‘Waited 2 Years… Finally!’ — This Korean Film Exploded in Popularity on Opening Day

After capturing attention at the 24th Jeonju International Film Festival in 2023 as the most-watched Korean feature in the Korean Cinema section, director Kang Dong-in’s long-awaited mystery film ‘Lost (Korean Title called 'Paran')’ is finally being released in theaters two years later, on April 9.

A Tragedy Reborn Through Another’s Lungs

Lost begins with Yoon Tae-hwa (played by Lee Soo-hyuk), a national-level clay shooter dying from pulmonary fibrosis. Just when he’s given up on life, he receives a lung transplant—only to learn that the donor was none other than his estranged father, a murderer who committed a fatal hit-and-run.

Tae-hwa, now alive but haunted by overwhelming guilt, begins searching for the victim’s daughter, Mi-ji (played by Ha Yoon-kyung). When he finds her switching out wedding jewelry at a pawn shop, he chooses to silently observe, seeing it as an opportunity for atonement. But Mi-ji, puzzled by his persistence, begins to chase him for answers. Once Tae-hwa confesses the truth, she makes an unexpected offer—not money, but a request to help her find her missing mother. And so begins their strange and fragile journey together.

What Does ‘Lost’ Mean? Dual Symbolism in the Title

The Korean title ‘Paran’ carries a double meaning—“波瀾,” meaning a turbulent upheaval, and “破卵,” meaning to break free from one’s shell. The film reflects both interpretations as Tae-hwa and Mi-ji confront the chaos in their lives and struggle to carve out new paths from pain.

Director Kang Dong-in shared “The film started with the question, ‘If you received an organ from a murderer, could you still live a full life?’ I wanted to explore how trust works, and whether it's even possible to truly believe in someone again.”

Lee Soo-hyuk's Boldest Transformation Yet

Marking his return to film after four years since Pipeline, Lee Soo-hyuk sheds his otherworldly, often mystical roles for something entirely grounded. His raw portrayal of Tae-hwa—fraught with guilt, emotion, and quiet desperation—shows a new, deeply human side of the actor.

Opposite him, Ha Yoon-kyung, known for her subtle strength in Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Gangnam B-Side, takes on the role of Mi-ji, a woman dealing with the scars of domestic violence and emotional abandonment. Her icy exterior masks a vulnerable core, and Ha’s delicate performance anchors much of the film’s emotional weight.

Korea’s First-Ever Film Featuring Clay Shooting

Lost is the first Korean film to spotlight clay shooting, a sport where breath control is essential for focus—mirroring Tae-hwa’s internal battle. Director Kang explained:

“I wanted to introduce a sport that has never been shown in Korean cinema. It brought originality and a strong metaphor for Tae-hwa’s state of mind.”

Fans Have Waited Two Years—and They're Hyped! Even before its release, anticipation for Lost soared on social media such as “I've waited two years for this!!”, “Finally! A Ha Yoon-kyung movie!!”, “Lee Soo-hyuk looks like he walked out of a romance webtoon—he’s unreal 😭”, “This is a must-watch. Period” and “Running to the theater for the most emotional heartbreak of April!💔”

Directed by Kang Dong-in, who previously won acclaim for his short film Good Time, Lost explores what happens when two strangers—tied by one tragic moment—meet and begin to uncover each other’s pain. Tae-hwa and Mi-ji, the son of a perpetrator and the daughter of a victim, are forced to face their guilt and grief—and perhaps, find healing through each other.

Lost is rated 15+, runs for 105 minutes, and is now showing in theaters across Korea as of April 9.