Synopsis of the Korean Film THE UGLY Premiering September 2025, Ready to Stir Emotions Full of Mystery

Kapanlagi.com - The latest Korean film titled THE UGLY will officially be released in September 2025. Featuring a thriller genre with elements of mystery and psychological drama, this film presents an intriguing story that uncovers old wounds within a family. The audience will be taken on a journey through a dark past, through a narrative full of emotion and tension.

Directed by Yeon Sang Ho, known for the iconic work TRAIN TO BUSAN, this film is also an adaptation project from his own graphic novel. Despite being produced with a minimal budget, THE UGLY has successfully made it to the official screening list of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Curious about the full synopsis?

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1. Synopsis of the Film THE UGLY

Korean Film THE UGLY (credit: mydramalist)

THE UGLY follows the story of Im Dong-hwan, a young man whose life changes after the body of his mother, Jung Young-hee, is found 40 years after she disappeared without a trace.

In an effort to uncover the truth behind his mother's death, Dong-hwan is assisted by Kim Soo-jin, a documentary producer interested in bringing this story to light.

Alongside this, he also faces a complicated relationship with his father, Im Young-gyu, a blind man who works as a stamp craftsman, leading Dong-hwan to uncover long-hidden secrets of the past.

2. Cast and Roles

Korean Film THE UGLY (credit: mydramalist)

1. Park Jeong Min as Im Dong Hwan and Im Young Gyu (young version)
2. Kwon Hae Hyo as Im Young Gyu (old version)
3. Shin Hyun Bin as Jung Young Hee (Dong-hwan's mother)
4. Im Seong Jae as Baek Ju Sang (Jung Young-hee's colleague)
5. Han Ji Hyun as Kim Soo Jin (documentary producer)

3. Production Notes

Korean Film THE UGLY (credit: mydramalist)

THE UGLY is a film written and directed by Yeon Sang Ho. The story is adapted from a graphic novel titled Eolgul (2018), which is also a work by Yeon himself. With a personal and profound narrative backdrop, the director brings a more intimate visual approach compared to his previous larger films.

This film is produced by Wow Point and distributed by Plus M Entertainment. Interestingly, THE UGLY was made with a micro-budget approach, costing only about 200 million Won (around US$150,000). This minimal budget is maximized through high efficiency and a flexible production style.

The shooting process lasted only three weeks, with a total of 13 shooting sessions. The production team was also very lean, consisting of only about 20 people. This collaborative work atmosphere became one of the production's strengths, creating a more focused dynamic between the actors, director, and technical crew.

Recognition of the film's quality is evident from its invitation to premiere in the Special Presentations category at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025. This serves as proof that with the strength of narrative and the right approach, even low-budget films can penetrate world-class film festivals.

4. Film Details

Korean Film THE UGLY (credit: mydramalist)

• Title: THE UGLY
• Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological
• Duration: Approximately 102 minutes
• Language: Korean
• Country of Production: South Korea
• Age Rating: Not yet announced
• Release Date:
  • Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), early to mid September 2025
  • Release in South Korea: Around September 11, 2025

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the story of the film THE UGLY?
A: This film tells the story of a man's search for the truth behind his mother's death, who has been missing for 40 years.

Q: Who are the actors in this film?
A: Park Jeong Min, Kwon Hae Hyo, Shin Hyun Bin, Im Seong Jae, and Han Ji Hyun.

Q: Who directed THE UGLY?
A: Yeon Sang Ho, who also wrote the script and adapted it from his own graphic novel.

Q: What is the production budget of this film?
A: Approximately 200 million Won or US$150,000.

Q: Where will this film premiere?
A: At the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 in the Special Presentations category.

With a touching storyline, strong visual style, and solid acting, THE UGLY offers a viewing experience that is different from most thrillers. Be sure not to miss this film when it hits theaters in September 2025.

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(kpl/psp)