The Jokers Films has acquired French distribution rights to Barunson E&A's 'The World of Love,' the top-grossing independent Korean film of 2025. Directed by Yoon Ga-eun, the drama follows a high school student's emotional journey and has earned acclaim on the international festival circuit. The deal highlights growing interest in Korean indie cinema in Europe.
Film Overview
Directed by Yoon Ga-eun, known for 'The World of Us' (Berlinale 2016) and 'The House of Us' (BFI London 2019), 'The World of Love' centers on 17-year-old Lee Jooin, played by Seo Su-bin. The story explores an unpredictable high school student's angry outburst and its ripple effects on those around her. The film has surpassed 150,000 admissions in Korea as of November 30, 2025, making it the highest-grossing indie release of the year locally.
Festival Success
The film world premiered at Toronto's Platform competition and has gained significant traction internationally. It collected jury and audience awards at Pingyao International Film Festival's Crouching Tigers section, the Fipresci Award at Warsaw Film Festival, and recently screened in Cork International Film Festival's Momentum section. At the 47th Nantes 3 Continents Film Festival, it won the Montgolfière d’Or, the top international competition prize. The jury praised its handling of a taboo subject, stating: “Through rich and complex characters who have the courage to refuse to be confined by an imposed narrative, the film tackles a taboo subject without ever looking away, always celebrating life and love above all else. For its richness, its power, and its ability to make us think, ‘The World of Love’ receives the Montgolfière d’or.” The film is currently at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival and is slated for the Red Sea Film Festival.
The Distribution Deal
The acquisition was negotiated by Manuel Chiche, founder of The Jokers Films and head of Asian acquisitions, and Sylvie Kim, head of international business at Barunson E&A. Founded in 2014 by Chiche and Violaine Barbaroux, The Jokers Films specializes in acclaimed international titles like Bong Joon-ho’s 'Parasite' and Park Chan-wook’s 'The Handmaiden.' Chiche expressed enthusiasm: “The Jokers are very proud to be the French distributor of ‘The World of Love.’ Yoon Ga-eun is a brilliant director and some sequences (especially the car wash scene) are absolutely fantastic.” This deal underscores the film's potential to reach broader European audiences.