Hong Sang-soo, Kim Min-hee reunite in 'No Place to Put One's Eyes' after 10 years; film opens next month

Locarno-recognized artistry unfolds in Jeju on a journey 10 years in the making

Director Hong Sang-soo's 35th feature, 'No Place to Put One's Eyes,' starring Kim Min-hee, who also serves as the film's production manager, will open in South Korea on the 21st of next month. Distributor Jeonwonsa Film Co. officially announced the release date on the 11th, building anticipation among cinephiles.

The film closely follows Sang-hee, the daughter of a divorced family, as she travels to Jeju in search of the mother she last encountered 10 years ago. The director's auteurist gaze, long focused on the subtle tremors of the human interior, meets Jeju's distinctive setting to create a new narrative.

The film has also made a notable mark on the international stage. Invited to the competition section of the 79th Locarno Film Festival, which closed last month, it won both the Best Director award and the Best Performance award for Kim Min-hee. It also took home the Ecumenical Jury Prize, awarded by a jury of Swiss Protestant and Catholic churches to a film offering profound insight into human life and dignity, further affirming its outstanding artistic achievement.

The cast has also drawn attention. Acclaimed actor Choi Myung-gil joins Hong's cinematic world for the first time since her debut, promising a fresh ensemble. Kwon Hae-hyo, Shin Seok-ho and Park Mi-so, all actors with deep experience and solid credentials, further elevate the film's overall execution.

As with his previous work, director Hong Sang-soo personally oversaw every stage of production, including directing, writing, cinematography, sound recording, editing and music, reinforcing his distinctive artistic vision. Kim Min-hee has likewise strengthened her role as an artistic partner, earning a credit as the production manager in addition to starring in the film.