Boy (2025 film)

Boy
Theatrical release poster
Hangul
보이
RRBoi
MRPoi
Directed byLee Sang-deok
Written byLee Sang-deok
Produced byPark Hyeon-seok
Starring
CinematographyCho Young-chan
Edited byKim Zoon-hyoung
Music byB.I
Production
company
Albatross Film
Distributed bySpecial Movie City
Release dates
  • November 16, 2025 (2025-11-16) (Fancine)
  • January 14, 2026 (2026-01-14) (South Korea)
Running time
90 minutes
CountrySouth Korea
LanguageKorean

Boy (Korean보이) is a 2025 South Korean romantic crime drama film directed and written by Lee Sang-deok. Set in a dystopian near-future, it stars Jo Byeong-kyu, Yoo In-soo, Jini, and Seo In-guk. The film follows marginalized individuals living in a fictional city whose rigid social order is disrupted by an unexpected romance.

The film held its world premiere at the 35th Fancine Film Festival on November 16, 2025 and is scheduled for theatrical release in South Korea on January 14, 2026.

Premise

In the fictional, crime-ridden city of Pogu, a facility known as "Texas Hot Springs" serves as a central hub for those abandoned by society. The facility is overseen by the "Big Boss" Gyohan and his younger brother Rohan, while the "Mad Hatter" exerts absolute influence over the city's underworld. The arrival of a new resident named Jane triggers a series of events where a single instance of love acts as a destabilizing force, leading to a cycle of violence, betrayal, and attempted escape.

Cast

Production

In November 2024, production company Albatross Films announced that principal photography for Boy had concluded. Directed by Lee Sang-deok, the project is a romantic crime drama set in the fictional city of Pogu. The narrative centers on the residents of Texas Hot Springs, a facility managed by a local figure known as the Mad Hatter. The cast includes Jo Byeong-kyu, Seo In-guk, Yoo In-soo, and Jini of Nmixx in her big screen debut. Following the wrap of filming, Director Lee stated that the production would move into a post-production phase to balance the film's themes of youth and crime. The film was scheduled for release in the first half of 2025.[1]

The film marks the debut of B.I as a music director. He produced several tracks for the film, including title of the same name, utilizing rhythmic beats intended to match the film's visual tempo.[2] The film's ending theme, "I'll Get Drunk Tonight" (오늘밤은 취해볼게요), is performed by singer Zo Zazz.[3]

Release

Boy was officially invited to the 35th Fancine Film Festival in Spain, which took place from December 12 to 18, 2025. Director Lee, Cinematographer Cho Young-chan, and Jo attended the event.[4] Following its festival run, distributor Movie Special City SMC confirmed the South Korean theatrical release for January 14, 2026.[5]

References

  1. ^ Lee, Ju-in (November 13, 2024). 조병규·서인국→지니, 로맨스 범죄 영화 '보이' 크랭크업...내년 상반기 개봉 [Jo Byeong-gyu, Seo In-guk → Jini Wrap Filming for Romance-Crime Movie Boy...Set for Release in the First Half of Next Year]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  2. ^ Lee, Seung-mi (January 1, 2026). 비아이, 조병규 주연 영화 '보이'로 음악 감독 데뷔 [B.I to Debut as Music Director for Film Boy Starring Jo Byeong-gyu]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  3. ^ Jung, Hee-won (January 8, 2026). 네온-느와르 '보이' 조째즈 OST로 감정선 더한다 [Neon-Noir Boy Enhances Emotional Depth with Zo Zazz OST]. Sportsworld (in Korean). Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  4. ^ Lee, Jong-hee (December 2, 2025). 스페인판씨네 초청 조병규·서인국 주연 '보이' 내년 1월 개봉 [Jo Byeong-gyu and Seo In-guk's Boy Invited to Spain's Fancine Set for Release Next January]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  5. ^ Kim, Bo-young (December 26, 2025). 조병규·유인수·서인국 네온 누아르...'보이' 메인 포스터 공개했다 [Jo Byeong-gyu, Yoo In-soo, and Seo In-guk's Neon-Noir...Main Poster for Boy Released]. Edaily (in Korean). Retrieved January 10, 2026.