London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Exhuma (파묘) – UK theatrical release

A shaman is offered a large amount of money to move a tomb. He moves with his companion, Ji Gwan. After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa-rim (KIM Go-eun) and Bong-gil (LEE Do-hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, … [Read More]

Voices of Freedom: Performances, Escapee Talks, Documentary & Director Q&A

You’re Invited to “Voices of Freedom”: An Evening of Reflection, Tribute, and Unity Join us for a profound journey through the stories of North Korean defectors and the forgotten POWs of the Korean War, hosted by the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council. This unique event weaves together inspiring lectures, a compelling documentary screening, and heartfelt performances … [Read More]

Korean films at BFI Flare 2024

Last year BFI Flare had a Korean focus, giving us four feature films and a short. It’s only natural that this year’s offering won’t quite match up to last year’s feast, but still we have one feature and a short: Heavy Snow (폭설) Dir: Yun Su-ik (2023, 77 mins) Cast: Han So-hee, Han Hae-in Monday … [Read More]

Korean Film Night: A Tour Guide (믿을 수 있는 사람)

Han-young, a North Korean defector, gets a license to guide Chinese tourists thanks to the language skills she acquired as a refugee in China. She works diligently but faces many challenges, from coworker rivalry to assimilation, all while desperately searching for her missing brother. The irony of Han-Young’s position is emblematic of marginalized peoples’ struggles … [Read More]

Noryang: Deadly Sea – UK theatrical release

In 1598, the seven-year Imjin War nears an end as Wae invaders prepare to withdraw from Joseon. Admiral Yi Sun-shin leads an allied fleet of Joseon and Ming ships to annihilate the Wae army. Joseon, Ming, and Wae forces clash at Noryang Strait, the deadly sea where Admiral Yi fights his last valiant battle. Director: … [Read More]

[Manchester] Jane Jin Kaisen: Community of Parting screenings

Community of Parting (2019) traces a different approach to borders, translation, and aesthetic mediation by invoking the ancient shamanic myth of the Abandoned Princess Bari and engaging female Korean shamanism as an ethics and aesthetics of memory and mutual recognition across time and space. Rooted in oral storytelling and embodied by female shamans, the myth about … [Read More]

12.12 The Day (서울의 봄) Theatrical release

After the assassination of President Park, martial law has been declared. A coup d’état bursts out by Defense Security Commander Chun Doo-gwang and a private band of officers following him. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin, an obstinate soldier who believes the military should not take political actions, fights against Chun Doo-gwang to stop him. According … [Read More]

Beyond Utopia – theatrical release

A suspenseful look at the lengths people will go to gain freedom, Beyond Utopia follows various individuals as they attempt to flee North Korea, one of the most oppressive places on Earth, a land they grew up believing was a paradise. At the film’s core are a mother desperate to reunite with the child she … [Read More]

Healing Hearts: The stories and voices of North Korean refugees

Three North Korean refugees will share their experiences in North and South Korea through different voices. Co-founder of Freedom Speakers International will share his experiences meeting with more than 500 North Koreans refugees and why North Korean refugees speak out. After the forum, attendees will also be invited to watch “You Don’t Know,” a documentary … [Read More]

Korean movies at LEAFF 2023 (updated)

This year, LEAFF presents a special Retrospective strand dedicated to the works of Director Chung Ji-Young (1946-), known to be the Ken Loach of South Korea. The cinema veteran is known for compelling storytelling based on real-life cases. 2023 marks the 40th anniversary since his directorial debut. In order to celebrate, LEAFF brings 8 of … [Read More]

Music, dance, discussion and documentary: an evening with Freedom Speakers International

In support of North Korean human rights, join Freedom Speakers International, Ooberfuse, and the Seoul Larkspur International Film Festival for a concert in London on October 21, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at St. Giles Hotel #6. Music by Ooberfuse Live Talk Show discussion with North Korean refugees. North Korean human rights documentary: Mom`s strange land … [Read More]

K-rime: Timeless, Bottomless Bad Movie screening

Join us for a very rare screening of Jang Sun-woo’s Bad Movie, also known as Timeless, Bottomless Bad Movie (1997), a transgressive piece of cinéma vérité that turns its lens onto the homeless and runaway teens of ’90s Seoul as they sniff glue, commit random acts of violence, and feel a profound sense of loss … [Read More]