Lee Chang-dong Possible Love Netflix release, Digi Mart USA News: South Korean director Lee Chang-dong, 72, said, “I had no hesitation about releasing it on Netflix.” In an interview with Sportschosun on the morning of the 6th, he shared behind-the-scenes details about the Netflix film “Possible Love,” produced by PINEHOUSE FILM CO., LTD., Anonymous Content, and NOW FILM.
“Possible Love” follows a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary filmmaker and her husband. The two couples meet to make a documentary and confront their very different lives and hidden desires.
Lee explained that he did not write the screenplay with Netflix in mind. He said he initially tried to make a theatrical film, but it did not work out.
Netflix, he said, proposed the project from the beginning and waited until the end. Because the production was pressed for time, the film went with Netflix.
He said Netflix never asked for changes because the film was for the platform, and he did not think about it that way himself.
“I believe a film’s power can be felt in its essence regardless of the medium,” Lee said. “So, regardless of the channel, I wanted to convey as much as possible of the message the film has to offer.”
The film received a limited run at select theaters for two weeks. Lee said, “Personally, I think it did well at the box office.” He said the limited theatrical release was not because Netflix lacked commitment, and that it showed how streaming services and theatrical films can coexist.
He said he did not believe Netflix was trying to influence or take distribution away from theatrical films. The holdback period was short, he said, to meet Academy Awards requirements, and he thought other theatrical films would understand.
Lee’s decision was also a notable development for the South Korean film industry. He said his choice was made in early 2025, when the industry was at a low point.
He cited a production company head who said scripts had run out, describing a real shortage of scripts. Lee cautioned that his decision cannot be taken as representative of the South Korean film industry, though he believes it reflects the industry to some extent.
Lee said streaming services have grown since the pandemic and that this reflects technological change. “In any case, these changes should be seen as inevitable,” he said.
“To some extent, we should see this as a matter of structural change.”
“Possible Love” stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and CHO YEO JEONG, among others. Lee’s previous films include “Peppermint Candy,” “Oasis,” “Miryang,” “Poetry,” and “Burning.” After a 12-day limited run at select theaters beginning September 23, the film became available worldwide on Netflix on November 6.
