[Edaily Reporter Choi Hee-jae ] Director Yoon Ga-eun’s film “Master of the World” continues its global run.

Distributor Barunson E&A announced on the 11th, “*The Master of the World* will reach international audiences through releases in the UK, Japan, and North America in the second half of 2026,” sharing the news of the film’s release.

“Master of the World” tells the story of “Joo-in,” an enigmatic 18-year-old high school girl caught between being a popular kid and an attention-seeker, who begins receiving mysterious notes after she alone refuses to sign a petition supported by the entire student body. The film stars Seo Su-bin, Jang Hye-jin, Kim Jeong-sik, Kang Chae-yoon, Lee Jae-hee, and Kim Ye-chang.

Following its domestic release, which drew 210,000 viewers, *The Master of the World* has been recognized for its artistic merit at prestigious international film festivals and invited to over 40 festivals, continuing to reach audiences around the world.

It was the first Korean film to be invited to the Platform Competition section at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win two awards at the 9th Pingyao International Film Festival, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award at the 41st Warsaw International Film Festival, and the Grand Prize at the 47th Nantes Three Continents Film Festival. Since then, it has been invited to over 40 film festivals worldwide, further cementing its artistic merit.

The film’s success in international theatrical releases continues. In the first half of this year, it opened in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and France; in Hong Kong, it opened on January 29 and ran for 15 weeks. In France, where it opened on May 6, it enjoyed an extended 11-week run, connecting with local audiences.

In the second half of the year, the film will expand its reach to the UK, Japan, and North America. Distribution in Japan will be handled by Bitters End, the distributor that previously brought films such as *Parasite*, *Drive My Car*, and *Still Life* to Japanese audiences. The Japanese release date is December 11.

Yuji Sada, CEO of Bitters End, stated, “We are very pleased to be distributing *The Master of the World* in Japan,” adding, “It is a film that demonstrates an exceptional approach to its subject matter.” He continued, “Given the enthusiastic audience response during the Japanese premiere at the Tokyo FilMeX Film Festival last November, we are looking forward to its release.”

North American distribution will be handled by Kino Rover, a U.S.-based distributor specializing in arthouse films. Kino Rover is a distributor that has introduced international films such as *Bacurau* and *I Killed My Mother* to North American audiences. Following Asia and Europe, the film is expanding its international distribution reach by securing a local distribution network in North America as well.

The international release of *Master of the World* will continue into next year. The film is scheduled to be released sequentially in Italy, Australia, Israel, and other countries in 2027. Currently, it is available for viewing in South Korea via IPTV and VOD services.