This Korean Blockbuster Sells to 158 Countries and Earns Glasgow Film Festival Invitation

The buzz around the Korean film Nocturnal (also known as Broken) has extended beyond domestic borders, making waves internationally.

On January 21, Barunson ENA announced that Nocturnal had achieved pre-sales to 158 countries ahead of its release. Additionally, it has been invited to the non-competitive official section of the 2025 Glasgow Film Festival, one of the UK’s premier film events.

A Gripping Crime Thriller

Nocturnal (also known as Broken) tells the story of Min-tae, whose pursuit of truth is ignited when his sister's body is found and her husband goes missing. Entangled in the mystery is a bestselling novel that eerily predicts the tragic events of that fateful night. The film chronicles Min-tae’s relentless quest for answers in this riveting crime thriller.

Pre-sold to countries across Asia, including Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and India, Nocturnal has also secured deals in Europe (France, Spain, CIS-Baltic), the Middle East, Africa, and even in-flight entertainment globally. The Glasgow Film Festival invitation further solidifies its global appeal.

The Glasgow Film Festival, scheduled from February 26 to March 9, has previously featured acclaimed Korean films such as Sleep (starring Parasite’s late Lee Sun-kyun), The Man Standing Next (starring Squid Game 2’s Lee Byung-hun), and Voice of Silence (starring Yoo Ah-in). This year, Nocturnal is the sole Korean film selected. Festival Director Allison Gardner praised the movie as a masterful blend of thriller, mystery, and crime. “It’s a film that grips viewers with phenomenal acting, tension-filled storytelling, and unexpected twists. I can’t wait to share it with this year’s festival audience,” Gardner said.

A Stellar Team and Cast

Nocturnal (Broken) is a collaborative effort between some of Korea’s top creative minds. Director Kim Jin-hwang, who made a stellar debut with The Shepherd, teams up with producers known for hits like Hunt (directed by Squid Game’s Lee Jung-jae), New World (starring Lee Jung-jae and Choi Min-sik), and Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time (starring Ha Jung-woo and Ma Dong-seok). Leading the cast is Ha Jung-woo, who returns to the gritty crime genre reminiscent of his raw performances in The Chaser and The Yellow Sea. He is joined by Kim Nam-gil, Yoo Da-in, Jung Man-sik, and Lim Sung-jae, whose collective talent elevates the film to new heights.

As a new year blockbuster, Nocturnal (Broken) promises to deliver a powerful narrative packed with action and suspense. With its worldwide acclaim already building, the film is set to hit theaters on February 5.