The World of Love
| The World of Love | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Hangul | 세계의 주인 |
| RR | Segyeui juin |
| MR | Segyeŭi chuin |
| Directed by | Yoon Ga-eun |
| Written by | Yoon Ga-eun |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Kim Ji-hyun |
| Edited by | Park Se-young |
| Music by | Lee Min-hwi |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Barunson E&A |
Release dates |
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Running time | 119 minutes |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Box office | US$1.1 million[1] |
The World of Love (Korean: 세계의 주인) is a 2025 South Korean drama film written and directed by Yoon Ga-eun. The film follows Lee Ju-in, a 17-year-old student, confused by love, unleashes chaos with some words spoken in a moment of anger.[2]
The film had its world premiere in the Platform section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2025, where it competed for Platform Prize.[3]
It was released in South Korean theaters on October 22, 2025, by Barunson E&A.[4]
Plot
Ju-in is a high school student who frequently changes boyfriends and appears to lead a carefree life centered around home, school, and taekwondo.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that her mother, a kindergarten teacher, is struggling with an increasingly serious drinking problem. Her father has lived away from the family for years and is especially distant from his daughter, ignoring even her text messages. Her younger brother, who loves magic tricks, is deeply devoted to her and is keeping a secret.
When Su-ho, one of her classmates, launches a petition concerning the possible release of a child molester, Ju-in unexpectedly opposes the effort, having read in the petition's motivations some phrases that undermine the individuality of people who have emerged from these kinds of experiences. Her reaction suggests a personal connection to the issue, though she firmly denies it.
Tensions continue to build. After learning that Mi-do, an older friend from a volunteer organization, is pursuing legal action related to mistreatment she experienced while growing up, it becomes apparent that Ju-in's difficulties in forming deeper romantic relationships stem from unresolved childhood trauma.
It is eventually revealed that a relative on her father's side, who is likely now incarcerated, has taken advantage of her for years. As a result, Ju-in harbors deep resentment toward her mother, who devoted so much attention to the children in her care while failing to recognize what was happening within her own family.
The emotional wounds prove to be far more significant than Ju-in is willing to acknowledge. When Su-ho revives his campaign around the petition, she reacts angrily, and the confrontation leads both of them to the principal's office. There, she finally finds the courage to speak openly about her past.
Her disclosure places strain on her friendships. Rather than fully understanding her pain, some of her friends feel unsettled by the realization that she had hidden such an important part of herself for years.
Shaken by her daughter's outburst, the mother calls on her husband to fulfill his responsibilities as a father, but then ends up in the hospital with a gallbladder problem that turns out to be an early warning sign of developing liver cirrhosis. The family crisis ultimately brings them closer together. Ju-in discovers that her younger brother has been intercepting letters from their uncle for years in an effort to protect her, while her father rewrites a message to her after years of silence.
Back at school, Ju-in reconnects with her closest friend, Yu-ra. Around the same time, a classmate who had previously sent anonymous notes criticizing her behavior sends one final message. This time, however, it is a note of gratitude. Without revealing his identity, he explains that he has faced similar struggles and expresses both solidarity with Ju-in and admiration for the courage she has shown.
Cast
- Seo Su-bin as Lee Ju-in
- Jang Hye-jin as Kang Tae-sun, Joo-in's mother
- Kim Jeong-sik as Jang Su-ho
- Kang Chae-yoon as Gong Yu-ra
- Lee Jae-hee as Lee Hae-in
- Kim Ye-chang as Park Chan-woo
- Go Min-si as Han Mi-do
- Kim Suk-hoon as Lee Ki-dong
Release
The World of Love had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2025, in Platform section.[5] The film is eligible for People's Choice Awards, which is decided by audience voting.[6][7]
It was invited to compete in the Crouching Tigers section, the international competition for new filmmakers at the 9th Pingyao International Film Festival in September 2025. It was nominated in three categories for the Roberto Rossellini Awards: Best Film, Best Director, and the Jury Prize [8] It also competed at the Warsaw Film Festival in the International Competition section on October 11, 2025.[9]
It was also selected to compete in the Official Competition section of the 2025 BFI London Film Festival for the best film award and had the screening on October 14, 2025.[10][11] On October 25, 2025, it was presented in International Perspective section of the São Paulo International Film Festival.[12]
On November 2, it was screened at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival in Cineaste Delights section.[13][14] In November it also competed at the Three Continents Festival in the international competition and won the grand prize the Montgolfière d'or.[15]
It competed in the 20th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival on December 5, 2025[16] and then in the Red Sea: Competition strand at the Red Sea International Film Festival on December 6, 2025.[17][18]
