"The Square" (director Kim Bo-sol), a festival-circuit standout with invitations from 25 festivals and six wins to date, has locked in a Korea theatrical release for January 2026.
The animated feature follows Bori, a civil servant who must return to her homeland; Bok-ju, who has to let go of the future they imagined together; and Myung-jun, an interpreter who watches the pair in silence.
After making its world premiere as the closing film in competition at the 27th Udine Far East Film Festival, "The Square" drew early buzz at the 49th Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it became the only Korean title to claim a main prize, winning the Contrechamp Jury Award.
Since then, the film has underscored its craftsmanship with a string of honors, including Best Director at the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, the Grand Prize in the Mirinae section at the 21st Seoul Indie-AniFest, and Best Film at the 20th Anim’est International Animation Film Festival.
Two launch posters unveiled on the 21st bottle up tender feelings blooming amid a lonely, precarious mood. The first shows Bori and Bok-ju riding a bicycle through a snow-dusted "The Square" at night. Paired with a rave from The Austin Chronicle ― “Even the idea that a small light can ignite in someone’s chest makes this a film you’ll hold most dear” ― the imagery teases how their predestined goodbye might stay with audiences.
Touted as a breakout creator to watch, Kim Bo-sol completed "The Square" after a five-year, eleven-month journey.
“'The Square' is about human loneliness and the possibility that blossoms within the impossible. A small team poured our hearts into it over many years. I hope this film becomes a quiet echo that lingers with you for a long time. Thank you for your interest and support,” Kim said in a statement following the release-date news.
"The Square" opens across Megabox locations nationwide and select arthouse theaters in January 2026.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)