The action drama "The Old Woman with the Knife" will return to theaters on Dec. 10 with "The Old Woman with the Knife: International Cut," adding roughly 10 minutes to the domestic release.
Based on Gu Byeong-mo’s novel, the film tracks a ferocious showdown between “Jogak,” a legendary contract killer who has spent four decades taking out society’s worst, and “Tu-u,” a mysterious assassin who’s chased her for a lifetime. The April release drew 550,000 moviegoers nationwide.
"The Old Woman with the Knife" earned international recognition with official invitations to 15 festivals, including the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, Sitges, Brussels, Beijing, Moscow and Helsinki. The International Cut is the version that world-premiered at Berlinale in February and later played Busan International Film Festival’s Korean Cinema Today: Panorama section to strong buzz.
This new theatrical cut retains the core narrative while sharpening Jogak’s emotional arc with added scenes, dialing up both directorial detail and storytelling intensity.
“It felt like watching a brand-new movie,” said lead star Lee Hye-young, who has drawn acclaim for a commanding, stereotype-defying turn. Lee recently kicked off an awards streak with a Bechdel Day 2025 “Bechdelian” Film Acting Award and Best Actress at the 12th Korea Film Producers Association Awards.
A newly released poster spotlights the high-tension face-off between Jogak (Lee Hye-young) and Tu-u (Kim Sung-cheol), teasing the decisive moment awaiting at the 133-minute mark.
"The Old Woman with the Knife: International Cut" hits theaters Wednesday, Dec. 10.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)