This Week's OTT: Unity Through Confrontation?! <The Killer's Game> and More New OTT Releases for the Second Week of June 2025 (6/12~6/18)

The new OTT releases for the second week of June feature many works depicting unavoidable confrontations. A Korean noir film capturing the clash between a killer with something to protect and a killer with nothing to lose, along with a series tracking a serial killer father and a genius forensic pathologist, are coming. The confrontation between a papal candidate hiding the truth and someone who must expose their corruption also allows for not a moment of boredom. We cannot miss the comical struggle between pathogens threatening our bodies and the cells trying to protect our health. Let’s take a sneak peek at this week’s OTT releases that promise to be immersive in many ways.

The Korean noir film that received much love after its release in theaters earlier this year is landing on OTT. <The Killer's Game>, adapted from the novel of the same name, is the protagonist. The film depicts the fierce battle between a legendary killer who has been active for over 40 years in an organization that deals with cockroach-like humans and a mysterious killer who has pursued him his whole life. The intense combat between the two, as well as the stories revealed as the narrative progresses, emotionally shakes the viewer's heart.

<The Killer's Game> was invited to the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, showcasing its exceptional quality. Director Min Kyu-dong, who has shown distinctive direction across various genres from <The Second Story of the High School Ghost Story> to <The Most Beautiful Week of My Life>, <Antique Bakery>, <All About My Wife>, and <Herstory>, takes on action noir to create an excellent work. As a film depicting the confrontation of killers, the presence of the two leads, Lee Hye-young and Kim Sung-cheol, is dazzling. Lee Hye-young, who plays the role of the killer, brings not only the experience of a veteran but also a passion in action that rivals younger actors. Kim Sung-cheol, who plays the relentless killer pursuing the protagonist, also exudes an extraordinary presence. The unique perspectives towards the protagonist amidst merciless action add to the film's mystery, and the dense emotional performances are portrayed realistically. What kind of shock will the secrets revealed behind the confrontation of these two individuals bring? <The Killer's Game>, which speaks to the present of Korean noir, will be available for free to Coupang Play subscribers from June 13 to 15.

The immersive thriller <Conclave>, recognized by the Academy, will be released on Disney+. A 'Conclave' is held to elect a new pope following the sudden passing of the previous one. Cardinal Lawrence is chosen to oversee the election and closely examines each candidate. However, even this solemn and fair gathering becomes muddied by personal interests and calculations, leading the next pope's position into a labyrinth.

<Conclave> is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Harris and directed by Edward Berger, who directed <All Quiet on the Western Front>. Building on the unique directorial skills shown in his previous work, he impressively portrays the weight of the 'Conclave', which is different from secular elections. British actor Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence, who presides over the Conclave, leading the story. The revelation of the candidates' ugly pasts and corruptions provides a strange thrill while deeply portraying the ongoing concerns about the delayed papal election. This work, which was nominated in multiple categories at the Golden Globe, British Academy, and Oscars earlier this year, showcases a film of the year level. Let’s experience a sophisticated thriller through OTT.

<The Hunter with a Scalpel> tells the story of genius forensic pathologist Se-hyun, who discovers traces of her father's murders while performing an autopsy and goes on a hunt to capture him before the police, wanting to hide her past. Before its domestic release, it was officially invited to the 8th Cannes Series Rendezvous section, garnering much attention.

The concept of a serial killer father and his daughter who must stop his crimes welcomes genre fans. Park Joo-hyun, who is actively working in both film and drama, plays Se-hyun, the daughter of the serial killer. As she discovers traces of her father, whom she thought was dead, she becomes a character who must hide her expressions on the line between good and evil. It is also exciting to see Park Yong-woo play the role of the serial killer Jo-kyun. He appears as a seemingly kind laundromat owner but is a crazed killer always craving the taste of blood, adding tension to the story. Kang Hoon, who has been loved for his gentle image, takes on the role of the strong team leader Jung-hyun, showing a new side. While working with Se-hyun, whom he admires, he becomes aware of the connection between the murder case and himself, depicting the character's delicate confusion interestingly. The striking story of the confrontation between the serial killer father and the forensic pathologist daughter shines in <The Hunter with a Scalpel>, which will be presented on Disney+ on June 16, with 16 episodes released over the following four weeks.

Similar to <Inside Out> and <Yumi's Cells>, a work that tells the story of another self within me will be released on Netflix. Particularly, this work adds interest by conveying the message that “a healthy mind comes from a healthy body.” <Cells at Work>, based on the Japanese manga of the same name, depicts the so-called 'greatest battle within the body' against pathogens threatening the health of an ordinary father and daughter and the cells trying to stop them.

<Cells at Work> is a conceptually unique work. By personifying various cells within the human body, it creates a commotion that evokes laughter, as if viewing a slice of human society. The battles between cells and pathogens are presented on a scale reminiscent of a sci-fi war, capturing the fun of visual spectacle. Nagano Mei, who has grown into a representative actress of Japan from a child actor, and Sato Takeru, known for <Rurouni Kenshin> and <First Love Hatsukoi>, appear as red blood cells and white blood cells, respectively, creating a healthy chemistry. Notably, Sato Takeru exudes a unique charisma even while undergoing the difficulty of full-body makeup. <Cells at Work>, which interestingly depicts the curiosity of “What is happening inside my body right now?” with cartoonish imagination, may lead you to appreciate the cells within your body anew. You might find yourself becoming more attentive to your health.

Editor Hong Seon of Taylor Contents