Discover ‘누룩’: The Unique Korean Film Blending Makgeolli and Mystery, Releasing April 15

Nuruk poster / Photo=Roadshow Plus, Movie Special City SMC

[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won] Actor Jang Dong-yoon — who has won audiences with nuanced performances in dramas such as The Mantis: The Murderer’s Outing, Nokdujeon (Green Bean Flower Story), Flowers Bloom Even in Sand, and Morning Comes to the Psychiatric Ward, as well as films including Long-Distance Relationship, The Wolf Hunt, and Beautiful Days — is stepping behind the camera. His feature directorial debut, Nuruk, has been set for release on April 15, and its teaser poster was unveiled.

Nuruk, which screened at notable domestic festivals including the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, the Seoul Independent Film Festival, and the Ulsan Ulju Mountain Film Festival, will open on April 15. Releasing exclusively at Megabox, the film marks Jang Dong-yoon’s first full-length feature as director. It follows Daseul, an 18-year-old girl from a neighborhood-famous brewery family who loves makgeolli. When she notices the drink’s taste has changed, she sets out to find the missing nuruk — the fermentation starter essential to makgeolli — and the story that unfolds is both unusual and intimate.

Following Jang’s 2023 directorial short Become My Ears, Nuruk raises expectations for the actor-turned-director’s thoughtful, exacting approach and fresh storytelling. The film’s focus on nuruk — a distinctly Korean ingredient rarely centered in domestic cinema — gives the project an added layer of cultural specificity and curiosity.

The teaser poster, released alongside the opening announcement, captures Daseul (Kim Seung-yoon) clutching a bottle of makgeolli beneath the line, “Can I find my world again?” The image — a high school girl paired with makgeolli — feels unexpectedly fresh and invites audience curiosity.

From its first poster, Nuruk has generated buzz with its distinctive tone. After festival attention, viewers will be watching to see how the film colors theaters this spring. Director Lee Tae-dong, known for Jojoso and Gang Gyejang, joins the project as producer. The cast includes Kim Seung-yoon (Please Take Care of the Eagle Five!, The Traveler’s Need, In the Water, Chansil Is Very Lucky), Song Ji-hyeok (Trigger, S-Line), and Park Myung-hoon (Parasite, Crash Landing on You), further raising anticipation.

Nuruk opens exclusively at Megabox on April 15.

[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won ent@stoo.com]
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