Korean film ‘Distinct: Becoming Sarawak’ to showcase Sarawak’s cultural harmony to the world

The promotional material for "Distinct: Becoming Sarawak" to be filmed by Korean filmmakers and creative professionals in Malaysia, especially Sarawak.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 11: A Korean feature film set in Sarawak is poised to showcase the State on the global stage, much like the once-popular Korean dramas Winter Sonata and Autumn in My Heart, which helped propel South Korea into international fame.

Titled “Distinct: Becoming Sarawak”, the full Korean production will be filmed entirely in Malaysia, particularly across various locations in Sarawak. The project is an international collaboration between Korean production company Monster Factory and Malaysian production house The Black Label.

According to a media release, the film will be led by Korean filmmakers and creative professionals who aim to introduce Malaysia and Sarawak to global audiences through the emotional storytelling and broad international appeal of Korean cinema.

Film producer Lee Sang Chan said the project is more than simply a Korean production filmed overseas.

“It is a Korean film created by Korean filmmakers and actors, but its story begins in a very special place called Sarawak.

“The way different races, religions and cultures naturally live together in Sarawak is something quite unique in the world,” he said.

Lee explained that the romantic comedy centres on Joon, a Korean exchange student who arrives in Sarawak and must adapt to a new environment. Along the way, he befriends Laila, a Malay Muslim university student, and Mei, a Malaysian Chinese art student.

“Choosing the romantic comedy genre was not easy, but I believed it would be the most suitable way to express the human warmth and harmony that exist in Malaysia and Sarawak, where people of different races and religions live together,” he said.

Coming from different cultural backgrounds, the three characters navigate friendship, love and personal identity while learning to appreciate one another’s perspectives and values.

Several supporting characters accompany Joon on his journey. Among them is Aru, a Dayak who becomes a close friend and helps Joon experience the culture and everyday life of Sarawak. Another key character is Min-Ho, Joon’s older brother who runs a business in Malaysia and influences his journey by offering advice and guidance from afar.

The film will be directed by Korean filmmaker Shin Ji-hwan, who has built his career directing television programmes and web dramas and has received recognition at several international film festivals.

Shin and screenwriter Park Ho-young have already visited Sarawak to conduct location scouting and cultural research.

Lee added that the main roles will primarily feature Korean actors, and discussions are currently underway to cast a popular Korean idol actor for the male lead.

“The project is currently in the pre-production stage, with location scouting, casting and other preparations underway.

“An open audition will be held across Malaysia, with the first round scheduled to take place this coming April,” he said.

Principal photography is scheduled to begin in June in Sarawak, with filming expected to take place across various locations throughout the State.

The production will be carried out through a collaborative effort between Korean creative leadership and local Malaysian crew members.

The project is also expected to complement Malaysia’s tourism push ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026.

Upon completion, the film is intended for global distribution and submission to international film festivals.

Lee emphasised that submitting the film to global festivals is not solely about winning awards.

“If people see the title of the film and become curious about what ‘Sarawak’ means and search for it online, that alone would already be meaningful for Sarawak.

“Encouraging people to search for ‘Sarawak’ at least once is both my role and the goal I hope to achieve through this project,” he said. — DayakDaily