Paradise Lost () is a 2026 South Korean psychological thriller film directed and co-written by Yeon Sang-ho. Based on the novel Black Inferno by Oh Sung-eun, it follows the events that unfold after Sun-woo, a boy who went missing, suddenly returns home nine years later.
The film had its world premiere in Special Presentations at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 13 September 2026. It will be released on October 21, 2026, in South Korean theaters, following its premiere at Busan International Film Festival.
Synopsis
Sun-woo, a boy who disappeared nine years ago from school camping bus, suddenly comes back home. During his absence, his mother, So-young, dealt with her sadness by using an AI program that showed her a virtual version of Sun-woo as a child. But when the real, grown Sun-woo returns, he feels strange and different to her. Instead of comfort, his presence makes her uneasy, and living together becomes tense and uncomfortable, setting the stage for an uneasy mother-and-son relationship.
Cast Kim Hyun-joo as Ryu So-young Bae Hyun-sung as Ryu Sun-woo
Production The cast of Kim Hyun-joo and Bae Hyun-sung was confirmed on November 24, 2025, and principal photography began in December 2025.
Release Paradise Lost had world premiere in Special Presentations at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 13 September 2026. It will also be screened in 'Gala' section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival on October 9, 2026.
It will be released in South Korean theaters on October 21 by CJ Entertainment.
Ahead of its premiere, the film was acquired by Well Go USA Entertainment for North American release.
References
External links
Official trailer on YouTube