Lee Chang-dong Returns with Netflix Drama ‘Possible Love’

Acclaimed Korean Director Reunites with ‘Secret Sunshine’ Stars

Acclaimed South Korean director Lee Chang-dong, celebrated for his introspective and visually striking films, is set to direct a new feature for Netflix. This marks his return to filmmaking after an eight-year hiatus since his critically lauded adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s novel, *Burning*.

A Powerful Reunion

Titled *Possible Love*, the drama promises to delve into the complex relationships of two couples leading divergent lives. As their paths intersect, the film is expected to explore the ensuing disruptions to their daily existence. The project notably reunites Lee with screen royalty Jeon Do-yeon and Sul Kyung-gu, who starred in his most celebrated earlier works.

Jeon Do-yeon, who previously earned the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her unforgettable role in Lee’s searing 2007 drama *Secret Sunshine*, will portray Mi-ok. Sul Kyung-gu, memorable in the director’s early masterpieces *Peppermint Candy* (1999) and *Oasis* (2002), will play Ho-seok. The celebrated duo also shares significant on-screen chemistry from previous collaborations in films such as *I Wish I Had a Wife* (2001), *Birthday* (2019), and *Kill Boksoon* (2023).

The second couple, Sang-woo and Ye-ji, will be brought to life by Zo In-sung, known for his roles in *Moving* and *Escape from Mogadishu*, and Cho Yeo-jeong, who gained recognition as a wealthy wife in the Oscar-winning film *Parasite*.

A Filmmaker’s Vision

*Possible Love* is co-written by Lee Chang-dong and Oh Jung-mi, his writing collaborator on *Burning*. The film is being produced by Pine House Film, the same company that backed *Burning*.

Globally admired for his philosophical depth and inventive melodramas that dissect the intricacies of Korean society, Lee began his career as a high school teacher before transitioning to writing and directing. His directorial debut, *Green Fish*, was released in 1997. He also briefly served as South Korea’s Minister of Culture and Tourism from 2003 to 2004.

Despite directing only six features in his three-decade career, Lee‘s work has consistently garnered accolades at major European film festivals. While his films have received prestigious awards such as the Special Director’s Prize at Venice for *Oasis* (2002), Best Actress at Cannes for *Secret Sunshine*, Best Screenplay at Cannes for *Poetry*, and the International Critics’ Prize at Cannes for *Burning*, he has yet to secure a top festival prize or an Oscar nomination. In 2023, Penguin Random House published his first English collection of short stories, *Snowy Day & Other Stories*, with some of his works previously featured in The New Yorker.

The global streaming market for Korean content has seen significant growth, with Netflix alone reporting over 23 million paid subscriber additions globally in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating a robust appetite for international productions (Netflix Investor Relations, Q1 2024).