The film Hof has unveiled its first stills — and they’re gripping. Marking director Na Hong-jin’s long-awaited return with his first new project in about a decade, the images instantly set a chilling, high-stakes tone.
In the stills released on the 30th by distributor Plus M Entertainment, Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min) is caught in the gaze of an unknown presence in the dark, Seong-gi (Jo In-sung) aims a rifle deep in the forest, and Seong-ae (Jung Ho-yeon) appears armed and on edge in a ruined village. Even through photos, the extreme tension and eerie mystery are palpable.
Set around Hopo Port near the Demilitarized Zone, the new images center on characters confronting the unthinkable. Beom-seok grips a gun while hiding behind a shattered wall, Seong-gi urgently calls for rescue, and Seong-ae, inside a responding police car, reacts to a shocking scene — all hinting that the entire village is in crisis.
Hof follows Beom-seok, the head of the Hopo Port branch office, whose once-peaceful routine collapses after local youths report a tiger sighting. Beyond a simple disaster flick, the story zeroes in on how the characters face an inexplicable reality — and the choices they make under pressure.
Fans can expect Na Hong-jin’s signature precision and striking mise-en-scène to return in full force. Even in these stills, his use of darkness, space, and perspective amplifies the dread with meticulous control.
With international distribution partners on board, the film is already positioning itself for a global rollout, fueling interest far beyond Korea.
Meanwhile, Hof will have its world premiere at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on the 12th of next month (local time) and is slated for a summer release in Korea.