Update: Haeundae

Haeundae (South Korea; in production [2010?]; dir. Je-gyun Yun)

Back in August last year the Backbrain reported on a new Korean disaster film that was then going into production, set in and named after Haeundae Beach — a wealthy sea-side resort area south-east of the city of Busan, South Korea. Apparently ‘Haeun’ translates as ‘Sea and Clouds’ (IMDb). The film involves a lot of water. (Click on poster image above to get the full effect of the poster art.)

Synopsis:

Haeundae, a popular vacation spot on the East Sea coast of the Korean peninsula, draws one million visitors to its beaches every year. Man-sik, a native of Haeundae, lost his co-worker in a tsunami four years ago, but now he leads a simple life running a small sushi shop and is preparing to propose to his longtime girlfriend, Yeon-hee. Meanwhile, a tsunami researcher KIM Hwi discovers the East Sea is showing signs of activity similar to the Indian Ocean at the time of the 2004 tsunami. Despite his warnings, the Disaster Prevention Agency affirms that Korea is in no harm. Eventually, a deadly wave is coming with only ten minutes to spare. While the vacationers enjoying a peaceful hot summer day, a mega-tsunami is headed straight for Haeundae.

A full trailer has now been released and it suggests that the film contains that curious (to some Western sensibilities) mix of comedy and serious SFX drama that made The Host such a success. To me, it looks like people having fun at a resort as a prelude to disaster — and that’s as it should be.

• Sources: Twitch via Avery; Official website; IMDb