Bong JoonHo & Lee Sangil: A Historic Director Meeting

Acclaimed directors Bong JoonHo and Lee Sangil are scheduled for a highly anticipated director meeting in Seoul on November 14, 2025. This special event, announced on November 6, 2025, will feature a dialogue between the two cinematic masters, focusing on their filmmaking philosophies and the upcoming Korean release of Lee Sangil’s new film, “Kukbo” (National Treasure). This meeting marks a significant moment for the Korean-Japanese film connection, bringing together two of the most respected figures in the modern film industry.

A Reunion of Cinematic Masters

The upcoming dialogue is the third official public meeting between Bong JoonHo and Lee Sangil, continuing a relationship built on mutual respect that spans over a decade. Their connection began in 2011 when they first met in relation to director Lee’s film “Villain.” They reunited in March 2017 in Seoul for a Q&A session during Lee Sangil’s promotional tour for his movie “Rage.” This history underscores the deep professional admiration between the two, making their forthcoming discussion a must-see event for cinephiles and followers of the global film industry.

“Kukbo” and the Korean-Japanese Film Connection

At the heart of this special director meeting is Lee Sangil’s latest film, “Kukbo,” which is set for a nationwide theatrical release in Korea on November 19, 2025. The film tells the story of two men whose lifelong goal is to surpass one another to achieve the status of a “national treasure.” The movie has already achieved phenomenal box office success in Japan, becoming the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film in 25 years.

Unprecedented Box Office Success

“Kukbo” captivated audiences in Japan, surpassing 10 million viewers in just 102 days and earning an impressive 16.4 billion yen (approximately 154.4 billion KRW). This achievement makes it only the second live-action Japanese film in history to sell over 10 million tickets, cementing its place as a major cultural event. The film’s success has generated significant anticipation for its Korean debut, handled by distributor NEW.

Details of the Director Meeting

The conversation between Bong JoonHo and Lee Sangil is scheduled to take place in Seoul on November 14, 2025. For fans unable to attend, a full video recording of the dialogue will be released in late November 2025. The video will be available on the official YouTube and social media channels of the film’s distributor NEW and co-releaser Media Castle. This event serves as a key promotional highlight, bridging the gap between the Japanese and Korean film industry and offering unique insights from two master filmmakers. Their discussion is expected to delve into the creative process behind “Kukbo” and their broader perspectives on cinema.

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