Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' chosen as S. Korea's Oscar contender

Seoul, Aug. 25 (Yonhap) -- The Korean Film Council announced Tuesday that South Korea's official Oscar contender for next year's Academy Awards is Lee Chang-dong's "Possible Love." The selection committee commended the film for its "cinematic completeness," the director's clear message, and "excellent mise-en-scene." They particularly noted Lee's adept portrayal of complex characters and relationships through profound humanism and delicate direction, which are his signature strengths.

The movie will compete in the Best International Feature Film category, reserved for non-U.S. productions, with only one film per country allowed. Last year, Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" secured this honor. Since his last feature in eight years, "Possible Love" sees Lee returning to the screen. The cast is packed with notable actors, including Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong.

Centering on the overlapping lives of two married couples—a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary filmmaker and her wealthy husband—the story unfolds as they encounter one another. The film is set to make its world debut in the main competition at the Venice International Film Festival next month.