South Korea Picks Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' for Oscar International Race

South Korea's film selection body has chosen Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' as the country's submission for the Academy Awards' Best International Feature category. The film, financed by Netflix, will get a qualifying theatrical run in Korea, the U.S., and other markets after its festival premieres in Venice and Toronto. The selection committee highlighted the film's cinematic completeness, directorial clarity, and nuanced character portrayals.

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The Korean Film Council's decision positions the film as the nation's representative in the Academy race. Its festival debut at Venice and Toronto will precede a strategic theatrical rollout in Korea, the U.S., and other markets, a move designed to meet Oscar eligibility requirements.

The selection committee's rationale centered on the film's technical polish, the director's clear vision, and the depth of its character work. Netflix's backing ensures international distribution, while the confirmed qualifying theatrical release underscores the platform's commitment to the awards campaign.