Project Y

A mix of innocence and slyness, fragility and courage defines the charismatic protagonists of Project Y, one of the most anticipated Korean films of the year. Balancing action with a deep exploration of extreme human desires and conflicts, director Lee Hwan offers a refreshing reinvention of the female thriller genre in a compelling story of adventure, revenge, and redemption, full of surprises and unexpected twists.

Set in a city rife with crime and driven by the relentless pursuit of wealth, the film follows two young women, Mi-sun and Do-kyung, whose unbreakable bond drives them to fight against a brutal world. After saving up money to open a flower shop and escape a cycle of late nights spent with shady clients, their hopes are shattered by betrayal. Descending dangerously into crime, they stumble upon a stash of gold, turning their fleeting opportunity for escape into a perilous scheme to reclaim their stolen futures.

Han So-hee is perfect as Mi-sun, channelling determination beneath a glamourous exterior. Known for her performances in the TV series The World of the Married, My Name and Gyeongseong Creature, she brings depth to the character. And Jun Jong-seo, whose breakout role was in Burning (TIFF ’18), portrays Do-kyung, a free-spirited yet emotionally fragile woman whose impulsive decisions mask a deep reliance on Mi-sun, who is more than just a friend. She is family.

Together, they embark on a high-stakes journey, testing their bond in a world that offers no safety net.

GIOVANNA FULVI