[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Director Na Hong-jin has been selected as a key figure in U.S. entertainment media outlet Variety’s “2026 Horror Impact Report.” The cinematic universe he has expanded through *Hope* is garnering attention in the global genre film industry.

The “Horror Impact Report” is a special feature introducing key figures and trends in the global horror film and TV industry. This year’s list includes Sam Raimi, James Wan, Robert Eggers, Mike Flanagan, and Ryan Murphy.
Variety highlighted Director Na’s directorial journey—spanning *The Chaser*, *The Yellow Sea*, and *The Wailing*—as well as the new challenges of his fourth feature, *Hope*. It is particularly noteworthy that while expanding his creative scope from crime thrillers to the occult and science fiction, he has consistently maintained his distinctive style through unpredictable plot twists and intense imagery.
This selection goes beyond the achievements of individual films; it highlights Director Na as a creator who influences the contemporary genre film industry. Following his inclusion in *The Hollywood Reporter*’s “30 Most Influential Genre Filmmakers,” he has now been featured in consecutive genre-focused special editions by leading media outlets.
“Hope” tells the story of Beom-seok, the head of a branch office in Hopo Port located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), who, upon hearing news of a tiger’s appearance, faces an unbelievable reality alongside the village residents. The film stars Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, and Michael Fassbender.