Netflix is adding more of Lee Chang-dong’s filmography to its global library after his latest feature won top prize at the Venice Film Festival. The director’s Silver Lion win for Possible Love has triggered a wave of streaming releases across his back catalogue, with several titles now available and others on the way.
The move means audiences outside Korea can finally see more of the director’s work. Chang-dong made his name with Green Fish, which debuted in 1997, and has spent decades building a reputation for awards-season drama. His films have won Best Director at Venice, Best Screenplay at Cannes, and now a Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. His latest film, Possible Love, stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong, and tells the story of two couples whose lives cross while filming a documentary.
What Is Already Streaming
Chang-dong’s earlier films are already available on Netflix in select regions. Green Fish and Secret Sunshine have been streaming since August in Italy, the UK, France, Australia, and New Zealand. Peppermint Candy and Oasis started streaming on September 4 in Italy and Spain.
That is a solid start, but the new releases are where things get interesting. Netflix is rolling out additional titles, and the schedule is dense. Here is what is coming next:
- Poetry and Burning are planned for release in markets including Japan, the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
- Availability and timing vary by country.
- Subtitles will be offered in up to six languages, including Korean, depending on the market.
The Venice Prize That Made It Happen
Possible Love is Chang-dong’s first film in eight years. It won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Venice film festival, which is a significant achievement for any director. The win has put the film on the radar of international audiences who might otherwise have missed his work.
The film opens in South Korean theatres on September 23. It then expands to Australia and New Zealand on October 22, followed by the UK, Japan, the US, and Canada on October 23. The Netflix premiere follows on November 6, giving subscribers a chance to watch it globally on the same day.
The film has also been selected as Korea’s official entry for the Best International Feature category of the Academy Awards. That means Chang-dong’s work will be in contention for Oscar recognition, a milestone for any Korean filmmaker.
A Long History Of Awards
Chang-dong’s career is defined by accolades. He has won Best Director at the 59th Venice International Film Festival for Oasis in 2002. He took Best Screenplay at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival for Poetry in 2010. Most recently, he became the first Korean director to win the Ebert Director Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival.
Those wins cover three major festivals and two distinct categories. Chang-dong has built a strong body of work over decades.
The Films In Order
For anyone catching up, here is the chronological order of Chang-dong’s films that have reached Netflix:
| Film | Year |
|---|---|
| Green Fish | 1997 |
| Secret Sunshine | N/A |
| Peppermint Candy | N/A |
| Oasis | 2002 |
| Poetry | 2010 |
| Burning | N/A |
| Possible Love | 2026 |
The table shows the breadth of his career. He has built a body of work that spans his entire directing history, and Netflix is now making that range available to subscribers around the world.
Why This Matters For Cinephiles
Streaming Chang-dong’s back catalogue is a coup for Netflix. His films are critically respected, and his recent Venice win has renewed interest in his work. The company is positioning itself as a destination for serious cinema, and Chang-dong’s films fit that profile perfectly.
For audiences, the news means access to films that were previously difficult to find outside Korea. Many of these titles have not been widely released internationally, and the streaming rollout makes them available in select regions. Viewers in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and North America will now have a chance to see the director’s complete body of work.
The Road Ahead
The rollout is not yet complete. Poetry and Burning are still pending, and the full slate of countries has not been confirmed. Netflix has not announced exact dates for those titles beyond the markets listed.
The company has also committed to subtitles in up to six languages, including Korean. That is a notable detail for international viewers who may not speak the original language.
A Win Worth Watching
Possible Love is the film that prompted this streaming push. Chang-dong’s first feature in eight years carries weight simply by existing. The Venice win has given it momentum, and the Netflix premiere on November 6 will bring it to homes around the world.
The film stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong. Their performances are likely to draw attention. The story of two couples crossing paths while filming a documentary promises tension and character-driven drama.
The Bottom Line
Netflix’s decision to stream more of Chang-dong’s work is a smart move. The director’s films are critically acclaimed, and his Venice win has renewed attention on his career. The streaming rollout gives audiences a chance to explore his complete body of work, from Green Fish to Possible Love.
The company has positioned itself as a destination for serious cinema, and Chang-dong fits that profile perfectly. His films are available now in select regions, with more on the way. For anyone who has not seen his work, the streaming library offers a low-friction way to start.
The Netflix premiere of Possible Love on November 6 will be the next major moment. After that, the focus shifts to the Oscar race, where Korea’s official entry stands a chance of international recognition.
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