The World Before () is a 2026 South Korean romantic drama film directed and written by . The film follows Jin, a 17-year-old girl living on an island, and the events that unfold after she meets a boy named Du-jae.
The film had its world premiere in the Platform section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2026, where it will compete for the Platform Prize. Subsequently it competed for Kutxabank-New Directors Award in New Directors section at 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival on September 24, and got a Special Mention.
Synopsis
Jin is Seventeen-year-old and has lived her whole life on a small island cut off from the mainland. When Dujae comes back for his grandmother's funeral and stays alone in her empty house, Jin starts finding little reasons to visit him. Slowly, seeing him becomes part of her routine. As summer goes on, the island she thought she knew begins to feel different; the roads, the ocean, even the people seem changed. Jin starts seeing her home, and herself, with new eyes. But summer, like everything else on the island, eventually fades.
Cast
as Jin Kim Eo-jin as Du-jae
Release The World Before had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2026, in the Platform section.
The film was also selected in the New Directors section of the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival for screening on September 24, 2026.
It will also be presented in the Korean Cinema Today - Panorama section at the 31st Busan International Film Festival on October 7, 2026.
It is expected to be released in South Korean theaters in 2027 by AtNine Film.
Germany based world sales company m-appeal acquired the international sales rights of the film in August 2026.
Accolades
AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)Result Toronto International Film Festival 20 September 2026 Platform PrizeThe World Before San Sebastián International Film Festival 26 September 2026 Kutxabank-New Directors Award
References
External links
The World Before at San Sebastián International Film Festival Official trailer on YouTube