Eight years after delivering the critically acclaimed Burning, acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong is finally returning with a new feature. His next project, Possible Love, is already shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest international releases, bringing together an award-winning cast and a story that promises the emotional depth the director is known for.
The relationship drama is set to begin its journey on the festival circuit before expanding to theaters and Netflix later this year. With its first-look images, release schedule, and cast now confirmed, here’s everything we know so far about ‘Possible Love’.
‘Possible Love’ Release Date, Cast, Plot And Everything Else We Know
Possible Love follows two married couples whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined despite coming from vastly different backgrounds. The story centers on Mi-ok, who lives with her laid-off husband, Ho-seok, and their young son.
Their quiet routine changes after a funeral brings them into contact with Ye-ji, a documentary filmmaker researching laid-off workers, and her wealthy husband, Sang-woo.
As Mi-ok agrees to participate in Ye-ji’s documentary, the two women grow closer. At the same time, Mi-ok develops an uneasy connection with Sang-woo, setting off emotional tensions that begin to fracture the lives of both families. The screenplay, co-written by Lee Chang-dong and longtime collaborator Oh Jung-mi, explores marriage, class differences, and hidden desires.
Leading the ensemble is Jeon Do-yeon as Mi-ok, reuniting with Lee nearly two decades after Secret Sunshine, which earned her the Best Actress prize at Cannes. Sul Kyung-gu plays Ho-seok, marking another reunion after starring in Lee’s acclaimed films Peppermint Candy and Oasis. They are joined by Cho Yeo-jeong as documentary filmmaker Ye-ji and Zo In-sung as her husband, Sang-woo.
The film will make its world premiere in competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where it will compete for the prestigious Golden Lion. It will then screen as part of the Special Presentations lineup at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival before beginning its wider release.
Following its festival run, Possible Love will open in South Korean theaters on September 23, 2026. It will receive a limited theatrical release in the United States on October 23 before arriving globally on Netflix on November 6.
Netflix has also unveiled the film’s first poster and a still featuring the four lead actors. The promotional images hint at the restrained visual style and emotional tension that have become trademarks of Lee’s filmmaking.
Produced by Pinehouse Film, Anonymous Content, and NOWFILM, Possible Love marks another U.S.-South Korea co-production for the director. Speaking to Netflix Tudum, Lee explained why audiences had to wait nearly a decade for his next feature.
“I’m not the type of filmmaker who can make movies easily,” Lee said. “Before I begin a film, I must be certain of what it means — to me, to the audience, and to cinema itself. That is why Possible Love took so long to make.”
The film also reunites Lee with several longtime collaborators, continuing creative partnerships that have produced some of Korean cinema’s most celebrated works. With its festival premiere approaching and Netflix positioning it as a major awards contender, Possible Love is already generating significant anticipation among fans of international cinema.