South Korea Names Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Possible Love’ as 2027 Oscar International Feature Entry

Lee Chang-dong Returns with "Possible Love"

After an eight‑year hiatus, acclaimed director Lee Chang-dong steps back into the spotlight with his new drama "Possible Love." The film follows two married couples whose lives become entangled after a chance encounter, exploring themes of desire, responsibility, and the fragile boundaries of intimacy.

Lee’s previous works – Secret Sunshine (2007), Poetry (2010) and Burning (2018) – earned international praise and solidified his reputation as a master of humanist storytelling. "Possible Love" marks his first feature since "Burning," and the anticipation surrounding the project has been palpable within both Korean and global film circles.

• Secret Sunshine – Won the Best Actress award at Cannes and brought attention to Lee’s nuanced handling of grief.
• Poetry – Received the Jury Prize at Cannes, highlighting the director’s lyrical approach to ordinary lives.
• Burning – Nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature, showcasing Lee’s ability to blend mystery with social commentary.

Plot Overview

"Possible Love" centers on two couples: a middle‑aged couple dealing with a stagnant marriage, and a younger pair navigating the excitement and uncertainty of early love. A shared dinner, a misplaced letter, and a series of miscommunications set off a chain reaction that forces each character to confront hidden desires and the consequences of their choices.

The narrative unfolds in a measured pace, allowing viewers to linger on ordinary moments that reveal deeper emotional currents. Lee’s signature use of long takes and natural lighting creates an intimate atmosphere that draws the audience into the private worlds of the protagonists.

Selection Process and KOFIC’s Decision

The Korean Film Council (Korean Film Council) announced on Monday that "Possible Love" will represent South Korea in the International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards. The council’s selection committee evaluated a slate of twelve eligible titles, weighing artistic merit, international appeal, and the film’s potential to resonate with Academy voters.

According to the council’s press release, the committee was impressed by Lee’s reputation for crafting emotionally resonant stories that transcend cultural boundaries. The decision also reflects a strategic move to showcase a film that balances critical acclaim with a narrative that can engage a broad audience.

Why "Possible Love" Stands Out

Several factors contributed to the film’s selection:

1. Lee’s established track record of Oscar‑nominated work.
2. The film’s universal themes of love, fidelity, and self‑discovery.
3. A strong ensemble cast featuring actors who have previously garnered international awards.
4. Production values that meet the technical standards required by the Academy.

Industry observers, including those at Variety, have praised the selection as a confident statement of South Korea’s cinematic confidence.

International Feature Category at the Oscars

The International Feature Film category, formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film, celebrates movies produced outside the United States with predominantly non‑English dialogue. Eligibility requires a theatrical release in the submitting country and a submission deadline that typically falls in October.

South Korea has a strong history in this category, most notably with Parasite (2019) winning both the International Feature award and Best Picture. Prior to that, Burning earned a nomination, and Joint Security Area (1999) received a nomination as well.

Eligibility and Past Korean Winners

To qualify, a film must:

• Be first released in its country of origin during the designated eligibility window.
• Contain primarily non‑English dialogue.
• Be submitted by an officially recognized organization, such as KOFIC.

South Korea’s recent successes have demonstrated the Academy’s growing appreciation for Korean storytelling, making "Possible Love" a strong contender to continue that momentum.

What This Means for South Korean Cinema

The selection of "Possible Love" underscores the vitality of South Korea’s film industry, which continues to produce works that resonate on the world stage. The film’s presence at the Oscars can boost distribution opportunities, attract festival invitations, and increase visibility for the cast and crew.

Moreover, Lee’s return may inspire a new generation of filmmakers to pursue ambitious projects that balance artistic integrity with global relevance.

Potential Impact on Global Audiences

International audiences have shown a keen interest in Korean narratives that blend personal drama with social insight. "Possible Love" offers a relatable exploration of marital dynamics, making it accessible to viewers regardless of cultural background.

Should the film secure a nomination, it could open doors for further collaborations between Korean studios and foreign distributors, fostering cross‑cultural exchange and enriching the global cinematic landscape.

As the awards season approaches, industry watchers will monitor the film’s promotional campaign, festival screenings, and critical reception. Whether "Possible Love" secures a nomination or not, its selection reaffirms South Korea’s position as a powerhouse of contemporary cinema.