On Thursday, October 15, 2026, I had the chance to watch the Korean film Hope during the opening night of the ASEAN Korea Film Festival (AKFF) 2026.

Before this screening, I honestly had no idea what the movie was about. I had only seen headlines and heard friends talking about how it had achieved impressive recognition internationally. Many of my peers were eagerly waiting for its release, but I didn’t know what to expect.

It wasn’t until I finally got the opportunity to watch it at AKFF that I started digging into some background information. At first, I assumed it would be a war or historical drama. To my surprise, it turned out to be a science fiction monster film! A genre I absolutely love.

That revelation alone made me even more excited.

The film Hope (2026) was screened on the opening day of the ASEAN Korea Film Festival (AKFF) 2026 on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at CGV Pacific Place.

Hope (2026) is directed by Na Hong-jin, the visionary filmmaker behind acclaimed horror titles like The Wailing (Korea) and The Medium (Thailand-Korea).

The film features a stellar cast, including Hwang Jung-min as Chief Police Officer Ko Bum-seok, Zo In-sung as a local hunter, Jung Ho-yeon as a young police officer, and several other notable names.

The story is set in a small village called Hope Harbor, or Hopo Port, located near the Korean Demilitarized Zone and inhabited mostly by elderly residents.

At first, I even questioned why the film was titled Hope. It seemed odd for a monster movie. But then it clicked, that the name comes from the village itself, Hope Harbor.

Official main poster of Hope (2026). (Photo source: Namu Wiki )

The film opens with a gripping scene where Zo In-sung, Hwang Jung-min, and a group of hunters stumble upon the mutilated carcass of a buffalo lying in the middle of a road surrounded by rice fields.

This chilling image immediately hooks the audience and sparking curiosity about what kind of threat could cause such destruction.

One of the film’s strengths is how long it keeps the monster hidden. The suspense builds as both the audience and Bum-seok, the police officer, search for the source of chaos in the village.

 
Trailer of film "Hope (2026)".

When the creature finally appears, it’s shocking a towering humanoid figure reminiscent of the Titans from Attack on Titan. Unlike mindless beasts, this monster demonstrates intelligence and terrifying speed, making the chase sequences incredibly tense and thrilling.

And yes, this isn’t really a spoiler! The trailer already reveals glimpses of the monster.

The twist is that the monster isn’t just a random creature… it’s an alien.

In fact, there are multiple alien forms throughout the film, each seemingly inspired by different sci-fi traditions. The first resembles a Titan-like giant, others look closer to Western-style aliens similar to Predator, and some designs even reminded me of the grotesque monsters from the Korean webtoon adaptation Sweet Home. This mix of influences makes the alien designs feel both familiar and fresh, creating a sense of unpredictability.

Hope (2026) was screened at Studio 1, CGV Pacific Place, during the opening ceremony of AKFF 2026.

Interestingly, despite the intense trailer, the film doesn’t stay relentlessly dark. There are moments of humor and lighthearted banter sprinkled throughout, which balance the tension and make the viewing experience more enjoyable. And just like that, Hope leaves room for continuation as the mystery of the aliens is set to unfold further in a sequel.

Overall, Hope (2026) is a film worth watching. It combines suspense and sci-fi spectacle. For fans of monster thrillers, alien mysteries, or Korean cinema in general, this movie delivers both excitement and intrigue. Personally, I found it just so captivating and I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

Verdict: Highly recommended!