Netflix has announced a launch plan for "Possible Love," the first film in eight years from acclaimed South Korean director Lee Chang-dong, marking a significant return for one of world cinema's most respected auteurs. The drama will get a limited US theatrical release on 23 October before streaming globally from 6 November, with Netflix positioning it as a serious awards-season contender following premieres at Venice and Toronto film festivals.

The film reunites Lee with Jeon Do-yeon, Cannes best actress winner for his 2007 film "Secret Sunshine," and Sul Kyung-gu, star of his earlier works "Peppermint Candy" and "Oasis," alongside Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong of "Parasite" fame. It follows two married couples whose lives intertwine after a funeral, exploring hidden desires and social contrasts amid a documentary filmmaker's project on laid-off workers. Lee, who has never received an Oscar nomination but is revered among cineastes, previously won Venice's special director's prize and Cannes honours for earlier films including "Burning," which became the first Korean film shortlisted for the Oscars' international feature category.