Overview

• The Korean Film Council confirmed the film as the country’s entry for best international feature at the 98th Academy Awards.
• Park’s dark comedy, adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s novel The Ax, premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival for the Golden Lion.
• The film will open the Busan International Film Festival and release in South Korean theaters on Sept. 24, securing category eligibility.
• Neon holds North American rights while CJ ENM financed and produced the film, with Mubi acquiring multiple territories outside North America.
• The selection was made by a committee including producer Kwak Sin-ae, producer Lee Dong-ha, director Shin Su-won and actor Jang Hye-jin, as the cast is led by Lee Byung-hun alongside Son Yejin and Park Hee-soon.