The Vietnam-South Korea film project Saigon Oppa has officially been launched as a collaborative production between Film Line (South Korea), BHD (Vietnam), and WebTVAsia. The announcement took place during a state visit by General Secretary To Lam to South Korea.

The signing ceremony was held at the “Vietnam - South Korea Forum on Cultural Industry Development” in Seoul, co-chaired by Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and South Korea’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-Young. Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also attended, along with leading experts, government officials, and cultural industry stakeholders from both countries.

Saigon Oppa is written and directed by South Korean filmmaker Park Gyu Tae, best known in Vietnam for his box office sensation 6/45 (Bong Dung Trung So), which set revenue records upon release in 2022 and still ranks as the second highest-grossing Korean film in Vietnam.

Following a visit to Vietnam in 2022, Park spent over two years developing the first draft of Saigon Oppa. Speaking about the project, he shared: “I’m deeply grateful for the love Vietnamese audiences gave to 6/45. I hope this co-production will contribute to greater cultural exchange and create a film that connects Korea and Vietnam. It’s an honor to be part of such a fresh and meaningful project.”

The film tells the comedic story of two Vietnamese husbands reluctantly forced to embark on a journey to Seoul in search of their runaway wives, who are attending a K-pop concert and following their favorite idols. Staying true to Park’s trademark humor, the film promises hilarious cultural misunderstandings, misadventures, and ultimately, heartwarming messages about love, kindness, and understanding. It’s not only a romantic comedy but also a touching journey of cultural discovery and connection.

Kim Tai Sik, CEO of Film Line, stated: “We’ve been pioneers in co-productions across Southeast Asia for years. Collaborating with one of Vietnam’s most respected studios is a groundbreaking opportunity. Our passion lies in connecting talent and showcasing new cultural stories to the world.”

Ngo Bich Hanh, Vice President of BHD Vietnam, remarked: “BHD brought the first Korean film to VTV1 in 1997, and we’ve since distributed many Korean films and TV series in Vietnam. We've adapted major Korean IPs like Descendants of the Sun and Good Doctor, and now we're thrilled to be among the first producers creating new IPs based on stories from both countries. This marks a new era of closer, more equal, and more successful Vietnam-Korea collaboration, as seen in the success of My Mother is an Alien currently screening.”

Fred Chong, Founder and CEO of WebTVAsia, added: “It’s fantastic to be part of this Vietnam-Korea co-production. K-pop's global impact is undeniable, and I believe this film will open new paths for regional collaboration and elevate Vietnamese cinema internationally. I’m incredibly excited to be part of this journey.”

The film is scheduled to begin shooting in early 2026 in both Vietnam and South Korea. The cast, expected to include major stars from both nations, will be announced soon, generating strong anticipation in the film community.

Nhan Dan