Renowned South Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong is making a long-awaited return to feature filmmaking with “Possible Love” (Korean: 가능한 사랑), which has been officially selected for the main competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The 164-minute epic drama will make its world premiere and vie for the prestigious Golden Lion.
“Possible Love“
Co-written by Lee alongside his “Burning” collaborator Oh Jung-mi, “Possible Love” explores complex themes of class divides, human relationships, and repressed desires. The story centers on two married couples leading drastically different lives: a laid-off worker, Ho-seok (played by Sul Kyung-gu), and his spouse, Mi-ok (Jeon Do-yeon), whose paths intertw with a documentary filmmaker, Sang-woo (Zo In-sung), and his partner, Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong). As the couples collaborate on a documentary project, their clashing realities, moral compromises, and hidden aspirations trigger an intense psychological drama.
The film brings together an extraordinary ensemble of South Korean cinema royalty. It marks a major reunion between Lee and lead actor Sul Kyung-gu, who previously starred in Lee’s seminal works “Peppermint Candy” and “Oasis”, as well as Cannes Best Actress winner Jeon Do-yeon, who headlined Lee’s 2007 masterpiece “Secret Sunshine”. The cast is rounded out by acclaimed stars Zo In-sung and “Parasite” breakout Cho Yeo-jeong.
“Possible Love” marks Lee’s first feature film in eight years since his critically lauded 2018 mystery thriller “Burning”. It also represents a triumphant return to the Venice main competition for the director, 24 years after he won the Special Director’s Award on the Lido for “Oasis” in 2002. Jointly produced by Pinehouse Film, NOWFILM, and Anonymous Content, the film is scheduled for a global release on Netflix in late 2026 following its festival run.
At Venice, “Possible Love” will compete in a stacked international lineup. Lee will contend for top honors alongside acclaimed international peers, with a competition slate that includes Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard”, Florian Zeller’s “Bunker”, Casey Affleck’s “Company”, Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine”, Marco Bechis’s “Ritorno a Buenos Aires”, and Danny Boyle’s “Ink”.
From Daegu to Venice
Born in Daegu, South Korea, Lee turned 72 on April 1, 2026. The 83rd Venice International Film Festival will run from September 2-12, 2026 in Venice, Italy.
Historically, both Daegu and Venice built their prosperity as regional centers for specialized crafts. While Venice established itself as a historic European capital for luxurious silks, lace, and trade, Daegu evolved into South Korea’s modern textile and fashion capital, earning the title of the Textile City.
This mutual dedication to craftsmanship extends naturally into performance arts. Daegu is home to the Daegu International Opera Festival—Asia’s premier opera showcase—drawing direct aesthetic inspiration from classical Italian traditions rooted in Venetian institutions like the famed Teatro La Fenice.
Furthermore, contemporary art forms a strong modern bridge between the two hubs. Daegu’s dynamic visual arts ecosystem—led by the Daegu Art Museum and the Daegu Photo Biennale—frequently engages with the global art community centered around the world-famous Venice Biennale. Whether expressed through high fashion, grand stage drama, or international art exhibitions, the two cities remain uniquely bound by a shared commitment to creative innovation and cultural heritage.
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