Yoon Ga-eun's 'Master of the World' lines up UK, Japan, North America releases after 40-festival run

40 festivals, four major awards, one indie film

Yoon Ga-eun's Master of the World (세계의 주인) is heading into its busiest international stretch yet. Theatrical releases are confirmed for the UK, Japan, and North America in the second half of 2026, with Italy, Australia, and Israel following in 2027.

The film centers on 주인 (Ju-in), an 18-year-old high school girl played by 서수빈 (Seo Su-bin), who refuses to join a school-wide petition and then starts receiving anonymous notes. It drew 210,000 viewers during its 2025 domestic run in Korea.

On the festival circuit, Master of the World became the first Korean film invited to the Platform competition section of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. It won two awards at the 9th Pingyao International Film Festival. The International Film Critics' Association Award came at the 41st Warsaw International Film Festival. The Grand Prize went to the film at the 47th Nantes Three Continents Film Festival. Total festival invitations now stand at approximately 40.

Long runs in Hong Kong and France set the tone

In the first half of 2026, the film ran 15 weeks in Hong Kong (opened January 29) and 11 weeks in France (opened May 6). It also screened in Singapore and Taiwan. French critics praised its delicate direction, deep humanity, and the emotional resonance that lingers after viewing.

Japan opens December 11, handled by Bitters End—the distributor behind Parasite, Drive My Car, and Still Life in that market. Bitters End CEO Sadai Yuji said the film "shows an excellent approach to handling its subject matter" and pointed to strong audience response at the Tokyo FILMeX premiere as reason for high expectations around the December 11 opening.

North American distribution goes to Kino Lorber, the art house specialist that has brought films including Bacurau and I Killed My Mother to the region.

Master of the World is currently available via IPTV and VOD. (Production credits differ slightly between sources: one lists 세모시 and 볼미디어 as producers with 바른손이앤에이 distributing; another credits 바른손이앤에이 for both production and distribution.)