Renowned director Yeon Sang Ho returns with his latest mystery drama 'The Ugly,' set to premiere in Korean theaters this September. The film has also been officially invited to the '50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF),' where it will be showcased in the “Special Presentations” section. To mark the announcement, the first posters and teaser trailer have been released, capturing attention with their haunting visuals and enigmatic tone.
'The Ugly' stars acclaimed actor Park Jung Min, who takes on a dual role in a bold new performance. He is joined by a stellar cast including Kwon Hae Hyo, Shin Hyun Bin, Lim Sung Jae, and Han Ji Hyun. The story follows Im Dong Hwan (played by Park Jung Min) and his father Im Young Gyu (played by Kwon Hae Hyo), a blind master of seal engraving, as they uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of Dong Hwan’s mother, a case left unresolved for 40 years.
Park Jung Min plays both the adult son and the younger version of his father in flashback scenes, showcasing his versatility and emotional range. His portrayal adds depth to the intergenerational narrative as the film explores hidden family truths and long-buried secrets.
The first posters feature atmospheric visuals of 1970s Cheonggyecheon and its garment factories. One poster focuses on Park Jung Min as the young Im Young Gyu, living with visual impairment while working as a seal engraver. Another features the silhouette of Jung Young Hee, a factory worker whose identity remains a mystery. Together, the posters convey a deeply layered story filled with suspense and emotional weight.
The teaser trailer highlights Park Jung Min’s powerful performance alongside Kwon Hae Hyo, who plays a blind artisan for the first time in his career. As father and son confront the skeletal remains of the long-lost mother and wife, the film builds toward a dramatic and emotional revelation.
The mystery surrounding Jung Young Hee, a woman whose face was never seen by her husband or son, intensifies with the introduction of Lim Sung Jae as factory owner Baek Joo Sang and Han Ji Hyun as documentary producer Kim Soo Jin. As they investigate the woman's past and death, the film spans decades to connect the past and present.
With its TIFF selection and the release of its first trailer and posters, 'The Ugly' is drawing anticipation as a cinematic experience that blends Yeon Sang Ho’s distinctive direction with Park Jung Min’s transformative performance. The film is set for theatrical release in Korea this September.
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