On September 3, production of “Hana Korea” began in Seoul, an ambitious co-production between Denmark and Korea based on the true story of a North Korean defector.

“Hana Korea” is co-written and directed by Danish documentary filmmaker Frederik Sølberg and co-written by Sharon Choi, a filmmaker and Bong Joon-ho’s interpreter who accompanied the director on his 2019 journey with “Parasite” from Cannes to Oscar victories. Choi also serves as Sølberg’s translator on set.

“Hana Korea” tells the story of Hyesun, a North Korean defector who is sent to the Hanawon (“House of Unity”) educational institution for three months. There, she is briefed on life outside the DPRK and learns about democracy, personal freedom, equality and how to use a credit card.

The cast of "Hana Korea" includes Kim Minha, who gained international recognition for her portrayal of Sunja in the Apple TV+ series "Pachinko"; Kim Joo-ryoung, seen in the Netflix hit series "Squid Game"; and Ahn Seo-hyun, known for her leading role as Mija in Bong Joon Ho's "Okja."