Hana Korea Trailer Released Ahead of Busan Film Festival Premiere

The first trailer for "Hana Korea," a Danish-Korean co-production, has been released, offering a glimpse into the life of a North Korean refugee in South Korea. The film is slated for its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival in 2025.

Starring Kim Minha, known for her role in "Pachinko," as the central character Hyesun, "Hana Korea" explores the significant challenges of cultural adjustment and confronting one's past. Hyesun's journey involves adapting to a hyper-modern society while dealing with the emotional weight of her experiences, highlighting a universal search for belonging and the sacrifices made for freedom.

Directed by Frederik Sølberg, a filmmaker with a documentary background, this marks his narrative feature debut. The film's development has been a six-year process. Sølberg collaborated closely with the real-life protagonist, Hyesun, to ensure an authentic portrayal, noting a shared sense of being an outsider in South Korean culture. The script was co-written by Sungjae "Sharon" Choi, who previously worked as Bong Joon-ho's interpreter during the "Parasite" campaign.

The cast also includes Kim Joo-ryoung, recognized for her role in "Squid Game," and Ahn Seo-hyun, known for her work in Bong Joon-ho's "Okja." Kim Joo-ryoung stated that her character, Sook-hee, is a departure from her more typically strong roles, showcasing a different facet of her acting abilities.

The film aims to illuminate the realities faced by North Korean defectors, who often experience significant cultural shock and challenges upon arriving in South Korea. These challenges include navigating new technologies, societal norms, and the complexities of personal freedom, contrasting sharply with their homeland. The narrative touches upon the resilience required to adapt and find one's place in a vastly different environment.