The drama Speaking Dead has been invited to the Fantascape section of the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) and will meet audiences as a theatrical cut.
Speaking Dead was developed as an eight-episode drama that dives into long-buried truths after the confession of forensic scientist Jang Jae-uk (played by Han Suk-kyu), who becomes the center of national attention as a prime terror suspect. It is based on Chinese author Zijin Chen’s novel 'The Long Night' and originally began filming in 2021 under the title Until the Morning Comes.
As criticism mounted over whether it was appropriate to adapt in Korea a novel seen as "defending the Xi Jinping system and glorifying dictatorship," the production explained, "A domestic studio, not Chinese capital, purchased the rights, and more than 80% of the socialist elements and characters were comprehensively adapted to fit the Korean context, so concerns over historical distortion are unfounded." Public backlash did not subside, however, and production was ultimately halted.
The feature version set to premiere at the festival will screen at 1 p.m. on July 11 at CGV Sopung Screen 10 during BIFAN. With performances from Han Suk-kyu, Jung Yu-mi, Lee Hee-joon, Yeom Hye-ran, and Kim Joon-han, the ensemble is expected to deliver a fresh appeal to audiences.