Manok

Manok (2026)



이반리 장만옥

5.7 2026 109 min South Korea

Director: Lee Yu-jin

Cast: Yang Mal-bok, Sung Jae-yun, Park Wan-kyu, Kim Jung-young, Sak-ja

Manok, the owner of a lesbian bar in South Korea, swaps neon pride for local power plays after returning to her hometown and launching a mayoral campaign against her ex-husband.

More About This Film

Manok is a Korean comedy-drama about a middle-aged lesbian who runs a lesbian bar in Seoul and returns to her rural hometown after her mother's death. There she confronts old prejudices, complicated family history and an ex-husband who now serves as the town chief.

Yang Mal-bok leads the film as Manok, whose decision to run for town chief turns her return home into a personal and communal challenge. Lee Yujin directs the film with an emphasis on humor, generational differences and the possibility of changing a community from within.

  • Directed, written and executive produced by Lee Yujin.
  • Yang Mal-bok plays the title character.
  • The film runs approximately 108 minutes.
  • It premiered at BIFAN and was also selected for BFI Flare.
  • The Korean Film Council lists its South Korean theatrical release as June 10, 2026.

Where to Watch

Manok has had festival and South Korean theatrical exposure, while international streaming rights remain limited.