Ju Ji Hoon, Kim Da-mi, Park Jung-min, Jeon Jong-seo, and Kim Tae-ri have been selected as honorary judges for the 21st Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival. The festival, which focuses on genre short films, will take place from October 16 to October 20, 2025, at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall and Naver 1784 in Seoul. This marks the event’s return after a four-year hiatus since 2021.
Festival’s Return and Focus
The Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival is Korea’s only genre-focused short film event, known for discovering directors who later became major figures in the industry. Founded in 2002, it has helped launch careers of filmmakers like Na Hong-jin (The Wailing) and Yoon Jong-bin (Nameless Gangster). After a break following the 2021 edition, the festival is returning with a focus on emerging talent and genre films. The event aims to celebrate its past achievements while bringing new energy to the Korean film scene.
Jury Roles and Categories
Each of the five honorary judges will oversee a specific genre category, collaborating with established directors to evaluate submissions:
- Ju Ji-hoon will judge the drama section titled “Please Take Care of My Cat,” working with directors Kim Sung-hoon and Byun Young-joo.
- Park Jung-min will evaluate the romance category “Jealousy Is My Middle Name,” alongside directors Lee Jong-pil and Lim Sun-ae.
- Jeon Jong-seo will oversee the comedy section “Zero to Hero,” with directors Kang Hyoung-chul and Kim Han-gyeol.
- Kim Tae-ri will handle the horror category “Gidam,” teaming up with Yoo Jae-sun and Lee Kyung-mi.
- Kim Da-mi will judge the action section “No Mercy,” joining directors Kim Sung-su and Lee Chung-hyun.
The festival’s competitive sections include social critiques, relationship-focused stories, comedy, horror, fantasy, and action thrillers. Winners will be announced during the closing ceremony on October 20, 2025.
Background and Impact
The Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival has a history of highlighting new directors and actors who go on to achieve significant success in Korean cinema. Past winners include Um Tae-hwa (Forest), who later directed major films, and Jang Jae-hyun (12th Assistant Deacon). The festival not only provides a platform for short films but also encourages creative exchanges between emerging and established filmmakers.
This year’s executive committee includes directors Eom Taehwa, Yoon Ga-eun, and Lee Sang-geun, who have all been associated with the festival in the past. The event aims to foster dynamic interactions among contemporary creators and audiences.
Fan Excitement and Expectations
As the festival approaches, film enthusiasts and the public have expressed excitement on social media about its return and the involvement of high-profile judges. Fans are particularly eager to see how the honorary judges, known for their work in various genres, will influence the selection of winning films. The festival has historically attracted attention for its role in shaping the future of Korean cinema, and this year is expected to continue that tradition.
The announcement of the jury has generated discussions online, with many highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the judges. For example, Ju Ji-hoon‘s recent work in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call and Kim Da-mi‘s role in No Mercy are seen as aligning well with their respective categories.
