Frederik Sølberg) has unveiled its main poster, featuring Kim Min-ha's more profound gaze.
"Hana Korea," which won the Flash Forward Audience Award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and drew enthusiastic praise, is gaining attention as a global project co-produced by Korea and Denmark. Danish director Frederik Sølberg is at the helm, with Kim Min-ha in the lead role.
The released main poster immediately draws the eye with Hye-seon (Kim Min-ha) sitting alone on an airplane, staring into the distance. Her complex expression, as she faces an unfamiliar world for the first time, conveys a mix of excitement and fear. It leaves a lasting impression by capturing a character who holds both anticipation and anxiety at once.
The tagline, "Again in a strange place," succinctly captures Hye-seon's journey as she leaves everything behind and begins an entirely new life. It also heightens curiosity about the story that will unfold in the film.
Kim Min-ha, who has earned recognition for her delicate emotional acting and distinctive presence through works such as "Pachinko" and "Light Shop," will play Hye-seon. She is expected to portray in depth a character who wavers in an unfamiliar, completely new environment but ultimately finds her own life. Her calm yet resolute gaze in the poster further raises expectations for her performance.
"Hana Korea" is also drawing attention because Sharon Choi participated as a co-screenwriter. She became known to film fans around the world as Bong Joon-ho's interpreter and has since built her own body of work as a film director and screenwriter. In a program note, BIFF highlighted her role, saying, "Sharon Choi co-wrote the screenplay with director Sølberg and handled linguistic nuances with great care."
After spending more than five years working with Korean and Danish production teams and interviewing more than 30 North Korean defectors, director Frederik Sølberg shaped a story inspired by real events with the Nordic region's signature still mise-en-scène and restrained emotional tone. Through his co-writing work with Sharon Choi, he further deepened the characters' emotions and the texture of their lives. Kim Min-ha's sincere performance adds to the film, creating a universal story of one person that can resonate across borders and languages.
"Hana Korea" follows the journey of a North Korean woman who keeps moving forward despite her unfamiliar life. The film stars Kim Min-ha, Kim Joo-ryoung, and Ahn Seo-hyun, and is directed by Danish filmmaker Frederik Sølberg. It will open on July 8.
Jorge Young soulhn1220@sportschosun.com
