The upcoming Netflix Korean thriller Good News is one of the most anticipated film releases of 2025, and it already has audiences buzzing thanks to its gripping premise, star-studded cast, and festival debut. Directed by Byun Sung-hyun, best known for works like The Merciless and Kill Bok-soon, the film is set to drop globally on Netflix on October 17 after making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Set in the year 1970, the film draws inspiration from a hijacking incident that shook the region at the time, blending real-life history with cinematic intensity. At the center of the story is a hijacked Japanese passenger plane bound for Pyongyang, which sparks a dangerous crisis between governments and forces a covert operation to unfold. The situation is complicated, high-stakes, and layered with political and military pressures, making it the perfect backdrop for a tightly wound thriller.
The plot follows three key figures caught up in this extraordinary mission. The first is an anonymous fixer, simply known as “Nobody,” whose tactical genius and ability to operate under the radar make him invaluable in times of crisis. Alongside him is First Lieutenant Seo Go-myung, a young but highly capable Air Force officer tasked with what seems impossible—finding a way to re-hijack a passenger plane from the ground while lives hang in the balance. Adding another layer of intrigue is the KCIA director, a man who must navigate not just the operation itself but also the political minefield surrounding it. Together, these three characters must attempt the unthinkable: outwit the hijackers, save the passengers, and prevent a larger diplomatic disaster.
The cast lineup is a major reason why Good News is attracting so much attention. Sul Kyung-gu takes on the role of Nobody, bringing his trademark intensity to a character defined by secrecy and brilliance. Hong Kyung portrays Lieutenant Seo, embodying a mixture of youthful determination and the crushing pressure of responsibility. Ryoo Seung-bum appears as the KCIA director, a man of power and calculation who must balance national security with human lives at stake. Beyond the main trio, the supporting cast includes some of Korea’s most recognizable actors, such as Park Hae-soo, Jeon Do-yeon, and Hwang Jung-min, which only adds to the film’s weight and credibility.
One of the things that makes this film especially intriguing is how it immerses viewers in the world of 1970s geopolitics and tension. The filmmakers have paid close attention to visual authenticity, even transforming Gimpo International Airport into a striking replica of Pyongyang International Airport for key scenes. The costumes, sets, and cinematography work together to capture the atmosphere of that era, heightening the realism and making the suspense feel even more tangible. This level of detail shows the production’s commitment to delivering not just a story, but an experience that feels immediate and immersive.
Filming began in September 2024 and wrapped up by February 2025, giving the team ample time to perfect the storytelling and pacing. Byun Sung-hyun is known for his ability to create high-energy narratives filled with grit and human complexity, and Good News seems poised to showcase those qualities in full. The film doesn’t just present a hostage crisis; it dives deep into the psychological warfare, the politics, and the personal sacrifices that define moments of national emergency.
What sets Good News apart from typical thrillers is its mix of suspense with sharp, dark humor and political commentary. The tagline “The Greatest Lie (N)ever Landed” hints at the blend of reality and deception woven into the narrative. Viewers can expect not just edge-of-your-seat tension but also moments that challenge perceptions of truth, manipulation, and the blurred lines between heroism and opportunism.
The excitement around the film has already gained momentum with its inclusion at TIFF in the Special Presentations section, a prestigious showcase that hints at both critical and popular appeal. Festival audiences will get the first glimpse of the movie in early September, setting the stage for a much-anticipated global launch on Netflix the following month.
With powerhouse performances, a fascinating historical backdrop, and a director skilled at balancing style with substance, Good News is shaping up to be more than just another thriller—it could be one of the defining Korean releases of the year. For fans of political dramas, high-stakes rescue missions, and stories that test the boundaries of loyalty and morality, this film is a must-watch.
When it drops on October 17, Good News will bring its gripping narrative to viewers worldwide, proving once again that Korean cinema continues to dominate not only locally but on the global stage. If the early buzz is any indication, this is one Netflix release you won’t want to miss.
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