[BIFF Press Release] The 30th BIFF Announces Selections for 'On Screen'!
2025. 08. 11 09:25
Press Release |2025.08.11.
The 30th BIFF Announces
Official Selections of 'On Screen'!
The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has unveiledthe six standout drama series selected in the ‘On Screen’ section.
A Diverse Lineup of Six Highly Anticipated Drama Series Premieres First in Busan
Launched in 2021, the ‘On Screen’ section highlights serialized storytelling that reflects cinema’s evolving forms and values. It offers festival audiences a unique opportunity to enjoy unreleased drama series on the big screen ahead of their official release. This year’s line-up features six selections—three from Korea and three from abroad.
As You Stood By
Dear X
The Murky Stream
As You Stood By is the latest series by director Lee Jeong-lim, known for her genre-bending work in VIP and Revenant. Once again, she showcases her mastery of suspense with a gripping, unpredictable narrative. Starring Jeon So-nee (Soulmate) and Lee You-mi (Squid Game), the series follows the emotional journey of two women whose deep bond and resilience are brought to life through bold and nuanced performances. Dear X tells the story of Baek A-jin, played by Kim Youjung, a woman who wears a mask to escape a living hell and ascend to the top. The series unravels the stories of the many Xs she has mercilessly crushed along the way. Kim Youjung and Kim Youngdae deliver an intense and unprecedented melodramatic suspense, with Kim Dohoon and Lee Yuleum adding emotional depth through their compelling performances. The series is co-directed by Lee Eungbok (Mr. Sunshine, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) and Park Sohyeon, bringing together a dynamic and experienced creative team.
The Murky Stream is a fictional period action drama set in the late Joseon era, centering around Gyeonggang—a vital hub where all money and goods of the era converge. Against the backdrop of a corrupt and chaotic world, the series follows the intertwined fates of those who dared to dream of a life lived with dignity and respect. Featuring Rowoon, Shin Yeeun, Park Seoham, and Park Jihwan, the series delivers a dynamic tale of resistance against the turbulent currents of a corrupt society, directed by Choo Changmin.
Last Samurai Standing
Romantics Anonymous
The Resurrected
Last Samurai Standing is the latest action spectacle co-directed by Fujii Michihito, Yamaguchi Kento, and Yamamoto Toru. Set in 1878 Japan, the story follows 292 warriors who enter a brutal survival game for a massive cash prize, each determined to eliminate the others. Led by a powerhouse cast that includes Okada Junichi and Fujisaki Yumia, the film delivers fierce combat sequences and commanding performances from some of Japan’s top talent. Romantics Anonymousstars Oguri Shun and Han Hyo-joo as two shy and emotionally reserved individuals who begin to open up to each other through their shared love of chocolate. It is helmed by Tsukikawa Sho (Let Me Eat Your Pancreas), offering a tender and heartwarming tale wrapped in sweet, cinematic charm. The Resurrected is co-directed by two of the most active Chinese-language filmmakers today, Leste Chan and Hsu Chao-jen, and stars two of the most iconic international actors—Shu Qi and Lee Sinje—as the lead duo. The story follows two mothers who, after losing their beloved daughters, bring a deceased voice phishing scammer back to life, setting off a relentless journey of revenge. As unexpected truths are revealed along the way, the tension only builds, drawing attention in with gripping intensity.
This year’s highly anticipated drama series line-up selected for the ‘On Screen’ will have its world premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival. It will be held for 10 days from September 17 (Wed) to September 26 (Fri) in the vicinity of the Busan Cinema Center.