In February 2025, the film was presented at the European Film Market (EFM), which is held in Berlin, in conjunction with the Berlin International Film Festival by the South Korea's sales and production company Barunson E&A, who have acquired world sales rights of the film.[19]
It was released on October 22, 2025, in South Korean theatres.[20]
The film has distribution agreements with Japanese distributor Bitters End, Hong Kong's Edko Films, and Taiwan's Andrews Film. It has also entered into distribution agreement with the Chinese distribution Light Films Limited on October 19, 2025.[21]
Reception
Box office
The film was released on October 22, 2025, on 358 screens.[1]
As of November 26, 2025, the film has grossed US$919,299 from 139,312 admissions.[22][1]
Critical response
Shim Sun-ah of Yonhap News Agency, reviewing the film praised it for its carefully constructed storytelling and lifelike characters. Shim wrote, the film "weaves together seemingly unrelated events into a cohesive, resonant narrative," with early moments that seem minor eventually connecting to the central theme and sustaining a quiet sense of tension. Shim commended Seo Su-bin's debut as "remarkable," noting her ability to portray a wide range of teenage emotions—from "radiant, carefree charm" to the "raw devastation of a complete breakdown." Jang Hye-jin was also praised for her "magnificent performance" as Ju-in's mother, a character who supports her daughter's trauma and joins her on the journey toward healing.[23]
Wendy Ide senior International critic of ScreenDaily at the BFI London Film Festival, reviewing the film praised it for its unique storytelling style, noting that director Yoon presents the narrative in "fractured glimpses," which Ide said mirrors the restless nature of teenage attention. Ide noted a key emotional moment set in a carwash, where Yoon Ga-eun "leaves the camera running when it counts," allowing the scene to unfold with raw intensity because of Seo Su-bin's powerful performance. While Ide felt that not every creative choice was successful; describing the repeated use of a "twinkly piano rendition" of Johann Sebastian Bach's "Sheep may safely graze" as a "tonal mismatch" with the film's "dynamic energy". Ide concluded that overall, the film "works well," offering a story that "takes its time to piece together and is all the more rewarding for its gradual reveal."[24]
Accolades
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Pacific Screen Awards | 2025 | Best Youth Film | The World of Love | Nominated | [25] |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2026 | Best Film | Nominated | [26] [27] | |
| Gucci Impact Award | Nominated | ||||
| Best Director | Yoon Ga-eun | Won | |||
| Best Screenplay | Nominated | ||||
| Best Supporting Actress | Jang Hye-jin | Nominated | |||
| Best New Actress | Seo Su-bin | Won | |||
| Bechdel Day | 2026 | Bechdel Choice 10 — Film | The World of Love | Won | [28] |
| Bechdelian in Film — Director of the Year | Yoon Ga-eun | Won | [29] | ||
| BFI London Film Festival | 2025 | Best Film | The World of Love | Nominated | [30] |
| Buil Film Awards | 2026 | Best Film | Pending | [31] | |
| Best Director | Yoon Ga-eun | Pending | |||
| Best Screenplay | Pending | ||||
| Best Actress | Seo Su-bin | Pending | |||
| Best New Actress | Pending | ||||
| Best Supporting Actress | Jang Hye-jin | Pending | |||
| Chunsa Film Art Awards | 2025 | Best Director | Yoon Ga-eun | Won | [32] |
| Best New Actress | Seo Su-bin | Won | |||
| Director's Cut Awards | 2026 | Best Director (Film) | Yoon Ga-eun | Nominated | [33] [34] |
| Best Screenplay (Film) | Won | ||||
| Best Vision (Film) | Won | ||||
| Best Actress (Film) | Seo Su-bin | Won | |||
| Best New Actress (Film) | Kang Chae-yun | Nominated | |||
| Go Min-si | Nominated | ||||
| Korean Film Producers Association Awards | 2025 | Best Film | The World of Love | Won | [35] |
| Best New Actress | Seo Su-bin | Won | |||
| Pingyao International Film Festival | 2025 | Roberto Rossellini Award: Jury Award | The World of Love | Won | [36] [37] |
| Audience Award | Won | [38] | |||
| Red Sea International Film Festival | 2025 | Yusr Best Actress | Seo Su-bin | Won | [39] |
| Three Continents Festival | 2025 | Golden Montgolfière | The World of Love | Won | [40] |
| Toronto International Film Festival | 2025 | People's Choice Award | Nominated | [41] | |
| Platform Prize | Nominated | ||||
| Warsaw Film Festival | 2025 | Warsaw Grand Prix | Nominated | [42] | |
| Wildflower Film Awards | 2026 | Best Screenplay | Yoon Ga-eun | Won | [43] |
| Best Editing – Staff | Park Se-young | Won |
References
- 1 2 3 "Box office at KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) Box office: The World of Love (2025 film)". KOFIC. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
- ↑ Jo, Yeon-kyung (July 23, 2025). 윤가은 감독 신작 '세계의 주인' 韓최초 토론토 경쟁 진출 [Director Yoon Ga-eun's New Film 'Master of the World' Enters Toronto Competition for the First Time in Korea]. JTBC (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ↑ Kate Erbland (July 22, 2025). "TIFF 2025's Auteur-Focused Platform Competition Will Be Juried by Two Rising Filmmakers and Oscar Nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste". IndieWire. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ↑ Jo, Ji-young (September 17, 2025). "거장 지아장커도 반했다"...윤가은 감독 '세계의 주인', 토론토 이어 핑야오영화제 경쟁 초청 ["Even the maestro Jia Zhangke was captivated"... Director Yoon Ga-eun's "Master of the World" invited to compete at the Pingyao International Film Festival, following the Toronto International Film Festival.]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved September 21, 2025.
