The Ugly (2025) is a gripping South Korean mystery thriller directed by Yeon Sang-ho, adapted from his acclaimed graphic novel Face. The film follows Im Dong-hwan, played by Park Jeong-min, who inherits his blind father Im Yeong-gyu’s (also portrayed by Park Jeong-min, with Kwon Hae-hyo in flashbacks) traditional seal engraving studio. While documenting his father’s extraordinary craft, Dong-hwan’s life takes a haunting turn when the remains of his long-missing mother are suddenly discovered after forty years. As he searches for the truth behind her disappearance, shocking revelations surface that challenge everything he thought he knew about his family.
Featuring a strong ensemble cast including Shin Hyun-been, Im Seong-jae, and Han Ji-hyun, The Ugly weaves themes of grief, memory, and hidden family secrets into an atmospheric thriller. With its slow-burn storytelling and emotionally charged performances, the movie explores how collective memory can twist the image of a loved one into something unrecognizable. Set for release on September 11, 2025, in South Korea, with a North American release on September 26, 2025, the film promises to deliver a powerful cinematic experience that fans of mystery dramas and Yeon Sang-ho’s earlier works like Train to Busan and Hellbound will not want to miss.
