The Ugly

"The Ugly" is a gripping mystery thriller that delves into themes of beauty, societal judgment, and buried family secrets. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for hits like "Train to Busan" and "Hellbound," this film marks a shift to a more intimate, character-driven narrative, blending emotional depth with suspenseful revelations.

Overview

"The Ugly" (Korean: "얼굴," lit. "Face") is a 2025 South Korean mystery thriller film written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho, based on his 2018 graphic novel of the same name. Produced by Wow Point with a modest budget of ₩200 million (approximately US$143,600), the film runs for 103 minutes and features cinematography by Pyo Sang-woo, editing by Park Ju-ae, and music by Chai Min-joo. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 9, 2025, in the Special Presentations section, and was released theatrically in South Korea on September 11, 2025, by Megabox Plus M. The film explores profound questions about overcoming societal hatred and the impact of physical appearance on self-worth.

As of September 23, 2025, it has grossed US$5.78 million from 777,306 admissions in Korea, topping the box office charts.

Plot Synopsis

The story follows Im Dong-hwan, the ambitious son of Im Young-gyu, a blind yet masterful seal engraver hailed as a "living miracle" for his craftsmanship. Dong-hwan's life unravels when he receives a shocking call: the skeletal remains of his mother, Jung Young-hee, missing for 40 years, have been discovered in the mountains, suggesting foul play. As Dong-hwan investigates, he uncovers a web of silence and cruelty surrounding his mother's past – relatives refuse to share photos or details, dismissing her as "ugly" and unworthy. Flashbacks reveal Young-hee's tragic romance with the young Young-gyu, both outcasts in 1970s society: he for his blindness, she for her perceived unattractiveness. Aided by documentary producer Kim Soo-jin, Dong-hwan confronts factory owner Baek Joo-sang and others from his mother's era, peeling back layers of denial to expose a murder mystery tied to themes of beauty, self-worth, and generational pain. The narrative builds to a poignant father-son dialogue, challenging perceptions of seeing and being seen.

Cast & Characters

• Park Jeong-min as Im Dong-hwan / Young Im Young-gyu: In his first dual role, Park plays the determined son seeking truth in the present and his resilient, blind father as a young man in flashbacks. His portrayal spans shock, fury, and quiet strength, symbolizing the father-son bond.
• Kwon Hae-hyo as Older Im Young-gyu: The veteran actor embodies the dignified, regret-filled artisan, contrasting his composed exterior with raw emotional outbursts in key scenes.
• Shin Hyun-been as Jung Young-hee: As the enigmatic mother, Shin Hyun-been's performance is intentionally veiled – her face often hidden behind hair – conveying vulnerability and tragedy in moods that shift from gentle to despairing.
• Im Seong-jae as Baek Joo-sang: The 1970s factory owner appears kind-hearted, paying workers promptly and photographing them as a hobby, but hides a dark secret beneath his smile, adding suspense.
• Han Ji-hyun as Kim Soo-jin: The compassionate documentary producer starts chasing a sensational story but evolves into a genuine ally, shifting from opportunistic to empathetic.

Reception

"The Ugly" has garnered positive critical acclaim and strong box office performance since its release. At TIFF, it was praised for its perceptive drama and clever flashbacks. Kang Hyo-jin of SPOTV News lauded its relentless energy, immersion, and low-budget "alchemy," highlighting the captivating father-son dialogue and Park Jeong-min and Kwon Hae-hyo's passionate performances. Tim Grierson of ScreenDaily called it a "calibrated thriller" blending murder mystery with themes of beauty, noting Yeon Sang-ho's shift to intimate storytelling. Steven Scaife of Slant Magazine gave it 2/4 stars, critiquing its long-game approach as frustrating. On IMDb, it holds a 7.5/10 rating from 79 users. Commercially, it debuted at No. 1 in Korea with 35,020 viewers on opening day, surpassing Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, and has earned US$5.78 million as of September 23, 2025.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Yeon Sang-ho's Theatrical Return

This marks Yeon Sang-ho's first theatrical release in five years, following Netflix successes like "Hellbound" and "Parasyte": The Grey, and stems from his question: "What does it mean to overcome and defeat societal hatred?"

Park Jeong-min's Dual Role Mastery

Park Jeong-min's dual roles create a symbolic father-son connection, with the actor praising Im Seong-jae's guidance for natural expression.

Enigmatic Trailers Build Suspense

The film's trailers tease chilling lines like "That guy still hasn’t been caught?" and hide Young-hee's face to build intrigue, emphasizing themes of perception.

Efficient Budget Alchemy

The low ₩200 million budget contrasts with Yeon's blockbuster past, yet achieves "seamless quality" through alchemy-like direction.

Immersive Stills and Character Duality

Stills reveal character duality: smiling yet stern factory owners, emotional artisans, and veiled mothers, enhancing the mystery.

Festival and Market Spotlight

Shot over summer 2024 and in post-production for a 2025 festival run, it was introduced at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan.

Final Thoughts

"The Ugly" is a thought-provoking gem that transcends its mystery roots, forcing viewers to confront societal biases and the scars they leave. Yeon Sang-ho masterfully weaves grief, memory, and redemption, bolstered by Park Jeong-min's transformative dual performance and a resonant ensemble. In a world obsessed with appearances, this film reminds us that true ugliness lies in judgment – not faces.

Where to Watch

Festival Debut

"The Ugly" premiered at TIFF on September 9, 2025.

Theatrical Release

Film opened in South Korean theaters on September 11, 2025, distributed by Megabox Plus M. It was released in the US on September 26, 2025.

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