The upcoming Korean film “Portrait of a Family” is creating a lot of buzz. The movie stars two of Korea’s most beloved actors, Ryu Seung-ryong and Ha Ji-won. It tells the story of a famous couple whose perfect life falls apart when the husband’s secret daughter shows up. Years later, they must come together again to save her from a terrible situation.
The film is set to release in theaters on September 2, 2026. It marks the return of director Lee Ji-won, who made a big impact with her 2018 film “Miss Baek”. This is her first movie in eight years.
The Story of a Family Torn Apart
“Portrait of a Family” follows Jung Gu (Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam Mi (Ha Ji-won). They are a top star couple. Jung Gu is a former baseball star. Nam Mi is a former top actress. They have a glamorous life and a happy marriage. Everything changes when Jung Gu’s daughter, Dong Ju (Kim Si Ah), suddenly appears. Her arrival breaks the couple apart and destroys their marriage.
The movie then jumps ahead eight years. Dong Ju gets caught up in a shocking incident. She is accused of a crime related to a friend’s death. Jung Gu and Nam Mi, who have been separated for years, must put aside their differences. They risk everything they have left to find the truth and save their daughter. The story shows a family pushed to its limits.
The Meaning Behind the Korean Title ‘Bigwang’
The film’s Korean title is “Bigwang” (비광). This name comes from a card in the Korean card game Hwatu. The “Bigwang” card is special. On its own, it is not the most valuable card. But when combined with other cards, it can help a player win the game. Director Lee Ji-won used this idea to represent family. She explained that the card is often overlooked but becomes powerful when brought together with others.
“It happens to be the only card in the deck with a person on it. It gets snubbed among the brights, but bring it together with the others and it’s a whole different story. I wanted to make a film about people scraping by who find their strength in banding together.”
Ryu Seung-ryong shared his thoughts on the title. He said it carries a dual meaning. It shows that while someone might feel incomplete alone, coming together creates true strength. Ha Ji-won added that the title fits the movie’s message well. It represents an indispensable presence that must be there in critical moments.
A Look at the Characters and Their Struggles
New character posters give a closer look at the main characters. Jung Gu is shown in a rain-soaked alley. His expression is determined. The caption on his poster reads, “No matter what happens, I’ll protect you”. This shows his strong will to save his daughter.
Nam Mi has changed a lot since her glamorous days. In her poster, she has disheveled hair and a vacant gaze. She looks fragile and troubled. The caption reads, “It hurts because when I look at you, I see myself”. This hints at the deep pain she carries after falling from the top. It also shows her complicated feelings toward Dong Ju.
Dong Ju is shown surrounded by her classmates. She pleads her innocence, saying, “No, it wasn’t me. It really wasn’t”. Her desperate appearance raises many questions about what really happened in the incident.
The film also features a strong supporting cast. Kim Hae Sook plays Jung Gu’s mother, Gi Sik. She is a devoted mother who will do anything to save her granddaughter. Kim Sun Young plays his older sister, Ji Sook. She has a prickly personality but cares deeply for her family. Kim Young Min plays Ji Sook’s husband.
Director Lee Ji-won’s Return After Eight Years
Director Lee Ji-won gained critical praise for her debut film “Miss Baek” in 2018. That film won her the Best New Director award at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards. It told the story of a woman who fights to save an abused child.
With “Portrait of a Family,” Lee wanted to expand on that theme. She wanted to show a family uniting and overcoming difficulties together. At a press conference, she explained her vision.
“In ‘Miss Baek,’ I portrayed the solidarity between a woman and a child abandoned by the world. This time, I wanted to show a family uniting and overcoming difficulties together.”
Lee spent a long time developing the screenplay after the success of her first film. She said she always wanted to make a family film. She tried to capture the sweat, tears, and texture of the actors. She focused heavily on editing to emphasize emotional lines. She also revised the music dozens of times to highlight the emotional flow.
Cast Talks About Their Characters and the Film
Ryu Seung-ryong is known for his roles in big Korean hits like “Miracle in Cell No. 7” and “Extreme Job”. He said he initially passed on the project. But director Lee won him over with a handwritten letter.
“The title hooked me, so I read the script out of curiosity. Jung-gu is rough and unpolished, but his daughter is all he can think about. It’s a different shade of fatherhood from anything I’ve played before. Every dad out there will relate.”
He also talked about the challenges of filming. He remembered a scene where radish kimchi broth was poured over his face. The broth burned his eyes. He couldn’t keep them open. It felt like industrial alcohol had been poured in. Even though the director said it was fine, he insisted on reshooting because he thought it was unacceptable.
Ha Ji-won is making her return to the big screen after six years. This marks a significant comeback for the actress. She said she was happy throughout the shoot. She tried to let go of her usual habits as an actor and fully immerse herself in Nam Mi’s life. She also shared that playing a character who endures life rather than overcomes it broke her heart.
Kim Si Ah previously worked with director Lee on “Miss Baek” as a child actor. She said she wanted to reunite with the director after growing as an actress. This time, they understood each other well without needing detailed explanations.
“She told me, ‘Just express the Dong-ju you feel,’ so I was able to act comfortably.”
A Film That Feels Like 4D
The film has been described as a “family noir”. It has a heavy, intense atmosphere. Ryu Seung-ryong called it a 2D film that feels like 4D. He said it has a damp, humid texture. Ha Ji-won added that viewers will feel the weather, temperature, and even the humidity of when it was shot. The story is about a family sticking together, so it should not feel dated.
Related:
‘Portrait of a Family’ Release Date and Where to Watch
“Portrait of a Family” is scheduled to hit theaters in South Korea on September 2, 2026. The film will be released in local theaters. For global audiences, information about international release dates or streaming platforms is not yet available. Fans will need to wait for further announcements.
A Story of Family, Sacrifice, and Redemption
“Portrait of a Family” promises to be a powerful and emotional film. It tells a story about a family torn apart by secrets and brought back together by a crisis. With a talented cast, a respected director, and a meaningful story, it is one of the most anticipated Korean films of the year. The movie explores the idea that family, like the “Bigwang” card, may seem incomplete on its own. But when they come together, they can overcome any obstacle.
Also Read: Ryu Seung Ryong Struggles for Promotion in New Teaser for “The Dream Life of Mr Kim”
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