"Unavoidable," Venice Competition… Korean Film, Appearing for the First Time in 13 Years

“Unavoidable,” Venice Competition… Korean Film, Appearing for the First Time in 13 Years

2025-07-22

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Park Chan-wook will walk the Venice red carpet for the third time. His new film 'Decision to Leave' has been invited to compete at the Venice International Film Festival.

On the 22nd, the Venice International Film Festival's executive committee officially announced, "We invite 'Decision to Leave' to the competition section." The competition section is one of the main categories of the Venice International Film Festival.

To date, the following ten South Korean films have been invited to this section: 'The Tazza' (1987), 'The Lie' (1999), 'The Island' (2000), 'Address Unknown' (2001), 'Oasis' (2002), 'The Family Ties' (2003), 'Empty House' (2004), 'Lower Life' (2004), 'Lady Vengeance' (2005), and 'Pietà' (2012).

'Decision to Leave' becomes the 11th South Korean film to enter the competition section, marking a significant achievement since 'Pietà' in 2012, 13 years ago.

This is Park Chan-wook's third invitation to Venice. In 2004, he was invited to the Midnight Express section with 'Three… Extremes'. In 2005, he was invited to the main competition section with 'Lady Vengeance'.

He has won the Young Lion Award, Cinema of the Future Award, and Best Innovative Film Award for 'Lady Vengeance'.

Park expressed his feelings: "Having completed the film and received an invitation to Venice, I think to myself, 'I’m glad I didn’t give up on this work throughout those long years.'"

Lee Byung-hun stated, "I too am eagerly looking forward to watching the film," adding, "It’s a joy and an honor to be visiting Venice with such an outstanding work."

Son Ye-jin shared, "My first overseas film festival visit is Venice," and expressed, "I am so moved and honored. I'm thrilled to attend the dreamlike Venice International Film Festival."

'Decision to Leave' tells the story of an office worker, Man-soo (played by Lee Byung-hun), who prepares for re-employment after being fired in order to protect his wife (played by Son Ye-jin) and two children.

'Decision to Leave' will premiere globally for the first time at the Venice International Film Festival, with a domestic release scheduled for September.

Meanwhile, the Venice International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world and is considered one of the "Big Three" alongside the Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival. It will take place in Venice, Italy from August 27 to September 6.