Korean movie to be shot primarily in Sarawak, nationwide auditions to begin in April

KUCHING (March 11): A Korean feature film is set to take Sarawak to the global stage, aiming to replicate the international fame brought to South Korea by popular dramas ‘Winter Sonata’ and ‘Autumn in My Heart’.

‘Distinct: Becoming Sarawak’, an international collaboration between Korea’s Monster Factory and Malaysia’s The Black Label, will be shot entirely in Malaysia, with a primary focus on Sarawak’s unique environment.

“It is a Korean film created by Korean filmmakers and actors, but its story begins in a very special place called Sarawak,” producer Lee Sang Chan said in a statement.

According to him, the way different races, religions, and cultures live together in Sarawak is something quite unique.

The romantic comedy centres on Joon, a Korean exchange student who arrives in Sarawak and meets Laila, a Malay Muslim university student, and Mei, a Chinese art student.

“Choosing the romantic comedy genre was not easy, but I believe 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,” Lee said.

As the three main characters navigate friendship and love, they are joined by supporting roles including Aru, a Dayak friend who helps Joon experience local life, and Joon’s older brother Min-Ho.

The film will be directed by Shin Ji-Hwan, an experienced filmmaker recognised at international festivals.

Major roles are expected to feature Korean talent, with discussions underway to cast a popular Korean idol actor for the male lead.

Open auditions will be held across Malaysia, with the first round scheduled for next month.

Principal photography is set to begin in June, utilising various locations throughout Sarawak in a collaborative effort between Korean creative leads and local Malaysian crew members.

The project is also expected to complement the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign.

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

Lee said submission to international festivals is not solely about winning awards but about building global awareness.

He noted that if people see the title and become curious about Sarawak, the project will have already achieved something meaningful.

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