[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Director Na Hong-jin has established himself as one of the leading figures in the global genre film scene. This recognition, coming ahead of the North American release of his new film “HOPE,” reaffirms his global influence.

The U.S. entertainment media outlet *The Hollywood Reporter* named Director Na Hong-jin as one of the “30 Most Influential Genre Film Directors.”
The publication highlighted Director Na’s body of work, which transcends any single genre. *The Hollywood Reporter* described him as a Korean director who has built an international fan base by appealing to a wide audience, ranging from arthouse cinephiles to action movie fans.
Starting with *The Chaser* in 2008, Director Na has crossed the boundaries of various genres—including crime, thriller, and horror—through films such as *The Yellow Sea* and *The Wailing*. In particular, rather than simply following the conventions of familiar genres, he has established his own distinctive directorial style by combining intense imagery, suspense, and unpredictable narratives.
This selection is significant not only for the success of a single new film but also because it signifies international recognition of the influence of his entire body of work. The Hollywood Reporter plans to publish a separate interview with Director Na, covering his directorial journey—from *The Chaser* to his fourth feature, *Hope*—as well as the production process of his new film.
Attention now turns to the international reception of *Hope*. After premiering in Korean theaters this summer, *Hope* is set to open in North America on September 9. With this selection of an influential genre director and the local interview coinciding just before the release, it has provided an opportunity to introduce Director Na and his film to North American audiences.
“Hope” tells the story of “Beom-seok,” the head of the Hopo Port branch office located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), who, after hearing from local youths that a tiger has appeared, finds the entire village facing a situation that is hard to believe.
Director Na Hong-jin returns with his fourth feature film since *The Wailing*. This selection can be seen as recognition that he has established himself not merely as a director creating unique genre films in Korea, but as a filmmaker garnering attention from the global genre film community.