Lee Chang-dong’s new mystery thriller set to light Cannes on fire

‘Burning’ is an upcoming mystery drama film from acclaimed South Korean director Lee Chang-ding, starring well-known actors Yoo Ah-in and Steven Yeun based on the short story ‘Barn Burning’ written by famous Japanese author Haruki Murakami.

Set to premiere in May 2018, ‘Burning’ is already turning heads, earning a place as a competition entry in the upcoming 71st Cannes Film Festival, the third Korean film to do so in as many years, following in the footsteps of ‘Okja’ and ‘The Handmaiden’.

The film, Lee’s first in eight years, tells the story of the sensitive Jong-soo (Yoo Ah-in), his hometown friend and childhood crush Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo), and the mysterious Ben (Steven Yeun) that she introduces him to. Together, they are caught up in an incident and a mystery they must get to the bottom of.

This is not Lee’s first time at the Cannes Film Festival, as his previous film ‘Secret Sunshine’ about a woman struggling with grief and faith was also selected in 2007, with lead actress Jeon Do-yeon winning the 2007 Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her performance.

The 71^st Cannes Film Festival will be held in Cannes, France from May 8th to 19th.