The 24th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) is underway, and among the standout selections this year is Time to Be Strong, a heartfelt Korean coming-of-age drama set to make its North American debut.
Scheduled to screen on July 25 at 6 p.m. EDT at the SVA Theatre (Beatrice Theatre), Time to Be Strong tells the story of three former K-pop idols — Sumin (Choi Sung Eun), Taehee (Hyun Woo Seok), and Sarang (Ha Seo Yoon) — who take a soul-searching trip to Jeju Island. Through their journey, the film explores the quiet struggles and emotional healing of youth who have stepped out of the limelight.
The film has already made waves on the festival circuit, having won the Grand Prize at the 25th Jeonju International Film Festival, and is now one of the contenders for NYAFF’s prestigious Uncaged Award. Other nominees in the category include Green Wave, Family Matters, Montages of a Modern Motherhood, Deep in the Mountain, Jinsei, Travesty, and Skin of Youth.
Director Namkoong Sun, who previously earned a special mention in the Uncaged category at NYAFF 2021 for her debut film Ten Months, will attend the July 25 screening for an introduction and Q&A session with the audience. All competition directors are also expected at the festival’s Closing Night Awards Ceremony on July 27.
NYAFF 2025 runs from July 11 to 27, featuring over 100 films and a dynamic lineup of appearances by international filmmakers, stars, and special guests. This year’s Korean Film Showcase presents 24 titles, with 17 features and seven shorts, offering audiences a vibrant cross-section of contemporary Korean cinema.
