Hong Sang-soo
DirectingAbout Hong Sang-soo
Hong Sang-soo (born October 25, 1960) is a South Korean writer-director. He has directed 33 films as of 2025. Certain elements are commonly found in Hong's films. A typical Hong film highlights a theme of domestic realism with many of the scenes set on residential streets, cafes, hotels, schools, and in the stairwells of apartment buildings. Characters are seen walking around the city, drinking soju, and having sex. The main characters are often movie directors or actors, and scenes typically consist of a single shot, often beginning and ending with a camera zoom. The budgets for his movies average about $100,000. Hong is often spontaneous when shooting, delivering the day's scene on the morning of the shoot and frequently changing stories while on set. He rarely prepares scripts in advance. Hong's style has been compared to Eric Rohmer's, and it has even been argued that allusions to Rohmer's films appear in some films directed by Hong.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Hong Sang-soo reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 4 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of Hong Sang-soo's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Hong Sang-soo remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Tony Rayns, the Not-So-Distant Observer, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Hong Sang-soo Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Hong Sang-soo's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Hong Sang-soo.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | It Snows on You | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2021 | Hong Sangsoo – Winner of the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay | Narrator (Voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Tony Rayns, the Not-So-Distant Observer | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | The Nine Lives of Korean Cinema | Himself | Average | Similar → |
Hong Sang-soo - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Hong Sang-soo?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Hong Sang-soo is "Tony Rayns, the Not-So-Distant Observer" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Hong Sang-soo acted in?
Hong Sang-soo has been featured in at least 4 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Hong Sang-soo?
Other notable films include "Hong Sangsoo – Winner of the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay", "The Nine Lives of Korean Cinema", and "It Snows on You".