
Project Y (2026) is a South Korean crime thriller that blends high-stakes ambition, gritty character drama, and fast-paced heist elements. Directed by Lee Hwan, the film has attracted attention on the international festival circuit and made its theatrical debut in South Korea in January 2026.
The film centers on Mi-seon and Do-kyung, two close friends living on the edge of survival in bustling Seoul. Tired of hardship and desperate to reshape their futures, they plan a dangerous heist to steal hidden black money and gold bars buried by a shady underworld figure. Their goal is simple grab the fortune and disappear but the gritty chase that follows quickly becomes far more complicated than they expected.
As Mi-seon and Do-kyung dig deeper into the criminal scheme, they find themselves facing ruthless rivals, shifting alliances, and moral ambiguity at every turn. Rather than a typical action flick, Project Y leans into crime noir energy, where survival depends on instinct, loyalty, and cunning rather than brute force. The tough streets of Seoul and its underworld networks add texture to a story about determination and the cost of chasing a better life.
The movie features strong performances from its lead cast including Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo whose chemistry anchors the narrative’s tension and emotional stakes. With slick visuals, bold music by GRAY, and a mix of adrenaline and introspection, Project Y offers a modern take on crime drama that highlights personal struggle as much as the thrill of the heist.