Lee Chang-dong’s Possible Love arrives on Netflix on November 6, bringing one of this year’s most acclaimed South Korean films to a global audience. The drama has already earned major recognition at the Venice Film Festival and been selected as South Korea’s submission for the 2027 Academy Awards. Here’s what to know before watching the film.
A triumphant Venice premiere
Possible Love premiered in competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 6, receiving a six-minute standing ovation. It went on to win the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the September 12 awards ceremony, along with the FIPRESCI Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics.
South Korea’s Oscar submission
The film was selected as South Korea’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards. This is an official country submission, not an Oscar nomination or confirmation that the film has made the Academy’s shortlist.
A story of two couples
The drama follows Mi-ok (Jeon Do-yeon) and her husband Ho-seok (Sul Kyung-gu), whose lives are unsettled after he loses his job. Their paths cross with those of Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), a documentary filmmaker, and her wealthy husband Sang-woo (Zo In-sung). When Ye-ji approaches Mi-ok to participate in a documentary about laid-off workers, the relationships between the four become increasingly complicated.
Exploring class, marriage and desire
Beyond the relationships at its centre, the film examines economic inequality, personal boundaries and the ethics of documenting another person’s hardship. It explores what happens when people from very different circumstances become closely involved in one another’s lives.
Lee Chang-dong’s return after eight years
Possible Love is the filmmaker’s first feature since Burning (2018). His celebrated filmography also includes Secret Sunshine, Poetry, Oasis and Peppermint Candy. The new film reunites him with Jeon Do-yeon, whom he previously directed in Secret Sunshine.
The theatrical journey and Netflix release
The film opened in South Korean cinemas on September 23, followed by selected releases in Australia on October 22 and the US, Canada, UK, Ireland and Japan on October 23. It now makes its global Netflix debut on November 6. With a runtime of 164 minutes, the drama offers viewers an extended look at the complicated realities of human relationships.
With two major Venice awards, an Oscar submission and Lee Chang-dong’s long-awaited return, Possible Love arrives on Netflix with considerable international recognition.