Lee Chang-dong returns to Venice after 24 years as his film ‘Possible Love’ gets six-minute standing ovation

The South Korean filmmaker is competing at the Venice International Film Festival after 24 years since he won the Silver Lion in 2002 for his romantic drama, ‘Oasis’

Published - September 07, 2026 06:38 pm IST

Director Lee Chang-dong poses with cast members Jeon Do-yeon, Cho Yeo-jeong, Sul Kyung-gu, and Zo In-sung during arrivals for the screening of the movie ‘Possible Love’ (Ga-neung-han sa-rang) at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy, September 6, 2026. | Photo Credit: Reuters

South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong made an emotional return to Venice International Film Festival after over 24 years with his film Possible Love that got a six-minute standing ovation after its screening on September 6.

Videos from the film’s screening went viral on social media showing the actors tearing up as the credits started rolling. Later, Chang-dong and the actors, Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong were led out of the Palazzo del Cinema in Venice after the long standing ovation.

The South Korean filmmaker is competing for the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival after 24 years since he won the Silver Lion in 2002 for his romantic drama, Oasis. Possible Love is Chang-dong’s first film in 8 years.

His last film was the psychological thriller, Burning, which was released in 2018 and was the first Korean film to be shortlisted to the 91st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

Possible Love is a co-production of South Korea and the United States and follows two married couples leading completely different lives. It is scheduled to be released theatrically in South Korea on September 23 and in the USA on October 23, following which, the film will have its worldwide released on Netflix on November 6.

뜨거운 기립박수, 벅찬 웃음과 눈물.🎬제83회 베니스국제영화제 월드 프리미어 이창동 감독, 전도연, 설경구, 조인성, 조여정의 만남. 11월 6일 넷플릭스 공개. 9월 23일 일부 극장 개봉. pic.twitter.com/wVjIhtC8CO— Netflix Korea｜넷플릭스 코리아 (@NetflixKR) September 7, 2026

Published - September 07, 2026 06:38 pm IST

entertainment (general) / arts, culture and entertainment / cinema

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