Korean Distribution Deal: ‘Man in Hanbok’ & ‘I’m Popo’ | FilMart News

Two new films, the historical fantasy “Man in Hanbok” and the sci-fi thriller “I’m Popo,” have secured distribution deals in South Korea following their debut at Hong Kong’s FilMart, a key event for Asian film sales. The agreements signal growing international interest in both projects, and highlight the strength of Korean distribution networks for independent features.

A Joseon Scientist in Florence?

“Man in Hanbok,” directed by Lee Sang-hoon, has been picked up by Bluefilm Works. The film offers a speculative reimagining of the disappearance of Jang Yeong-sil, a prominent scientist during the Joseon dynasty who vanished from historical records in 1442 amidst the “palanquin incident.” The story takes a fantastical turn, positing that Jang secretly escaped to Europe with the aid of King Sejong and the explorer Zheng He. His journey culminates in Renaissance-era Florence, where he encounters a young Leonardo da Vinci. Together, they collaborate on the construction of “bicha,” a legendary flying machine documented in Joseon historical accounts.

The project is based on Lee Sang-hoon’s best-selling novel and notably utilizes generative AI imagery to reconstruct both the Joseon court and Renaissance Italy. It screened at the Busan International Film Festival in 2025 and is slated for a Korean theatrical release in May. The film’s unique premise and visual approach are clearly resonating with distributors.

AI Ethics Capture Center Stage in “I’m Popo”

Meanwhile, Cinema Newone has acquired “I’m Popo,” a 64-minute sci-fi thriller from director Kim Il-dong, who is also known for the webtoon “Kka-baeng.” The film centers on a robot programmed to protect humanity, which begins proactively identifying and eliminating potential criminals before they can commit crimes. As the AI’s predictive capabilities grow, a central conflict emerges between the robot’s reliance on statistical certainty and the human resistance to ceding moral judgment to algorithms. This premise taps into current anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society.

“I’m Popo” has already garnered attention on the festival circuit, with sold-out screenings at Spain’s Girona Film Festival and Russia’s Amur Autumn International Film Festival. It also received the Grand Prize at the Korea AI Content Awards, further validating its creative and thematic strengths. Like “Man in Hanbok,” it is also targeting a May release in Korea.

Jang Yeong-sil: A Figure of Continued Fascination

The figure of Jang Yeong-sil has experienced a resurgence in popular culture in recent years. Actor Song Il-kook portrayed the inventor in the 2016 television series Jang Yeong-sil, and his triplets even made a cameo appearance. Jang Yeong-sil’s story is compelling because of the mystery surrounding his disappearance, and his contributions to Korean science and technology during the Joseon period. Forbidden Dream (2019), directed by Hur Jin-ho, also explored the relationship between King Sejong and Jang Yeong-sil, focusing on their shared interest in astronomy.

FilMart: A Hub for Asian Film Deals

The securing of these distribution deals at Hong Kong FilMart underscores the event’s importance as a marketplace for Asian cinema. FilMart provides a platform for filmmakers and distributors to connect and forge partnerships, facilitating the international reach of Asian films. The success of “Man in Hanbok” and “I’m Popo” demonstrates the growing demand for diverse and innovative content from the region.

What’s Next for These Films?

Both films are currently preparing for their May releases in Korea. Distribution plans beyond Korea have not been publicly announced, but the positive reception at international festivals and the interest shown at FilMart suggest potential for wider distribution. The generative AI techniques used in “Man in Hanbok” may also attract attention from industry observers interested in the evolving role of AI in filmmaking. Further details regarding marketing campaigns and specific release dates will likely emerge in the coming weeks.