Korea Selects Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Possible Love’ For Oscars

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) has officially selected Lee Chang-dong’s film ‘Possible Love’ as South Korea's submission for the Best International Feature category at the upcoming Academy Awards. This selection marks a significant step for the film, which is backed by Netflix, the global streaming giant that financed its production and holds the international distribution rights. Netflix has confirmed that ‘Possible Love’ will undergo an Oscar-qualifying theatrical release in South Korea, the United States, and other select international markets. This limited theatrical run is a crucial requirement for films vying for an Academy Award nomination in the Best International Feature category, ensuring they have been publicly screened within a specific timeframe and in designated territories.

‘Possible Love’ is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Japanese author Haruki Murakami, a writer known for his surreal and introspective narratives. The film’s selection by KOFIC, an organization responsible for promoting Korean cinema both domestically and internationally, highlights the perceived artistic merit and potential global appeal of Lee Chang-dong’s latest work. Lee Chang-dong is a highly respected director in the international film community, with previous works such as ‘Poetry’ and ‘Burning’ having garnered critical acclaim and significant festival recognition, including Palme d'Or nominations at the Cannes Film Festival. His directorial style is often characterized by its deep psychological exploration of characters and its nuanced portrayal of societal issues.

The Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category, formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film, is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding feature-length motion pictures produced outside of the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track. Each country can submit only one film for consideration. The selection process within each country can vary, with national film bodies or committees often making the final decision. KOFIC’s choice of ‘Possible Love’ signifies their belief in the film’s capacity to compete on a global stage and represent Korean cinema at the highest level of international film achievement. The film’s premiere is anticipated following its Oscar-qualifying release, further building anticipation among cinephiles worldwide.