The Korean over-the-top (OTT) drama series showcased at this year’s Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) drew widespread praise for their cinematic quality. As more filmmakers shift toward drama production, the festival has embraced this trend, featuring selected dramas in its “On Screen” section. This year’s lineup includes “Hellbound 2″ (Netflix), “Gangnam B-Side” (Disney+), and “Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard” (TVING), all highly anticipated releases set for October and November.
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, renowned for “Train to Busan,” “Hellbound” (2021) made a significant impact within the monster genre, depicting a society in turmoil as mysterious beings deliver fatal decrees, interpreted by some as divine judgment. While the first season of “Hellbound” heightened tension by focusing on parents protecting their newborn, the second season broadens its scope, delving into various groups’ responses to the enigmatic events. Fans of the series will appreciate this more in-depth exploration as a rewarding continuation of the storyline.
During the “Open Talk” event, Director Yeon clarified, “The disaster in this story is not a physical one but an ideological one. ‘Hellbound 2′ centers on characters with extreme beliefs facing this crisis.” He added that the original comic wasn’t expected to get large-scale backing because of its unpredictability. Standout elements include Kim Sung-cheol as protagonist Jung Jin-soo, Kim Hyun-joo’s action sequences, and the introduction of Moon So-ri in a fresh role.
Under the direction of Park Noo-ri, known for the film “Money,” “Gangnam B-Side” blends familiar themes with dynamic characters. While addressing weighty issues such as drug abuse, exploitation, and police corruption—the darker side of Gangnam—the chemistry between the lead characters, including a detective (Jo Woo-jin), a pimp (Ji Chang-wook), and a club ace (Kim Hyeong-seo), injects fresh energy into the narrative. Jo Woo-jin’s nuanced performance, Ji Chang-wook’s striking look, and the well-executed action scenes by Sanai Pictures are standout elements. Director Park also shared in a Q&A that the evolving characters and their shifting alliances will keep audiences captivated.
“Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard,” a spinoff from the popular crime series “Stranger” (2017, 2020), brought some humor to the festival with its candid tone. Centered on the once-unpopular prosecutor Seo Dong-jae, this rare Korean spinoff echoes Marvel’s “Loki,” proving that secondary characters can headline their own stories. The drama follows the flawed but ambitious Dong-jae as he confronts a profound evil and undergoes personal growth. Actor Lee Jun-hyuk, who plays Dong-jae, joked, “A lot of people like Dong-jae, and I wonder if it’s because they see themselves in him. Have fun teasing him, but also empathize.”
OTT platforms had an unprecedented presence at this year’s festival, with Netflix even launching the event with a film. Programs like “Open Talks” and “Outdoor Greeting,” featuring drama creators and actors, drew large crowds and sparked widespread interest. Lee Soo-yeon, writer of “Stranger” and contributor to “Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard,” noted, “It’s surreal to be in Busan discussing drama.”
As more filmmakers venture into drama, the diversity and depth of Korean series continue to expand.
