ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sang-ho Yeon's 'The Ugly' explores Korea's economic boom and family trauma

publication · 2026-07-29

Sang-ho Yeon, director of 'Train to Busan', has released a new drama titled 'The Ugly'. The film delves into the era of South Korea's economic boom and the excesses of a society obsessed with success, following a son's quest through his own past and that of his country. The work examines the dark underbelly of rapid development and personal history.

Key facts

  • Directed by Sang-ho Yeon
  • Director known for 'Train to Busan'
  • Film titled 'The Ugly'
  • Set during South Korea's economic boom
  • Themes of societal obsession with success
  • Narrative follows a son's quest
  • Explores personal and national past
  • Released in 2026

Entities

Artists

  • Sang-ho Yeon

Locations

  • South Korea

Sources