The Ugly (2025) 🕵️‍♂️🩸: Unmasking the Past, One Dark Truth at a Time | Directed by Yeon Sang-ho – Korean Thriller Premieres September 2025

Boxofficehype
Jul 24
2 min read

The Ugly (2025): Unmasking the Past, One Dark Truth at a Time 🕵️‍♂️🩸

Directed by: Yeon Sang-ho

Runtime: 102 minutes

Language: Korean

Premiering September 2025

“Sometimes, the ugliest truths are the ones closest to home.”

Get ready to dive deep into a shadowy, psychological thriller that peels away at grief, guilt, and the secrets families bury. "The Ugly" is a gripping South Korean mystery drama, written and directed by the visionary Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan, Hellbound), based on his own graphic novel.

Set to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and release in South Korea this September 2025, The Ugly promises a slow-burning, emotionally intense ride that cuts deep into the human psyche.

🕯️ What is The Ugly About?

The story follows a man haunted by the mysterious death of his mother. Years later, unable to shake the silence that followed her passing, he sets out on a chilling quest to uncover the truth.

But the further he digs, the darker the story becomes — unraveling secrets that don’t just explain her death, but change the way he sees everything he thought he knew.

“She didn’t just disappear… she was erased.”

🎬 Behind the Darkness

Directed and written by Yeon Sang-ho, The Ugly adapts his own acclaimed graphic novel. Known for his deeply human yet haunting storytelling style, Yeon crafts another emotionally brutal but thought-provoking tale — this time focusing less on the supernatural and more on the scars we carry inside.

Expect a haunting atmosphere, grounded performances, and a script full of tension, misdirection, and emotional payoff.

🌑 Cast

Park Jeong-min – as the haunted son seeking answers.
Kwon Hae-hyo – a pivotal figure tied to the mother’s past.
Shin Hyun-bin, Lim Seong-jae, and Han Ji-hyun round out a strong cast that balances mystery with human complexity.

🎥 Film Details

Title: The Ugly
Director & Writer: Yeon Sang-ho
Based on: Yeon Sang-ho’s graphic novel Face
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Language: Korean
Runtime: 102 minutes
Production: Wowpoint
Distributor: Plus M Entertainment
Premiere: September 2025 – Toronto Film Festival
Theatrical Release: September 2025 – South Korea

🧠 What Makes The Ugly Stand Out?

Yeon Sang-ho is known for bending genre rules, and The Ugly is no exception. Rather than rely on jump scares or traditional thriller tropes, this film focuses on emotional horror — the kind that comes from grief, regret, and the fear of uncovering something too real.

✅ Inspired by a graphic novel

✅ Character-driven mystery

✅ Emotional depth meets cinematic grit

✅ A haunting soundtrack and mood-rich visuals

📍Where to Watch

The Ugly will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2025 and release in South Korean theaters shortly after. International streaming rights are expected to be picked up after its premiere — so keep an eye on global platforms like Netflix, Viki, or Disney+ for updates.

🎭 Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of gripping mysteries, slow-burn thrillers, and emotionally charged narratives, The Ugly deserves a spot on your watchlist. It’s not just about finding out what happened — it’s about facing what you never wanted to know.