Are you ready for Asia’s largest film celebration? This year, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is set to roll out the red carpet for its 30th edition. This year’s “On Screen” section will feature the world premiere of six new drama series in cinematic style. Discover the details of the dramas that will premiere in the screen section at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in 2025.
30th Busan International Film Festival 2025 Overview: Dates, Venue, and Dramas
Dates and Venue
For its 30th anniversary, the Busan International Film Festival will run for ten days, from September 17 to 26, 2025. The festival is starting slightly earlier than in past years and expanding its reach. While the iconic Busan Cinema Center remains the main hub, screenings will also take place across the city to welcome more local and international visitors to join in the festivities.
Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun will host the opening ceremony, while Claudia Kim will host the closing ceremony.
This year’s festival opens with “No Other Choice,” a new thriller from acclaimed director Park Chan-wook. Starring Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, the film was selected based on what audiences are most looking forward to, aiming to help reinvigorate Korean cinema.
This year’s program features more than 240 films, increasing from 224 last year. This increase also resulted in more screening locations.
On Screen Premieres: Six Drama Series Debuting
Launched in 2021, the On Screen program acknowledges the growing importance of serialized storytelling. It also gives audiences a chance to watch upcoming TV or streaming series on a cinema screen before their official release.
This year’s lineup is truly global, with three Korean dramas and three international series making their world premiere at the festival. Each of these six series will screen two episodes, giving festival audiences an exclusive first look before they hit Netflix, TVING, Disney+, or other platforms.
Here’s a brief look at each of the six drama series in the On Screen section.
“As You Stood By”
“As You Stood By” is the latest suspense thriller by director Lee Jeong-lim (known for “VIP” and “Revenant”), starring Jeon So-nee and Lee Yoo-mi. Based on a Japanese novel, this gripping drama follows two women whose loyalty and friendship are pushed to the limit. As they face peril, their bond will be tested like never before. The series will have a world premiere at BIFF, and it will come to Netflix in late 2025.
“Dear X”
“Dear X” is a dark melo-thriller co-directed by hitmaker Lee Eung-bok (“Goblin,” “Mr. Sunshine”) and Park So-hyun, written by Choi Ja-won. Kim Yoo-jung stars as Baek Ah-jin, a top actress who wears a figurative mask to escape her living nightmare. Kim Young-dae becomes a man entangled in her ruthless quest for success. Based on a popular webtoon, this intense series will premiere on Korea’s TVING streaming platform in November 2025.
“The Murky Stream”
“The Murky Stream” is A fictional Joseon-era action drama directed by Choo Chang-min, featuring a star-studded young cast: Rowoon, Shin Ye-eun, Park Seo-ham, and Park Ji-hwan. Set in the late 19th-century trading hub of Gyeonggang, the story follows characters fighting to upend a corrupt social order amid chaos. Expect period intrigue and dynamic resistance against tyranny. After its world premiere at BIFF, the series will be available for streaming on Disney+ in late 2025.
“Last Samurai Standing”
“Last Samurai Standing” is a high-octane Japanese action series co-directed by Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, and Toru Yamamoto. Set in 1878, the story follows 292 samurai warriors who enter a brutal survival game for a massive cash prize, each determined to eliminate the others, delivering battle royale-style thrills. The ensemble is led by Junichi Okada and Yumia Fujisaki, ensuring top-notch action performances. Following its world premiere at BIFF, you can expect to stream it on Netflix.
“Romantics Anonymous”
“Romantics Anonymous” is a heartwarming cross-cultural romance directed by Shō Tsukikawa (famed for “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas”). It stars Japanese actor Shun Oguri alongside Korean actress Han Hyo-joo as two painfully shy, emotionally reserved people who connect through their shared love of chocolate. This gentle tale of love and chocolate offers a sweet respite amid the festival’s intensity. The series will be available on Netflix worldwide.
“The Resurrected”
“The Resurrected” is a Chinese-language Netflix original series co-directed by Leste Chen and Hsu Chao-jen. International stars Shu Qi and Lee Sinje portray two grieving mothers who, after losing their daughters to a vicious scam, resurrect a dead scammer to seek revenge. This revenge thriller takes many twists as unexpected truths surface, delivering gripping tension. World Premiere at BIFF; Streams globally on Netflix from October 9, 2025.
Final Thoughts
This fall, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is turning thirty. The festival is a true celebration of every kind of story. Whether you love romance, comedy, action, or horror, your next favorite adventure begins right here.
You may be seeking a powerful film by a renowned director. You may want to see an exciting new drama before anyone else. Either way, this event has a special place just for you. It’s where your next obsession begins.
The Busan International Film Festival is more than an event. Here, you will be the main character of your own story. As you explore the city and the festival, you will get an exceptional experience as you enjoy the city’s bright energy and its beautiful beaches. And the best part is, this whole experience is combined with a shared love for cinema.
So, come and be part of the story! Your next great film adventure is waiting for you!
Visit BIFF Official Website for more information.
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