Sol Kyung Gu Addresses Possible Love Oscar Campaign and Working With Lee Chang Dong

Actor Sol Kyung Gu shares his thoughts on the international Oscar campaign for Possible Love, reuniting with director Lee Chang Dong, and his grueling promotional schedule.

Published 9 November 2026

Handling the Oscar Buzz

Actor Sol Kyung Gu recently addressed the growing Oscar attention surrounding his latest film, Possible Love. Selected as South Korea's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards, the movie has sparked significant international interest. Despite the widespread excitement, the seasoned star remains remarkably grounded regarding the high-profile awards race.

During an interview on November 9, 2026, Sol Kyung Gu offered a humorous take on his involvement in the promotional circuit. He noted that he simply follows instructions regarding his travel and appearances, awaiting the crucial shortlist announcement in December before the campaign truly intensifies.

An Unprecedented Promotional Tour

The demanding nature of international campaigning has brought entirely new experiences to Sol Kyung Gu's long career. Traveling extensively abroad to secure a spot on the Academy's shortlist, the actor admitted that the rigorous schedule has proven exceptionally tiring.

Reflecting on the heavy workload while keeping spirits high, he jokingly remarked that director Lee Chang Dong maintains such a resolute demeanor that any personal fatigue or minor ailments must remain entirely unspoken during the promotional push.

Embracing the Streaming Era

Possible Love debuted in South Korean theaters on September 23 before arriving on Netflix on November 6, 2026. Initially, Sol Kyung Gu felt a sense of disappointment that the project would miss out on receiving a full, traditional theatrical distribution run across the country.

However, he ultimately expressed profound gratitude toward the streaming platform for bringing the project to life. Emphasizing the sheer difficulty of getting certain films financed and produced, he considers the movie's existence and broad accessibility a true victory.

Reuniting With Lee Chang Dong

The project marks another collaboration between the actor and acclaimed filmmaker Lee Chang Dong, following their previous acclaimed works Peppermint Candy and Oasis. When the opportunity to join the cast was first presented, Sol Kyung Gu accepted immediately without a moment's hesitation, despite simultaneously juggling production on Mousetrap.

He confessed that missing out on the role due to scheduling conflicts would have broken his heart, especially seeing another actor step into the part through a casting announcement later on.

Working Alongside Star-Studded Co-Stars

The film also features powerful performances from a stellar supporting and co-starring lineup. Sol Kyung Gu praised his co-star Jeon Do Yeon, with whom he previously shared the screen in Birthday and Kill Boksoon, calling her an exceptionally comfortable partner and the absolute best actress who carried the entire film.

Additionally, he credited actor Jo In Sung with playing a major role in keeping the atmosphere on set positive, collaborative, and enjoyable for the entire cast and crew.

Plot and International Acclaim

Possible Love explores the intricate lives of two distinct couples, consisting of a laid-off worker alongside his wife, and a documentary director alongside her husband. When these individuals cross paths to collaborate on a documentary, they are forced to confront starkly different realities and hidden desires.

The feature has already achieved significant critical acclaim prior to its Oscar submission, having successfully won the prestigious Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

News Overview

Actor Sol Kyung Gu discussed the ongoing Oscar campaign for Possible Love, South Korea's submission to the 99th Academy Awards directed by Lee Chang Dong. He reflected on his grueling international promotional travels and expressed gratitude for the Netflix release after its September theatrical premiere. The film reunites him with Jeon Do Yeon and Jo In Sung, following its major victory of the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

Key facts

  • Sol Kyung Gu starred in Hyper Knife and The Whirlwind
  • Possible Love was selected as Korea's submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards
  • The interview took place on November 9, 2026
  • Possible Love opened in Korean theaters on September 23
  • Possible Love began streaming on Netflix on November 6
  • Sol Kyung Gu previously worked with Lee Chang Dong on Peppermint Candy and Oasis
  • Jeon Do Yeon co-starred with Sol Kyung Gu in Birthday and Kill Boksoon
  • Possible Love won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival