5 OTT Hot Titles You Can Meet First in Busan from 'As You Stood By' to 'The Murky Stream'

Taylor Contents Editor Hong Seon

Following last year, the Busan International Film Festival is once again swept up in the OTT craze. 〈The Great Flood〉 and other world premiere OTT original films are enticing movie fans. Additionally, the On Screen program, which has become a popular feature of the Busan International Film Festival, is already hinting at ticketing.

On Screen is a program that allows you to experience the latest OTT series in theaters. During the Busan International Film Festival, unreleased OTT new titles and hot topics from Netflix, Tving, Disney+, and more will be screened. Due to runtime constraints, not all episodes can be shown, but episodes from the early parts, where dramatic tension is at its peak, will be bundled together like a movie divided into parts 1 and 2. Directors and cast members of the series will also participate on stage for a GV session. This special time, which cannot be arranged for regular OTT new releases, will be shared with movie and series fans during the Busan International Film Festival.

This year, many highly anticipated OTT new titles will be unveiled. From a thriller depicting the deep friendship and solidarity of two women to a romance featuring leading actors from Korea and Japan, a hot topic work dubbed the Japanese version of 〈Squid Game〉, an anticipated adaptation of a webtoon, and a historical drama series created by the makers of 〈Gwanghae〉 and 〈Chuno〉, we will take a look at five On Screen hot titles that will kick off the early excitement of the Busan International Film Festival.

As You Stood By – Two Women Holding Hands in the Face of Hellish Reality

Streaming: Netflix

Release Date: November 7 (Friday)

Runtime: 8 episodes (2 parts will be screened on On Screen)

Cast: Jeon So-ni, Lee Yoo-mi, Jang Seung-jo, Lee Moo-saeng, etc.

#KoreanDrama #NetflixOriginal #BookAdaptation #Crime

Meet the new work by director Lee Jung-rim of 〈The Evil Spirit〉 and 〈VIP〉 on Netflix. 〈As You Stood By〉 tells the story of two women who decide to commit murder in the face of a reality from which they cannot escape, becoming embroiled in unexpected events. Jeon So-ni, who starred in 〈Soulmate〉, plays Eun-soo, who lives with the trauma of childhood domestic violence, while Lee Yoo-mi, from 〈Squid Game〉, plays Hee-soo, who lives a hellish life due to her husband. The process of these two struggling with violence and hell, meeting, comforting each other, and joining forces will be portrayed weightily. The heartbreaking stories of the protagonists, along with the continuously occurring mysterious events, will provide empathy and immersion, making the audience even more curious about what comes next.

Dear X – Kim Yoo-jung's Irresistible Charm

Streaming: Tving

Release Date: November 6 (Thursday)

Runtime: 12 episodes (2 parts will be screened on On Screen)

Cast: Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Young-dae, Kim Do-hoon, Lee Yeol-eum, etc.

#KoreanDrama #WebtoonAdaptation #TvingOriginal #Revenge #Ambition

〈Dear X〉 is a crime thriller that tells the story of a masked woman trying to escape hell and rise to the highest place, and the people who were cruelly trampled by her. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name on Naver, it adds to the anticipation as a 12-episode drama. Directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for 〈Sweet Home〉, 〈Mr. Sunshine〉, and 〈Goblin〉. The most eye-catching aspect of 〈Dear X〉 is Kim Yoo-jung's captivating transformation. She plays Baek Ah-jin, who uses her deadly charm as a weapon to do anything for success, presenting a femme fatale image never seen before. Let's meet 〈Dear X〉, which depicts cruel yet dazzling destruction, in Busan.

The Murky Stream – Gwanghae Meets Chuno

Streaming: Disney+

Release Date: September 26 (Friday)

Runtime: 9 episodes (2 parts will be screened on On Screen)

Cast: Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, Park Seo-ham, Park Ji-hwan, etc.

#KoreanDrama #HistoricalDrama #DisneyPlusOriginal

Famous names in historical dramas come together in 〈The Murky Stream〉. Directed by Choo Chang-min, who attracted 10 million viewers with 〈Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King〉, and written by Cheon Seong-il of 〈Chuno〉, 〈The Murky Stream〉 tells the story of those who dreamed different dreams to turn the chaotic world surrounding the Gyeonggang, where all the money and resources of Joseon gather, upside down and live like human beings. It is also notable as Disney+'s first original historical drama series. Rowoon, who is appearing on OTT for the first time in his filmography, Shin Ye-eun, who is set to return to historical dramas after 〈Flower Scholar's Love Story〉, and Park Seo-ham, returning with a work after a long time, will lead the narrative, capturing the growth and ambitions of youth densely. The action of the rascals and the social messages that provoke much thought in today's reality are expected to set the stage for binge-watching 〈The Murky Stream〉 starting from Busan.

Last Samurai Standing – Samurai's 'Squid Game'

Streaming: Netflix

Release Date: November 13 (Thursday)

Runtime: 6 episodes (2 parts will be screened on On Screen)

Cast: Okada Junichi, Higashide Masahiro, Sometani Shota, Ninomiya Kazunari, etc.

#JapaneseDrama #HistoricalDrama #Netflix #Samurai #SurvivalGame

The Japanese version of 〈Squid Game〉 unfolds on Netflix. 〈Last Samurai Standing〉 is a 6-episode series depicting a survival game where 292 samurai eliminate each other for a prize. Amid ruthless sword-fighting action, the intertwining of bonds and enmities deeper than blood will make the work even more intriguing. As expected from a survival game with many participants, the casting is truly glamorous. It features a lineup of Japan's representative actors. From the protagonist Okada Junichi to Higashide Masahiro, Sometani Shota, and Ninomiya Kazunari, the trailer makes you wonder, "Why is he here?" as many leading actors from Japanese films and dramas join. Yet, there can only be one final winner; who will become the god of war? Let's find out the prologue in Busan.

Romantics Anonymous – A Romance Sweeter Than Chocolate Between Two People

Streaming: Netflix

Release Date: October 16 (Thursday)

Runtime: 8 episodes (2 parts will be screened on On Screen)

Cast: Oguri Shun, Han Hyo-joo, etc.

#JapaneseDrama #NetflixOriginal #Food #Romance #Comedy

〈Romantics Anonymous〉, which has already garnered attention as Han Hyo-joo's Japanese drama appearance, will also be screened at the Busan International Film Festival On Screen. The story follows two men and women with wounds and secrets who come to understand and love each other through chocolate, unfolding a warm laugh and sweet romance. Directed by Tsukikawa Sho, who received great love for 〈I Want to Eat Your Pancreas〉. The leading actors Han Hyo-joo and Oguri Shun create romantic chemistry that draws much attention. Two people who are clumsy and unfamiliar with each other, yet can approach each other honestly and warmly, create a sweet atmosphere throughout the viewing experience, accompanied by sweet chocolate.