30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival Announces 10 Invited Films for Korean Competition Section “Bucheon Choice Korean”

The Bucheon International Film Festival has announced invited films for its Korean competition section after reaching its 30th edition.

The 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, which opens on July 2, announced 10 invited titles on June 1. The competitive section for Korean films, which had been run under the name “Korean Fantastic,” has been renamed this year to “Bucheon Choice Korean,” filling this year’s slate with 10 Korean feature films across a range of genres.

First, in the horror category—BIFAN’s signature—there are “〈Killing Time〉” by director Jang Jun-yeop and “〈Focus〉” by director Sim Gyu-ho. “〈Killing Time〉,” which takes live broadcasts on a YouTube channel as its subject, is an intelligent horror film that sees audiences and the plot go back and forth over the twist. “〈Focus〉” takes the camera as a medium and leads viewers into the depths of a supernatural phenomenon. Meanwhile, “〈Oga〉” by director Jeong Hyo-jeong conveys a brutal incident that unfolds in a village, rendered in a distinctive tone. Among films with crime as their motif are “〈The R...ver〉” by director Song Hyeon-beom, “〈The Butcher’s Only Son〉” by director Yoo Hyung-jun, and “〈Soap〉” by director Lee Jun-seop. “〈The R...ver〉,” which stars two teenage boys and girls as the protagonists, explores rebellion—the important theme of the teen genre—with an intriguing perspective. “〈The Butcher’s Only Son〉” is built around an accidental, unexpected situation, combining a puzzle-like structure with careful storytelling. “〈Soap〉” is a thriller that shows bizarre and sudden—at times nightmare-like—events experienced by an aspiring actor.

In the meantime, “〈The Human at the End of Days〉” by director Heo Geon, who was selected as “Fantastic 7” at this year’s BIFAN, is a dystopian sci-fi as the title hints. The work promises a look at its distinctive mise-en-scene and visuals. “〈Knock〉,” by director Jeong Beom, who has previously presented “〈Han Chae〉” (2024) co-directed with director Heo Geon, is a distinctive drama that pulls viewers in between the reality of documentary and the world of fiction. “〈Alien Bikini〉” (2011) “〈Young Detective Office〉” (2012), and the omnibus film “〈Neighbor’s Zombie〉” (2010), among others—director Oh Young-do, who has already met BIFAN, brings “〈Smile Charles〉,” a comedy highlighted by the protagonist’s impressive deadpan performance. And the animation “〈A Workplace Athletic Meet〉” is a film that brings director Lee Yong-seon back to Bucheon for the first time in nine years since “〈Live in the Peninsula!〉” (2018). Director’s continued satirical spirit and a cheerful story will meet audiences. The 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival will meet viewers at screening venues around Bucheon for 10 days, from July 2 to July 12.