5 Reasons 'Hope' Could Be Korea's Next Global Phenomenon

It has been several years since Parasite (2019) helped put South Korean filmography on the global map. Bong Joon-ho's movie made cinematic history as the first non-English-language movie to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. In addition to winning four Academy Awards, Parasite grossed over $200 million internationally. It is the kind of film that broke down barriers, connecting with global audiences through universal themes of capitalism and economic inequality.

While it’s uncertain if any film will ever surpass the heights of Parasite, South Korea may have another considerable global phenomenon in the making. Hope (2026) is coming to South Korean theaters in Summer 2026, but it already enjoyed its world premiere at Cannes. Based on critical reactions and what we know about the film so far, it could be South Korea’s next big hit. Use our guide to find five reasons why Hope has so much potential.

‘Hope’ Hails From Critically Acclaimed Director Na Hong-jin

Parasite flourished under the direction of Bong, one of the most influential contemporary directors. Likewise, Hope comes from quite a capable director whom we have not seen enough of: Na Hong-jin. Na made his feature film debut with the critically acclaimed The Chaser (2008). The Chaser earned him numerous Korean film accolades and showcased his directorial skills through the intensity and horror of the serial-killer action story.

Na further proved himself with The Wailing (2016), an even more ambitious, genre-bending story that taps into the supernatural. He’s a meticulous filmmaker who has established himself as a master of suspense, thrills, and pacing. Like Bong, he’s adept at genre-bending and bold filmmaking, unafraid to tap into the darker aspects of human nature and society. The long gap between The Wailing and Hope adds to our anticipation for his newest work.

Cannes Gave ‘Hope’ A Seven-Minute Standing Ovation

Hope enjoyed its world premiere at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 17. Cannes selected it to premiere in competition for the prestigious Palme d’Or. Additionally, Cannes filmgoers responded positively to Hope. Even after its two-hour-and-forty-minute runtime, audiences who stuck with it gave it a seven-minute standing ovation. It’s not among the longest ever standing ovations at Cannes, but it certainly is an adequate standing ovation on par with those received by the likes of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) and The Phoenician Scheme (2025).

‘Hope’ Has A Stacked, Internationally Recognizable Cast

Hope stands out in South Korean cinema for its internationally recognizable cast. Even if you’re not well acquainted with South Korean actors, you’ll recognize several faces from the movie. For starters, it features Hwang Jung-min, one of the highest-grossing South Korean actors and a member of the 100 million viewer club, in the lead role of Bum-seok. American audiences will also likely recognize Jung Ho-yeon in Hope, considering her breakout role in the global phenomenon Squid Game (2021).

Hope has also tapped a few critically acclaimed actors outside of South Korea. Most notably, Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender will appear in Hope. The film will see Vikander and Fassbender portray the primary antagonists. Hope has influential and acclaimed actors across the board, serving as another draw for a global audience.

Its Stunt Work Is Something To Behold

If you’ve watched Na’s other feature films, you’ll know that he excels at delivering on thrills. From the edge-of-your-seat anxiety he infuses in The Chaser to the endlessly unsettling atmosphere of The Wailing, the emotional rushes are everywhere in Na’s filmography, and Hope is no exception. While critics’ reviews have been divided, they seem to agree that the stunt work is astounding.

Hope is an action sci-fi thriller that follows the South Korean village of Hope Harbor as it is thrown into chaos by the arrival of a mysterious creature. As the most expensive South Korean movie ever made, it seemingly delivers on all the thrills and chills a monster movie promises. World of Reel described the stunts as “flat-out jaw-dropping,” while Variety suggests Hope could be an “early contender” for the first-ever Best Stunt Design Oscar. Other reviews rave about its jaw-dropping scope and a level of thrills that is hard to find elsewhere in the cinema. 

‘Hope’s Capacity for Universal Themes

Hope could go beyond the typical monster movie by delving into some deeper themes. One of the reasons Parasite succeeded was that it tapped into universally relatable ideas through its scathing critique of capitalism. It touched on ideas and anxieties that people have experienced and lived through across the globe. 

Now, Hope seems poised to do the same. It may not be a capitalistic critique, but the monster premise opens the door to touch on global paranoias that are only growing, including xenophobia. Na admitted AP to that the story of Hope began by probing the immigration debate and xenophobia, and wanting to get to the root of the problem, explaining, “I think it’s that conflict in perspective or misunderstanding that creates these collisions. That’s what I wanted to talk about.” With big action and timely themes, Hope has the potential to resonate with a broader audience.