Yeon Sang-ho's 'The Ugly' Unveils Intriguing Character Stills

Director Yeon Sang-ho's new film, 'The Ugly,' is generating buzz with its fresh imagery, promising a deeper exploration of emotions.
Anticipation is building for how the actors will showcase new facets of their abilities and how their narratives will intertwine. Let's delve into the key aspects revealed in the newly released materials.
Ahead of its theatrical release on September 11th, 'The Ugly' has pre-released stills showcasing 'Two Faces' of its characters.
'The Ugly,' set to premiere on September 11th, tells the story of Lim Young-gyu, a blind man who becomes a master of seal engraving, and his son, Lim Dong-hwan, as they unravel the mystery surrounding his mother's death, buried for 40 years.
The film, which is already garnering attention for its ensemble cast with actors known for their wide acting spectrum, is heightening anticipation with the release of the 'Two Faces' stills, capturing the characters' multifaceted nature.
Two Sides of the Characters Revealed in Detail
Park Jung-min takes on his first dual role in 'The Ugly,' playing both the past father, Lim Young-gyu, and the present son, Lim Dong-hwan. He is said to deliver a diverse performance, transitioning between the 1970s and the present day.
One still shows Lim Young-gyu from the past, a blind man diligently carving seals with a bright smile. Another reveals Park Jung-min's acting prowess, showcasing an expression filled with shock and rage.
The stills of Lim Dong-hwan, the son of the seal engraving artisan Lim Young-gyu, capture the dramatic changes in his face as he gets closer to the mystery and truth surrounding his mother's death, arousing curiosity.
Kwon Hae-hyo, portraying Lim Young-gyu, a legendary blind seal engraving master, exudes seasoned charisma in one still, contrasting sharply with another where he displays heightened emotions.
The contrast emphasizes the elements that arouse the audience's curiosity. Meanwhile, stills of Jung Young-hee, appearing somewhat subdued and diligently writing something, have also been released.
Although her face is obscured by her hair, the similar composition creates a completely different atmosphere, drawing attention to the mystery surrounding Jung Young-hee in the film.
Lim Sung-jae transforms into Baek Ju-sang, the president of Chungpung Clothing, a garment factory located in the Cheonggyecheon area in the 1970s. He appears as a well-regarded president who takes photos of people around him.
A scene capturing a moment of tension with a hardened expression has also been revealed, raising expectations for his performance in 'The Ugly.' Lastly, Han Ji-hyun, playing Kim Soo-jin, a documentary PD, appears as a broadcasting PD chasing sensational scoops.
She gradually becomes genuinely committed to her investigation as she approaches the mystery and truth surrounding Jung Young-hee, showcasing a wide acting range.
'The Ugly,' promising transformative performances from the actors, is set to captivate theater audiences upon its release on September 11th.
The questions posed by the story are likely to linger. The variations in expressions and emotions on screen will slowly resonate in the audience's memory.
The weight of choices encountered at the end of the pursuit sparks curiosity. The moment the gazes of each character intersect, another interpretation will be born.
Movie Information
Name: The Ugly (2025)
Genre: Mystery, Drama, Thriller
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Screenwriter: Yeon Sang-ho
Original Work: Yeon Sang-ho - Graphic Novel 'The Ugly'
Producer: Yang Yu-min
Cinematographer: Pyo Sang-woo
Production Design: Lee Mok-won
Editor: Park Ju-ae
Music: Chae Min-joo
Martial Arts Director: Baek Nam-jun
Lighting: Song Hyun-seok
Set Decoration: Kim Jung-hoon
Props: Park Jun-yong, Yu Cheong
Costume Design: Kim Kyung-mi
Makeup: Jo Tae-hee
Sound: Kang Bong-sung
Visual Effects: Hong Jung-ho, Lee Ji-yeon
Sound Recording: Kim Seok-won
Color Grading: Lee Kyung-jong
Producer: Jo Eun-hye
Cast: Park Jung-min, Kwon Hae-hyo, Shin Hyun-bin, Lim Sung-jae, Han Ji-hyun
Filming Period: July 27, 2024 - August 2024
Production Company: WOWPOINT
Distributor: Plus M
Release Date: September 11, 2025
Running Time: 103 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes, 52 seconds)
Production Cost: 200 million KRW
Rating: Rated 15+ by KMRB
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