Jazzy Pictures, in collaboration with Oh’ Yes Co., Ltd and co-produced with Timeless Productions, officially announces its upcoming international co-production, Bluefish 청어, a raw and emotionally charged action drama that explores themes of redemption, human connection, and the quiet strength of compassion. Directed by acclaimed Korean filmmaker Lee Sang Hoon and produced by Joanne Goh, the film features a powerful cast led by Ji Seung Hyun and Cecilia Choi. Cecilia, known for her emotionally nuanced performances, received the Best Actress award from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society in 2020 for her role in Beyond the Dream.
This project marks Jazzy Pictures’ first collaboration with a South Korean production team. Filming will take place in Busan and Yeongdeok, with the film currently in pre-production and scheduled for international release in early 2026. At the heart of the story is Gwang Su, a drifter burdened by a violent past, who is unexpectedly transformed after an encounter with Yeon Jeon, a mute milk delivery girl. Her quiet compassion in the face of his aggression causes him to reflect on his actions and the person he has become. As guilt begins to shift into tenderness, a fragile connection starts to grow between them. However, a misunderstanding causes their paths to diverge. When Gwang Su later learns that Yeon Jeon is in danger, he must choose whether to walk away or to take a stand. What follows is a powerful journey of sacrifice, redemption, and the gentle but unwavering force of human kindness.
Slated to begin filming in October 2025, Bluefish 청어 reflects Jazzy Pictures’ ongoing dedication to bold storytelling and meaningful regional collaboration. The film also fulfills a long-envisioned goal for the producers: a significant co-production between South Korea and Hong Kong that demonstrates the strength of cross-border storytelling in Asia. During the official announcement, both the director and producer discussed the challenge of casting Yeon Jeon, a character requiring a unique blend of emotional depth and silent strength. After a thorough search, Cecilia Choi was selected for her quiet resilience and authenticity, which made her the ideal choice for the role.
More than just an action drama, Bluefish 청어 is a deeply human story about individuals searching for light in the darkest corners of their lives. The filmmakers hope that this story will resonate with audiences across Asia and inspire conversations about the lives and capabilities of people with disabilities. The message is clear: people with disabilities are not defined by their limitations but by their strength, independence, and ability to live full, meaningful lives. Ji Seung Hyun expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this emotionally rich role and looks forward to working alongside Cecilia Choi in bringing the story to life.
With its emotional complexity and gripping action, Bluefish 청어 introduces a fresh cinematic voice that explores the transformative power of empathy and connection. The film originated from director Lee Sang Hoon’s personal interest in how society perceives people with disabilities. He hopes to challenge the discomfort and pity often associated with disability by presenting it as an everyday reality rather than a symbol of tragedy. His goal is to emphasize that people with disabilities live lives filled with the same challenges, emotions, and aspirations as anyone else.
At its core, Bluefish 청어 is a life-affirming story about two very different individuals, one weighed down by regret and the other living joyfully despite adversity, whose lives are forever changed by their meeting. It is a heartfelt portrayal of healing, connection, and discovering unexpected meaning in life.
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