- ↑ Park, Ji-yoon (July 23, 2025). 윤가은 감독 '세계의 주인', 토론토국제영화제 경쟁 부문 초청...韓 최초 [Director Yoon Ga-eun's 'Master of the World' Invited to Competition Section at Toronto International Film Festival... First Korean Film]. The Fact (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ↑ Moon, Ki-hoon (July 23, 2025). "Yoon Ga-eun's 'The World of Love' selected for Toronto's Platform competition". The Korea Herald. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ↑ "The World of Love". Toronto International Film Festival. August 12, 2025. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ↑ Lee, Jeong-yeon (September 17, 2025). "전 세계가 주목" 영화 '세계의 주인', 이번엔 핑야오영화제 경쟁 초청 ["The World's Watch": The Film "Master of the World" Invited to Competition at the Pingyao International Film Festival]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved September 21, 2025.
- ↑ "The World of Love". Warsaw Film Festival. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ↑ Boyce, Laurence (September 4, 2025). "The BFI London Film Festival lifts the lid on the titles for its 69th edition". Cineuropa. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ↑ "The World of Love". BFI London Film Festival. September 3, 2025. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ↑ "The World of Love". São Paulo International Film Festival (in Portuguese). Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ↑ "The World of Love". Hong Kong Asian Film Festival. October 30, 2025. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ↑ Bae, Hyo-joo (October 30, 2025). "올해의 명작"..'세계의 주인' 한한령 뚫고 中 배급→홍콩까지 간다 ["Masterpiece of the Year"... "Master of the World" Breaks Through THAAD Ban, Distributed in China and Now in Hong Kong]. Newsen (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ↑ Lee, Seung-mi (November 30, 2025). '세계의 주인', 또 수상 낭보...낭뜨3대륙영화제 대상 수상 ["Master of the World" wins another award, winning the Grand Prize at the Nantes Three Continents Film Festival]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
- ↑ "The World of Love". Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ↑ "The World of Love". Red Sea International Film Festival. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ↑ Salwa, Ola (November 6, 2025). "The fifth Red Sea International Film Festival announces its full line-up". Cineuropa. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ↑ Michael Rosser (February 14, 2025). "Barunson E&A unveils Yoon Ga-eun's 'The World Of Love' at EFM (exclusive)". ScreenDaily. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ↑ Jo, Yeon-kyung (August 11, 2025). 韓영화 최초 토론토 경쟁 진출 '세계의 주인' 10월 국내 개봉 ["Master of the World," the first Korean film to compete in the Toronto competition, will be released domestically in October] (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
- ↑ Naman Ramachandran (October 19, 2025). "Korean Film 'The World of Love' Secures Rare Chinese Distribution Deal (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ↑ "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) The Box office: Korean films of 2025". KOFIC. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
- ↑ Shim, Sun-ah (October 20, 2025). "(Movie Review) 'The World of Love': a quietly powerful film that celebrates life's resilience". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ↑ Wendy Ide (October 17, 2025). "'The World Of Love' review: Complex, thoughtful South Korean drama deals with aftermath of sexual assault". ScreenDaily. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ↑ Naman Ramachandran (October 14, 2025). "'Samsara,' 'It Was Just an Accident,' 'Magellan' Lead Asia Pacific Screen Awards Nominations". Variety. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ↑ Lee, Da-gyeom (April 13, 2026). '제62회 백상예술대상' 후보 발표...'왕과 사는 남자' 7개 부문 노미네이트 ['62nd Baeksang Arts Awards' Nominees Announced...The King's Warden Nominated in 7 Categories]. Star Today (in Korean). Retrieved May 8, 2026.
