Sang-ho Yeon’s ‘Paradise Lost’ Sells to 118 Countries, Sets U.S. Premiere at Hawai‘i International Film Festival

Paradise Lost, an enthralling psychological thriller directed by Train to Busan's Sang-ho Yeon, has achieved remarkable international success, securing deals in 118 countries worldwide. The film's U.S. premiere is set for the 46th Hawai‘i International Film Festival (HIFF), which will take place from November 1 to 4. Starring Hyun-joo Kim and Hyeon-seong Bae as So-young Ryu and Sun-woo Ryu, respectively, Paradise Lost revolves around the story of a mother whose son, presumed dead after a bus carrying children to a camp mysteriously disappeared nine years ago, returns unexpectedly.

The film's selection at HIFF, a renowned festival that celebrates films from around the world with a special focus on Asia and the Pacific, marks a significant milestone in its international journey. This year's edition of HIFF will run from October 21 through November 15 across the Hawaiian Islands. Prior to its arrival at HIFF, Paradise Lost made a significant impact at two other major film festivals: the 51st Toronto International Film Festival and the 31st Busan International Film Festival, where all four screenings sold out, attracting approximately 2,300 attendees in total.

CJ ENM, the distributor of Paradise Lost, attributes the film's impressive sales performance to international buyers' trust in Yeon's filmmaking prowess, the film's unique narrative, and the company's expertise in global sales and distribution of Korean films. This success has significantly surpassed the film's net production budget. Yeon's extensive experience in international sales and distribution has enabled CJ ENM to establish a robust global network, connecting Korean stories with markets and audiences worldwide.

In addition to its festival runs, Paradise Lost has been sold to 118 countries, a testament to its universal appeal. CJ ENM's international distribution team highlighted the film's distinctive premise and its profound exploration of family and motherhood, noting that these universal emotions are resonating across cultures. The film's performances, particularly those of Hyun-joo Kim and Hyeon-seong Bae, have been lauded as instrumental in conveying the complex mother-son relationship at the heart of the story.

Scheduled for a South Korean theatrical release on October 21, 2026, Paradise Lost will be distributed by CJ ENM. International theatrical releases are slated for Taiwan on October 23, Singapore on November 5, North America on November 6 through WOWPOINT and well go usa, and Indonesia on November 13.