Join us for K-Film Nights: Webtoons on the Big Screen, presenting three nights of major Korean films that got their start as webtoons: Moss, Cheese in the Trap, and Secretly, Greatly. The closing night on Dec. 5 will welcome a special in person guest, director Cheolsoo Jang, to discuss his film Secretly, Greatly and the transition from webtoon to silver screen. Each night will also feature a special display introducing the webtoon phenomenon and allowing guest to sample the original hit webtoons that inspired the films (with English translations). Experience the creative power of this popular storytelling medium and see how filmmakers adapted the characters, settings, and stories to the big screen!

Online comics are part of daily life for millions in Korea, and webtoons (web + cartoon) have become a hugely popular storytelling medium. Yet their impact is not limited to individual readers or the online format—increasingly, webtoons are seen as a narrative testbed where success had lead many to become the basis for major blockbuster films, such as Along with the Gods, Moss and Secretly, Greatly. The scrollable vertical format of webtoons is ideal for both mobile and desktop viewing, and their popularity has exploded since the late 90s thanks to web portals and news agencies making them a regular feature. Today, these digital visual novels are a major part of the creative Korean wave of pop culture known as Hallyu. 

This event also celebrates 100 years of Korean film in 2019, presented in partnership with the Korean Film Council. 

Schedule of Films

All screenings take place at E Street Cinema (555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004). 

Please check in with KCC staff in the theater lobby to receive your ticket.

All events are free, but an RSVP is required (below). 

Moss / 이끼

Tuesday, December 3 at 6 pm

2010, 163 min. 

When Hae-guk arrives at a small, isolated village for his father’s funeral, it becomes clear that the strange locals are hiding a dark psychological secret. He settles down to investigate, with a target on his back in this suspenseful drama from celebrated director Kang Woo-suk. The original webtoon of the same name was a huge hit with 36 million views, winning the 2007 Korea Cartoon Awards and 2008 Bucheon Cartoon Awards.

Cheese in the Trap / 치즈 인 더 트랩

Wednesday, December 4 at 6 pm

2018, 116 min. 

Hong Seol (Oh Yeon-seo) is an ordinary working university student with an awkward crush on the wealthy and seeming perfect Yoo Jung (Park Hae-Jin). When Yoo Jung suddenly shows an interest in her, an interesting relationship starts to blossom in this 2018 romantic comedy from director Kim Je-young based on the wildly popular webtoon and TV drama of the same name.

Secretly, Greatly / 은밀하게 위대하게

Thursday, December 5 at 6 pm

2013, 123 min. 

Director Cheolsoo Jang in person discussion after the film!

Neighborhood idiot Dong-gu (Kim Soo-hyun) is actually no fool, and nor are his fellow elite North Korean sleeper agents Hae-rang (Ki-woong Park) and Hae-jin (Hyun-woo Lee). An urgent new mission forces the three soldiers to question their loyalties in this comedic and tense box office smash from director Jang Cheolsoo. The original webtoon “Covertness” was also a huge hit with more than 40 million views.