‘Train to Busan’ Director Yeon Sang-ho’s ‘The Ugly’ to Hit Theaters in September

Ugly things are scorned in The Ugly, a South Korean mystery thriller from Train to Busan writer-director Yeon Sang-ho.

Variety reports that Well Go USA has acquired North American rights to the film, setting a September 26 theatrical release date following its Toronto International Film Festival premiere next month.

Based on Yeon’s 2018 graphic novel Face, the movie stars Park Jeong-min (Decision to Leave) and Kwon Hae-hyo (Peninsula).

It follows Im Yeong-gyu, a master artisan who has been hand-carving beautiful, engraved seals despite having been born blind. One day, his son Dong-hwan receives a call from the police, informing them that Young-hee, their wife and mother, who disappeared 40 years ago, has been found as skeletal remains.

Upon hearing that the mother whose face he’s never known may have been murdered, Dong-hwan begins investigating her death with Su-jin, a producer who has been filming a documentary about Yeong-gyu. Through the memories of those who worked with his mother at a garment factory 40 years ago, Dong-hwan comes face-to-face with the long-hidden truth.

Yeon produces alongside Wow Point, with whom he previously collaborated on “Parasyte: The Grey” and Revelations.

“The Ugly is a gripping mystery thriller that explores the dark undercurrents of family and long-buried secrets,” said Well Go USA President Doris Pfardrescher. “With riveting performances from Park and Kwon and a masterfully layered script from Yeon Sang-ho, the film is a powerful testament to the emotional and narrative depth of global cinema.”

Sang-ho is currently working on his next film, the virus thriller Colony, which is due out next year.