Synopsis of the Korean Film The Ugly, Addressing the Issues of Beauty Standards and Social Trauma

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The latest Korean film, "THE UGLY," was officially released in September 2025. Featuring a thriller with elements of mystery and psychological drama, the film presents an intriguing story that unearths old wounds within a family. Viewers will be invited to trace a dark past through a narrative filled with emotion and suspense.

Directed by Yeon Sang Ho, best known for the iconic work "TRAIN TO BUSAN," the film is also an adaptation of his own graphic novel. Despite being produced on a minimal budget, "THE UGLY" was successfully included in the official screening list for the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Curious about the full synopsis?

"The Ugly" Synopsis

"The Ugly" depicts a journey of truth-seeking that uncovers collective wounds, family trauma, and the societal pressures behind outward appearances. Here is the synopsis for "THE Ugly," a Korean film that explores the dark side of life and self-acceptance.

The story begins when Im Dong-hwan, proud of his father, Im Young-gyu, a respected blind seal engraver, receives news from the police about the discovery of the remains of his mother, Jung Young-hee, who went missing at a young age.

Dong-hwan then, along with documentary producer Kim Su-jin (Han Ji-hyun), investigates his mother's past through interviews with textile factory workers in the 1970s. This investigation is not simply a crime mystery, but rather an exploration into how society judges physical “weakness” and stigmatizes those who are different.

The mother is nicknamed “Dung Ogre” because of an embarrassing incident and her face, which others consider “unattractive,” a treatment that reflects how cruel beauty standards can be. The film's visuals hold Young-hee's face from full view, allowing the audience to guess and feel the victim's discomfort.

The main synopsis of The Ugly centers on the intersection of ambition, social opprobrium, and silent revenge. A mother labeled “ugly,” a respected blind father, and a child who inherits trauma and buried secrets.

The work also critiques the performances, the disregard for victims, and the power structures behind the scenes of society.

Although critics called the climax somewhat predictable, the film was still panned as an "easy thriller for those who enjoy dark narratives and social messages," reflecting on how what appears on the surface can hide a much deeper cruelty and pain.

The Ugly Cast

The Ugly will star many well-known actors. The following is the cast:

- Park Jung Min as Im Dong Hwan and young Im Young Gyu

- Kwon Hae Hyo as Im Young Gyu

- Im Sung Jae as Baek Ju Sang

- Han Ji Hyun as Kim Soo Jin

- Shin Hyun Bin as young Jung Young Hee