Korean Gay Male Romantic Drama / Comedy

Regent Releasing is pleased to announce the U.S. theatrical debut of No Regret, an award-winning romantic drama focusing on class conflict and contemporary gay life in Korea. No Regret was recently acquired by here! Films, Regent Releasing’s sister company, and will premiere in Los Angeles and New York on July 25th, with other select cities to follow.

No Regret, the first true gay film from Korea, centers on Sumin (Lee Young-Hoon), a poor 18 year-old orphan who seeks his fortune in the bright lights of Seoul. After losing a series of jobs, he is forced to work as a prostitute in a gay karaoke bar. A wealthy and powerful industrialist, Jaemin, (Lee Han) falls passionately in love with the boy and seduces him. Their relationship soon begins to interfere with Jaemin’s pending nuptials and his promotion to a high-profile job at his father’s company. Vengeful after becoming ignored, Sumin sets off on a destructive course of action that brings the film to a powerful and emotional moment of truth. No Regret is as uplifting and bittersweet as it is compelling and surprising.

“We are thrilled to bring Lesoong Hee-il’s groundbreaking first feature to American audiences,” said Mark Reinhart, West Coast General Manager and Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Distribution for Regent. “No Regret’s authentic and heartbreaking portrayal of gay culture in metropolitan Seoul along with its powerful performances make it a wonderful addition to our growing slate of independent films.”

Director Leesong Hee-il has received critical acclaim for his shorts (Sugar Hill, Good Romance) as well as omnibus work (Camellia Project - Three Queer Stories at Bogil Island). His screen achievements have set the bar for gay Korean filmmakers and his devotion to creating true-to-life gay characters has made him a favorite at film festivals from Vancouver to Berlin. “No Regret” has been well received at prominent festivals in the U.S., such as Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco, Outfest in Los Angeles, the Seattle International Film Festival and the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Leesong Hee-il has received numerous awards including “Best Independent Director of the Year,” Director’s Cut Awards Korea and the “Best Film Award,” Ansan International Next Film Festival.