- ↑ McCarthy, Thomas; Jin, Eun-soo; Kim, Ju-yeon; Shin, Han-nee (May 8, 2026). "Veteran actors Yoo Hae-jin, Ryu Seung-ryong win Baeksang Grand Prizes — as it happened". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
- ↑ Park, Ji-yoon (August 5, 2026). '교생실습'부터 '세계의 주인'까지…벡델초이스 10 공개 [From 'Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2' to 'The World of Love'... Bechdel Choice 10 Revealed]. The Fact (in Korean). Retrieved August 5, 2026 – via Naver.
- ↑ Kim, Seong-hyeon (August 6, 2026). '세계의 주인' 윤가은 감독, 벡델데이 '올해의 감독' 만장일치 선정 [Director Yoon Ga-eun of 'Master of the World' Unanimously Selected as 'Director of the Year' on Bechdel Day]. YTN (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 8, 2026. Retrieved August 6, 2026 – via Daum.
- ↑ Ntim, Zac (September 3, 2025). "BFI London Film Festival: Chloé Zhao's 'Hamnet' & Kate Moss Biopic 'Moss & Freud' Among Headline Titles — Full List". Deadline. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ↑ Kim Ji-hye (August 20, 2026). "부일영화상, 10월 7일 개최…'어쩔수가없다' 9개 부문 '최다 후보'" [Buil Film Awards to be held on October 7… 'Unavoidable' receives 'most nominations' in 9 categories]. SBS Entertainment News (in Korean). Retrieved August 20, 2026 – via Naver.
- ↑ Kim, Bo-young (December 24, 2025). '세계의 주인' 연말 영화상 6관왕 싹쓸이...20만 돌파 목전 ["Master of the World" sweeps six year-end film awards... nearing 200,000 admissions]. Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved December 24, 2025.
- ↑ Lee, Seung-mi (May 11, 2026). 박지훈, 영화·시리즈 동시 노미...제24회 디렉터스컷 어워즈, 후보 공개. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Retrieved May 15, 2026 – via Naver.
- ↑ 유해진·박지훈→현빈·정윤호, 디렉터스컷 어워즈 배우상 수상 (in Korean). May 20, 2026.
- ↑ Park, Se-yeon (December 18, 2025). '세계의 주인' 작품상→이병헌·이혜영 남녀주연상...제12회 한국영화제작가협회상의 선택 [종합] ["Master of the World" wins Best Picture → Lee Byung-hun and Lee Hye-young win Best Actor and Actress... Selections from the 12th Korean Film Producers Association Awards [Comprehensive]]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved December 18, 2025 – via Naver.
- ↑ Shackleton, Liz (September 17, 2025). "'My Father's Shadow', 'Lost Land' & 'The President's Cake' Among Pingyao Film Festival's Crouching Tigers Entries". Deadline. Retrieved September 21, 2025.
- ↑ Naman Ramachandran (September 29, 2025). "'Deep Quiet Room,' 'The President's Cake' Take Top Prizes at Pingyao Film Festival". Variety. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ↑ Kim, Seong-hyeon (October 1, 2025). 윤가은 감독 '세계의 주인', 핑야오국제영화제 2관왕 [Director Yoon Ga-eun's "Master of the World" Wins Two Awards at the Pingyao International Film Festival]. YTN (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ↑ Salwa, Ola (December 12, 2025). "Lost Land and All That's Left of You triumph at the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival". Cineuropa. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
- ↑ "The Awards List of the 47th Edition of the Festival des 3 Continents". Three Continents Festival. November 29, 2025. Retrieved November 30, 2025.
- ↑ Katz, David (July 23, 2025). "Toronto announces its competitive Platform section, and more sparkly Galas and Special Presentations". Cineuropa. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ↑ "International Competition". Warsaw Film Festival. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ↑ Park, Cheol-woong (June 1, 2026). 들꽃의 이름으로, 독립영화의 영토를 묻다 - 제13회 들꽃영화상이 던진 질문. Le Monde Diplomatique (in Korean). Retrieved June 2, 2026.
External links
- The World of Love at IMDb
- The World of Love at HanCinema
- The World of Love at the Korean Movie Database (in Korean)
- The World of Love at TIFF