Five South Korean dramas have been selected for special screenings at the Cannes International Series Festival 2025, showcasing the global appeal of K-dramas. The event, held from April 24 to April 29, 2025, in Cannes, France, will feature S Line, Doubt, This Intimate Traitor, The Hunter with a Scalpel, and The Fairy’s Fasting Center at the Jean Mineur Auditorium.
Event Overview
The Cannes International Series Festival, also known as Canneseries, is in its eighth year. It celebrates television series from around the world with screenings, pink carpet events, and industry meetups. This year, the festival runs from April 24 to April 29, 2025, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and other venues like Espace Miramar.
The K-drama screenings are part of a special showcase on April 30, 2025, at the Jean Mineur Auditorium. These screenings highlight South Korea’s growing influence in global entertainment. S Line is the only K-drama in the Feature Film Competition, while the other four are in the non-competitive Rendezvous section.
S Line: A Fantasy Thriller in Competition
S Line, written and directed by Ahn Joo Young, is a fantasy thriller based on a popular webtoon. The story follows a strange phenomenon where red lines appear above people’s heads, revealing their past romantic relationships.
The drama, produced by Sidus, explores themes of voyeurism and shame. It stars Lee Soo Hyuk, Nam Gyu Ri, and Hong Soo Hyun. S Line will have its world premiere at the festival and has not yet secured a domestic broadcaster.
“We zeroed in on the specific situations that can trigger shame,” said Ahn Joo Young about the drama’s focus.
The series has drawn attention for its unique concept and bold storytelling. It will be screened in the Feature Film Competition, a rare honor for a K-drama.
Doubt: A Psychological Crime Drama
Doubt is a psychological crime thriller starring Han Suk Kyu and Chae Won Bin. The story centers on a tense game of betrayal and complex relationships. It has been praised for its strong writing and direction.
The drama is part of the Rendezvous section, a non-competitive category. Its screening is set for April 29, 2025, at the Palais des Festivals.
“Han Suk Kyu’s performance in Doubt is gripping, pulling viewers into a web of emotions,” said a festival organizer on the official Canneseries website.
Doubt has already gained attention in South Korea for its intense narrative and stellar cast, including Park Joo Hyun and Ryu Seung Soo.
This Intimate Traitor: A Tale of Betrayal
This Intimate Traitor, written by Han Ah Young and directed by Song Yeon Hwa, is another K-drama in the Rendezvous section. The drama explores themes of betrayal and trust within close relationships.
The story follows characters navigating emotional conflicts and hidden truths. It features Jo Hye Jung and other rising stars. The screening will take place on April 30, 2025, at the Jean Mineur Auditorium.
The drama has been noted for its relatable characters and emotional depth. It has not yet been released domestically, making its Cannes appearance a significant debut.
The Hunter with a Scalpel: A Medical Mystery
The Hunter with a Scalpel is a medical thriller written by Jo Han Young, Park Hyun Shin, Hong Yeon I, and Jin Se Hyeok, and directed by Lee Jung Hoon. The drama follows a surgeon unraveling dark secrets in a hospital.
The series combines suspense with medical drama elements. It stars Nam Gyu Ri and Hong Soo Hyun. It will be screened in a special session on April 30, 2025.
The drama’s intricate plot and strong performances have made it a standout. It is also part of the Rendezvous section, highlighting its international appeal.
The Fairy’s Fasting Center: A Unique Story
The Fairy’s Fasting Center, written by Shin Kyeong I and directed by Jo Chang Geun, offers a fresh take on personal transformation. The drama follows characters at a wellness center focused on fasting and self-discovery.
The series blends humor and heartfelt moments. It will be screened in a special session on April 30, 2025, in the Rendezvous section. The cast includes rising actors who bring the story to life.
The drama has been praised for its creative storytelling and relatable themes. It has not yet aired in South Korea, adding to the excitement of its Cannes premiere.
Several actors and directors will attend the screenings. Nam Gyu Ri, Hong Soo Hyun, Park Joo Hyun, Ryu Seung Soo, Jo Hye Jung, Lee Soo Hyuk, Lee Jung Hoon, and Song Yeon Hwa are confirmed to appear.
The stars will walk the famous pink carpet and meet fans. The festival is free, but reservations are required for screenings at the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière. Tickets can be booked at canneseries.fr, with a limit of four seats per person.
Global Impact of K-Dramas
The selection of five K-dramas at Canneseries 2025 reflects the global rise of South Korean storytelling. K-dramas have gained massive popularity for their diverse genres and high production quality.
Previous K-dramas, like Bargain, have won awards at Canneseries. In 2023, Bargain took home the Best Screenplay award, a historic win for a Korean OTT series.
The 2025 lineup showcases a range of genres, from fantasy thrillers to medical mysteries. This diversity highlights South Korea’s ability to produce engaging content for global audiences.
Festival Highlights
The Cannes International Series Festival is known for its glamorous events. The pink carpet adds a pop of color, with stars and creators posing for photos. Screenings are held in iconic venues like the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière.
The festival is open to the public, making it accessible to series fans. All screenings are in their original language with French subtitles, and some include English subtitles.
A total of 30 series will be screened during the festival. The K-drama showcase on April 30 is a key event, drawing attention to South Korea’s creative talent.
Audience and Industry Response
Fans have expressed excitement on social media about the K-drama screenings.
“So proud of Han Suk Kyu and Doubt at Canneseries! Can’t wait to see it!”
“S Line sounds so unique. Lee Soo Hyuk at Cannes is a big deal!”
“Five K-dramas at Cannes 2025? Korea is killing it!”
Industry experts have also praised the selections. The festival’s focus on Korean series shows the growing demand for K-content worldwide. The presence of directors and actors at the event will likely spark discussions about future collaborations.
Recent Developments
As of April 28, 2025, the festival is in full swing. The K-drama screenings are scheduled for the final day, April 30, 2025. Fans can still reserve tickets online for the Jean Mineur Auditorium screenings.
The festival has confirmed that all five K-dramas will be presented with their casts and crews. This adds to the excitement for attendees hoping to meet their favorite stars.
S Line remains a focal point due to its competitive slot. Its world premiere is expected to draw significant media coverage.
CREDITS: Canneseries.com
