Yoon Je-kyun is back with Ode to My Father 2—a sequel that shifts focus from an era of rapid industrialization to one of turbulent democratization. After topping 14.2 million admissions in 2014, the story now continues with a new father-son duo.

🎬 From Industrialization to Democratization

JK Film confirmed on June 5 that Ode to My Father 2 will begin filming later this year, with Lee Sung-min and Kang Ha-neul cast in the lead roles. The two actors reunite for the first time since tvN's Misaeng in 2014.

The original Ode to My Father followed Deok-soo's life from the Korean War to Korea's modernization. The sequel now picks up in the 1970s, spanning major historical moments such as the 1987 Democracy Movement, the 1997 IMF crisis, and the 2002 World Cup.

A JK Film rep told Dispatch, "While the first film portrayed a father's journey through industrialization, this sequel will spotlight a new generational conflict—between a father and son shaped by two very different Koreas."

👨‍👦 Father & Son: Two Generations, One Legacy

Lee Sung-min plays a father who once worked as a coal miner in Germany—a symbol of sacrifice. Kang Ha-neul stars as his son Se-joo, a Seoul National University student who witnesses the surge of democratic activism and finds his worldview changed.

"A father of the industrial era and a son of the democratic era—they argue, clash, reconcile, and grow together through South Korea's growing pains," said a source close to the production.

The script, already undergoing general audience testing, has scored above 4 out of 5, earning even higher praise than the original film.

🎞️ One of 2026's Most Anticipated Films

The film is set to enter pre-production shortly, with its release scheduled for 2026. Insiders say the emotional contrast between despair and hope, conflict and compassion is what's drawing high expectations from early script readers.

[Photo Credit: Dispatch DB]