Korean Film ‘The Villainess’ Has Been Presold To 136 Countries

Prior to its domestic theatrical release, 'The Villainess' has already been sold by 136 countries, according to its distributor. Next Entertainment World said that the film's distribution right has been sold to countries including Japan, China, Singapore and India, and Scandinavian countries. Well Go USA has also acquired the rights to the film.

'The Villainess', which was screened in the midnight section at this year's Cannes Film Festival, was written, produced and directed by Jung Byung Gil. The action film stars Kim Ok Bin, Shin Ha Kyun, and Bang Sung Jun. Kim Ok Bin plays Sook Hee, a girl who has been taught to kill from an early age. She is recruited by South Korea's Intelligence Agency as a sleeper agent and takes this opportunity to start a new life under the identity of Chae Yeon Soo, a 27-year-old theatre actress. However, she finds that living normally is a tough act, having been raised as a killer. After two people emerge from her past, she unlocks dark secrets she wished she never uncovered.

'The Villainess' received a 4-minute standing ovation after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22. Well-renowned and acclaimed South Korean director Park Chan Wook, who directed films like 'Oldboy', 'The Handmaiden', and 'Stoker', was in attendance at the screening and praised main star Kim Ok Bin. Director Park Chan Wook came to the Cannes Film Festival as a judge this year. Kim Ok Bin and the director has worked together in the past for the film 'Thirst', where Ok Bin's role granted her an appearance for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival. 'The Villainess' is said to be an action film that is unlike any other in South Korea, and has been noted for its impressive 10-minute action scene sequence that left audience at the edge of their seats. 'The Villainess' is set to open in local theaters on June 8.