Director Yeon Sang-ho’s latest Korean zombie thriller “The Swarm” made its highly anticipated debut at the Cannes Film Festival in France, earning enthusiastic praise from international audiences.
The film, starring Jeon Ji-hyun and Koo Kyo-hwan, was officially screened at the Lumière Grand Theatre as part of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival’s Midnight Screening section. The massive 2,300-seat venue was packed to capacity for the premiere.
A notable highlight of the evening was director Park Chan-wook, serving as this year’s competition jury president, personally greeting “The Swarm” team on the red carpet alongside festival director Thierry Frémaux. Applause continued for approximately five minutes as Yeon Sang-ho and the principal cast—including Jeon Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, and Shin Hyun-bin—entered the theatre.
“The Swarm” marks Yeon’s third zombie film, following “Train to Busan” and “Peninsula.” All three installments have now received official Cannes invitations, reaffirming the global standing of Yeon’s signature K-zombie series.
The storyline centers on a mysterious mass infection outbreak inside a Seoul high-rise building, where trapped survivors battle for their lives. While maintaining the classic zombie film structure, “The Swarm” introduces fresh twists—including intelligent, evolving zombies and human characters who deliberately manipulate them.
When the screening concluded near 3 a.m. and the end credits rolled, the audience erupted into a standing ovation lasting roughly seven minutes.
Director Yeon expressed his gratitude, saying it was an honor to present “The Swarm” at the festival he had long dreamed of attending. He added that the overwhelming support would remain a cherished memory throughout his filmmaking journey.
The 79th Cannes International Film Festival runs through May 23rd. Other Korean entries include Na Hong-jin’s “Hope” (Competition), Jung Ju-ri’s “Dora” (Directors’ Fortnight), and Choi Won-jung’s short film “Bird’s Rhapsody” (La Cinef).