A High-Stakes Heist in the Heart of Seoul
PROJECT Y—the crime-packed suspense film starring Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo—is officially landing in Japanese theaters on January 23, 2026. Directed by Lee Hwan, the buzzy title recently made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and it’s already building serious buzz among K-film fans worldwide.
What’s The Plot?
Set in Seoul’s glitzy yet gritty Gangnam nightlife district, PROJECT Y follows two women—Miseon and Dokyung—as they risk everything to steal gold bars worth a jaw-dropping 8 billion won (that’s roughly $6 million, give or take). It’s a gritty blend of survival, crime, and sisterhood with adrenaline-fueled action scenes and no room for mercy.
The Power Duo: Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo
Han So-hee, who rose to fame in The World of the Married and electrified fans in My Name, shows no signs of slowing down. Here, she swaps romance and historical dramas for a darker, more rebellious role. Jeon Jong-seo, who stunned audiences in Burning and The Call, joins as a co-lead—bringing her signature intensity and unpredictable charm.
The film centers on their bond: childhood friends with a shared past and a shared desperation. Offscreen? They’re real-life besties. No wonder the chemistry is off the charts.
What Critics Are Saying
TIFF programmer Giovanna Fulvi called the film “a heart-pounding story of wounded childhoods and desperate survival wrapped in breakneck action.” It’s also been officially selected for the prestigious Busan International Film Festival. Translation: Netflix should probably get on this ASAP.
Director Lee Hwan Pushes Boundaries
Known for tackling uncomfortable social realities faced by Korean youth, director Lee Hwan dives deep into what he calls “the rawest human desires and conflicts” in his third feature. With PROJECT Y, he’s clearly gunning for something bold and globally resonant, blending stylized action with emotional gravity.
Global Hype Is Rising
While Korea patiently waits for a domestic release date, Japan is getting an early peek. Alongside the announcement came a moody but electric teaser trailer—complete with dashes of neon noir and girl-powered grit.
From the sharp cinematography to the ferocious performances, this isn’t your average heist flick—it’s a ride-or-die action storm.
Mark Your Calendar
- Title: PROJECT Y
- Japanese Release Date: January 23, 2026 (Friday)
- Cast: Han So-hee, Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Shin-rok
- Director: Lee Hwan
We’ve seen buddy-cop duos, but a ferocious female friendship with millions in stolen gold on the line? Inject it straight into our watchlist.
