K-Film Series: Beyond Liberation
Presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York in partnership with Korean Film Archive
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation
Friday, August 15, 2025 ~ Friday, August 29, 2025
Tickets: Free (RSVP Required)
* RSVP and seating are first-come, first-served.
* Limited same-day standby tickets are available.
* For an additional question, please contact film@koreanculture.org
The Korean Cultural Center New York proudly presents K-Film Series:Beyond Liberation, special film screenings commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation. This event explores the artistic achievements and historical journey of Korean cinema over the past eight decades.
The program features a wide-ranging selection of films—from timeless classics preserved by the Korean Film Archive to internationally acclaimed works, including those recognized in The New York Times’ list of “THE 100 BEST MOVIES OF THE 21st CENTURY.”
Beyond Liberation offers audiences a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the evolving identity, resilience, and creativity of Korean filmmaking through stories that have shaped—and been shaped by—Korea’s modern history.
For any inquiries, please contact the Korean Cultural Center New York at film@koreanculture.org.
◆ Program(See below for films by screening date with RSVP Link)
All films are in Korean with English subtitles
Harbin (하얼빈) (Opening Film)
Friday, August 15, 7:30 PM
Director: Woo Min-ho
Cast: Hyun Bin , Park Jeong-min , Jo Woo-jin , Jeon YeoBeen , Lee Dong-wook
Languages: Korean with English subtitiles
2024, 113 min
* Opening Reception starts at 6:00 PM
Light refreshments will be served starting at 6:00 PM, with alcoholic beverages courtesy of SWRL, before the screening.
Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Details are subject to change.
Old Boy (올드 보이)
Saturday, August 16, 4:30 PM
Director: Park Chan-wook
Cast: Choi Min-sik , Yoo Ji-tae , Kang Hye-jung , Kim Byung-oc , Ji Dae-han
Languages: Korean with English subtitiles
2003; 120min
* The New York Times’ list of “THE 100 BEST MOVIES OF THE 21st CENTURY”
Hurrah For Freedom (자유만세)
Sunday, August 17, 4:30 PM
Director: Choi In-gyu
Cast: Jeon Chang-keun , Dog Eun-gi , Yu Gye-seon , Hwang Ryeo-hui , Kim Seung-ho
Languages: Korean with English subtitiles
1946; 60min
* Co-presented by KCCNY and Korean Film Archive
One of the very first films made after Korea’s liberation, this bold drama captures the spirit of resistance and independence.
Originally a 100-minute feature, only about 50 minutes survive today — making each frame a rare piece of cinematic history.
Memories of Murder (살인의 추억)
Wednesday, August 20, 7:00 PM
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho , Kim Sang-kyung , Kim Roi-ha , Song Jae-ho , Byun Hee-bong
Languages: Korean with English subtitiles
2003; 127min
* The New York Times’ list of “THE 100 BEST MOVIES OF THE 21st CENTURY”
Dongju: The Portrait of A Poet (동주)
Friday, August 22, 7:00 PM
Director: Lee Joon-ik
Cast: Kang Ha-neul , Park Jeong-min , Kim Inwoo , Choe Hong-il , Kim Jung-suk
Languages: Korean and Japanese with English subtitles
2015; 110min
A Public Prosecutor and A Teacher (검사와 여선생)
Saturday, August 23, 4:30 PM
Director: Yun Dae-ryong
Cast: Lee Yeong-ae , Kim Dong-min , Lee Up-dong , Shin Young-kyun , Jeong Ung
Languages: Korean with English subtitles
1948; 62min
* Co-presented by KCCNY and Korean Film Archive
The Last Silent Film of Korean Cinema History
Known as the last silent film in Korean cinema history, this work is brought to life by a byeonsa (narrator) who performs every character’s voice.
It’s a fascinating blend of old traditions and modern storytelling, offering audiences a one-of-a-kind experience.
Past Lives (패스트 라이브즈)
Sunday , August 24, 4:30 PM
Director: Celine Song
Cast: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro
Languages: English
2023; 105min
* The New York Times’ list of “THE 100 BEST MOVIES OF THE 21st CENTURY”
Parasite (기생충)
Wednesday, August 27, 7:00 PM
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho , Lee Sun-kyun , Jo Yeo-jung , Choi Woo-shik , Park So-dam
Languages: Korean with English subtitles
2019; 131min
* The New York Times’ list of “THE 100 BEST MOVIES OF THE 21st CENTURY”
A Hometown in Heart (마음의 고향)
Thursday, August 28, 7:00 PM
Director: Yoon Yong-kyu
Cast: Byun Ki-jong , Yeo Heon-yong , Nam Seung-min , Yu Min , Choi Eun-hee
Languages: Korean with English subtitles
1949; 76min
* Co-presented by KCCNY and Korean Film Archive
Regarded as Korea’s first Buddhist film, this touching story follows a young monk in a mountain temple as he struggles with longing and belonging.
Blending spiritual themes with everyday humanity, it reflects the social changes of Korea’s post-liberation era.
Phantom (유령) (Closing Film)
Friday, August 29, 7:00 PM
Director: Lee Hae-young
Cast: Sul kyoung-gu , Lee honey , Park So-dam , Park Haesu , Seo Hyeon-u
Languages: Korean with English subtitles
2023; 132min
The KOREAN FILM ARCHIVE (KOFA) is a film archive that collects and preserves all materials derived during the process of producing films, such as scenarios and posters, as well as all films produced in Korea at a national level, to pass on such data to Koreans and their descendants.
Recently, as analog films are disappearing and digital technologies are making progress, interest in video content has grown more than ever, and accordingly, the role of KOFA in preserving and utilizing video data has become invaluable.
We would like to achieve the following three management goals to soundly preserve Korea’s video legacies and prepare for the fast-changing technical environment.
https://eng.koreafilm.or.kr/
Our Opening Night part of light refreshment is sponsored by SWRL, bringing guests their signature Makgeolli Seltzer—a sparkling twist on Korea’s beloved traditional rice wine. Enjoy light refreshments and a refreshing sip of SWRL’s makgeolli seltzer before the screening, courtesy of our valued sponsor.
SWRL IS THE WORLD’S FIRST MAKGEOLLI SELTZER
WHERE KOREA’S OLDEST RICE DRINK MEETS HARD SELTZER.
0g sugar, gluten-free, 89 calorie
* Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverage.