Netflix’s ‘The Great Flood’ Included in Busan International Film Festival’s Korean Cinema Today Lineup

Busan Film Festival unveils Premiere Lineup, Disney+ Exec Shift & New prime Video Series

The 30th Busan International Film Festival is set to showcase a compelling selection of new Korean films, alongside notable executive changes at Disney and the debut of a fresh series from Prime Video. These developments highlight the dynamic growth and evolving landscape of the Asian entertainment market.

busan International Film Festival Spotlights New Korean Cinema

The Busan International Film Festival, a major event on the global film calendar, has announced the first five titles for its Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere program. These selections promise a diverse range of cinematic experiences, reflecting the current trends and creative energy within the Korean film industry. The festival is scheduled to run from September 17th to September 26th.

Among the highly anticipated premieres is Kim byung-woo’s disaster thriller, “The Great Flood,” featuring Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo. This Netflix production will chronicle the harrowing experiences of individuals navigating the aftermath of a devastating flood. Ra Hee-chan’s action-comedy, “Boss,” introduces a captivating narrative of power struggles within the criminal underworld, starring Jo Woo-jin, Jung Kyung-ho, Park Jihwan, and Lee Kyoo-hyung.

Ha Jung-woo both directs and stars in “The Peopel Upstairs,” a film poised to explore the complexities of relationships and the tensions that can arise between neighbors. Jung Woo, alongside co-director Oh Seong-ho, will present “Audition 109,” a sequel to the 2009 film “Wish,” marking Jung Woo’s inaugural directorial venture. Lee hwan’s “Project Y,” starring Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo, offers a suspenseful look into a world of dangerous crime, having already premiered at the Toronto International Film festival and now coming to Busan.

Disney+ Strengthens APAC Leadership

In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the Asia Pacific region, disney has appointed Tony Zameczkowski as Senior VP and General Manager, direct-to-Consumer, APAC. Zameczkowski brings over 25 years of media experience to the role, including a nine-year tenure at netflix APAC where he was instrumental in building the streaming platform’s regional operations. He will report jointly to Luke Kang, disney’s APAC president, and Joe Earley, President of Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment.

Disney+ is actively expanding its APAC content portfolio with upcoming original series including “Tempest,” “The Murky Stream,” and “Made in Korea,” signaling a continued investment in local storytelling and regional growth. According to Statista, the streaming market in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to reach $32.48 billion in 2024, highlighting the importance of a strong regional strategy.

Prime Video Debuts “Confidence Queen”

Prime Video is introducing a thrilling Korean comedy caper series,”Confidence Queen,” starring Park Min-young. The series follows Yun Yi-rang, a master of disguise, and her team of con artists as they navigate a world of deception and intrigue. The trailer showcases Park’s versatility as she embodies various personas while targeting corrupt individuals. Park Hee-soon and Joo Jong-hyuk join Park Min-young as key members of the team.

Directed by Nam Ki-hoon and penned by Hong Seung-hyun and kim Da-hye, “confidence Queen” is based on a popular Japanese series. New episodes will become available on Saturdays and Sundays following the premiere on September 6th.

Event	Details	Date
Busan International Film Festival	Premiere of five Korean films	Sept 17-26
Disney+ Leadership Change	Tony Zameczkowski appointed Senior VP & GM, APAC	August 18, 2025
Prime Video Series Launch	“Confidence Queen” premieres	Sept 6

The Rise of Korean Entertainment globally

The increasing international recognition of korean cinema and television – often referred to as the “Korean Wave” or ‘hallyu’- demonstrates a significant shift in global entertainment consumption. From the groundbreaking success of films like “Parasite” to the worldwide popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, Korean content is captivating audiences across diverse cultures. This global appeal is driven by high production values, compelling narratives, and a unique cultural aesthetic. The continued investment by major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video further solidifies Korea’s position as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.

Have you watched any Korean films or dramas recently? What are your thoughts on the growing popularity of Korean entertainment?

What impact do you think these developments will have on the future of streaming in Asia? Share your opinions in the comments below!

Do you have any thoughts on these exciting developments in the entertainment world? Share this article with your friends and let’s discuss!

What impact does the inclusion of ‘The Great Flood’ in BIFF’s “Korean Cinema Today – Panorama” section likely have on the film’s international distribution prospects?

‘The Great Flood’ at BIFF: A Spotlight on Korean Disaster Films

Netflix’s highly anticipated Korean disaster film, The Great Flood (대홍수), has been selected for inclusion in the “Korean Cinema Today – Panorama” section of the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). This selection marks a notable moment for the film and for Korean cinema’s growing presence on global streaming platforms. The Busan international Film Festival, a leading voice in Asian cinema, runs from october 2nd to October 11th, 2025.

Understanding the “korean Cinema Today – Panorama” Section

The “Korean Cinema Today – panorama” section at BIFF is dedicated to showcasing recent Korean films that represent the current trends and diverse voices within the national film industry. It’s a crucial platform for both established directors and emerging filmmakers to connect with international audiences, distributors, and critics. Inclusion in this section often provides a significant boost to a film’s visibility and potential for international distribution.This year’s lineup is expected to be particularly competitive, highlighting the strength of contemporary Korean filmmaking.

What is ‘The Great Flood’ About?

The Great Flood is a disaster thriller directed by Kim Byung-woo, starring Kim Dae-myung, Tang Jun-sang, and Kim Do-yoon. The film depicts a catastrophic flood engulfing the Korean peninsula, and the desperate struggle for survival of those caught in the deluge.

Here’s a breakdown of key details:

Genre: Disaster, Thriller, Action

Director: Kim Byung-woo

Starring: Kim Dae-myung, Tang Jun-sang, Kim Do-yoon

Production Company: Netflix

release Date (Netflix): Expected Q4 2025 (precise date TBD)

Synopsis: A massive, unprecedented flood threatens to submerge Korea, forcing ordinary citizens to make extraordinary choices to survive.The film explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the fragility of modern infrastructure.

The Rise of korean Disaster Films & Netflix’s Investment

Korean cinema has a strong tradition of compelling disaster films, often blending thrilling action with poignant social commentary. The Great Flood builds on the success of previous Korean disaster blockbusters like Train to Busan (2016) and Exit (2019).

Netflix’s increasing investment in Korean content is a key factor in the production and global reach of films like The Great Flood.This investment is driven by the global popularity of K-content,including series like Squid Game and Kingdom.

Here’s how Netflix benefits from this strategy:

1. Expanding Global Audience: Korean content attracts a diverse international viewership.
2. Original Content Library: Strengthens Netflix’s position as a provider of unique and high-quality original programming.
3. Cultural Exchange: Promotes Korean culture and storytelling on a global scale.

BIFF 2025: What to Expect for ‘The Great Flood’

The Busan International Film Festival screening will be a significant chance for The Great Flood to generate buzz and attract potential international buyers. Expect:

Press Coverage: Extensive media attention from Korean and international film publications.

Industry Networking: Opportunities for the filmmakers to connect with distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers.

Audience Reactions: Initial audience feedback, which will be crucial for shaping the film’s marketing strategy.

Potential Awards: While not a competition section, positive reception at BIFF can increase the film’s chances of winning awards at other festivals.

Accessing Netflix Content Internationally: Account Considerations

While Netflix offers a global service, accessing specific content can vary depending on your region. As of 2025, using a standard netflix account purchased from regions like Argentina or Turkey (often referred to as “hacked” or “shared” accounts) may have limitations. these accounts, while perhaps cheaper, often restrict access to a limited regional library and may not support 4K streaming consistently. A global, unrestricted Netflix subscription is recommended for optimal viewing