Director: Shin Joon
Cast: Kim Byong-chul, Song Ji-hyo, Kim Hieora, Jung Jae-eun, Ahn Se-ho
The Favor is a 2025 South Korean thriller-horror film directed by Shin Joon, running 104 minutes. It follows a family shattered by tragedy who encounter an enigmatic old man whose presence triggers seemingly miraculous events — only to discover that nothing comes without a terrible price.
What is The Favor about?
Young-beom and Seon-hee built what looked like an enviable life together, but a devastating car crash leaves their teenage son paralyzed and the family adrift in grief and desperation. When a mysterious elderly stranger appears in their neighborhood, inexplicable healings begin to occur around the household. Neighbors take notice and word spreads, with the whole village hoping to receive a portion of whatever blessing this old man seems to carry. The couple clings to the hope that their suffering might finally be over. But as the miracles multiply, unsettling signs accumulate beneath the surface, suggesting that the old man's gifts are bound by a hidden contract. Each relief is shadowed by a new dread, and the family begins to understand that whatever force has entered their home demands something far greater in return.
Cast & crew
Director Shin Joon crafts a slow-burn domestic horror rooted in parental guilt and desperation. Kim Byong-chul leads the cast as Young-beom, bringing his signature controlled tension to the role. Song Ji-hyo plays Seon-hee, anchoring the film's emotional weight. Kim Hieora, Jung Jae-eun, Ahn Se-ho, and Kim Yeon-kyo round out a strong ensemble that keeps the family dynamics credibly fraught throughout.
Context & significance
South Korean genre cinema has earned a devoted following among Iranian diaspora viewers who appreciate its tonal precision — the way Korean filmmakers blend family drama with creeping dread. The Favor fits squarely into that tradition, pairing a recognizable universal premise (parents who would do anything for an injured child) with an escalating sense of dread that respects the audience's intelligence. The film's themes of debt, obligation, and what we owe for good fortune resonate across cultures. It is available on K-Time in its original Korean audio without Persian dubbing or Persian subtitles, so viewers comfortable with subtitles in another language will get the most from it.
Where & how to watch
The Favor is available to stream on K-Time. It plays in original Korean audio — no Persian dub or Persian subtitles are included. Watch on the web, on your TV, or on your phone with no VPN needed and no geo-blocking. Subscribe and cancel anytime.