South Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon is gaining attention in the 2027 Oscar race for her performance in Possible Love. Directed by Lee Chang-dong, the acclaimed drama could bring Jeon her first Academy Award nomination.
Moreover, she could become the first South Korean performer nominated for Best Actress. The recognition would mark another major milestone in her three-decade career.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jeon previously made history at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. She became the first Korean performer to win Best Actress for Secret Sunshine.
Now, nearly 20 years later, she has reunited with Lee Chang-dong for Possible Love. The film explores marriage, economic inequality and complicated relationships.
Additionally, the drama stars Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong.
Jeon Do-yeon Delivers a Powerful Performance
Jeon Do-yeon plays Mi-ok, a working-class woman struggling with financial difficulties and emotional uncertainty.
Moreover, her character faces growing tension in her marriage.
Critics have praised Jeon’s restrained yet emotionally powerful performance. Rather than relying on dramatic expressions, she communicates complex feelings through subtle gestures.
Additionally, her portrayal highlights the challenges faced by women dealing with financial insecurity.
As a result, her performance has attracted international attention and growing Oscar buzz.
Possible Love Explores Marriage and Economic Inequality
Possible Love follows two married couples from different economic backgrounds.
Jeon plays Mi-ok, while Sul Kyung-gu portrays her husband, Ho-seok.
After Ho-seok loses his factory job during a labor dispute, the family faces serious financial difficulties.
Consequently, their marriage comes under increasing pressure.
Meanwhile, the couple encounters a wealthier family.
Cho Yeo-jeong plays Ye-ji, a documentary filmmaker, while Zo In-sung portrays her husband, Sang-woo.
As their lives become connected, unexpected tensions begin to emerge.
Moreover, the film explores class differences, personal desires and emotional struggles.
Through these relationships, Lee Chang-dong examines how economic inequality affects everyday life.
Possible Love Wins Major Venice Film Festival Award
Possible Love received significant recognition during the 2026 international film festival season.
The drama won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival.
Moreover, the achievement strengthened its position among the year’s acclaimed international films.
The movie later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival.
Additionally, Jeon’s performance attracted praise from critics and audiences.
The festival success helped build momentum for the upcoming awards season.
However, festival recognition does not guarantee an Academy Award nomination.
Lee Chang-dong Returns After Eight Years
Possible Love marks Lee Chang-dong’s return to feature filmmaking after an eight-year break.
His previous film, Burning, was released in 2018.
Moreover, Lee is known for exploring complex relationships and difficult social realities.
His acclaimed films include Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Secret Sunshine and Poetry.
Additionally, his storytelling often examines how personal struggles connect with larger social issues.
Possible Love continues that approach through its exploration of marriage and economic inequality.
The film also reunites Lee with Jeon Do-yeon nearly two decades after Secret Sunshine.
Their collaboration has become one of the major talking points surrounding the drama.
Jeon Do-yeon’s Historic Cannes Achievement
Jeon Do-yeon already holds an important place in Korean cinema history.
In 2007, she won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for Secret Sunshine.
The achievement made her the first Korean performer to receive the prestigious award.
Moreover, the film established her reputation among international audiences.
Directed by Lee Chang-dong, Secret Sunshine explored grief, faith and emotional resilience.
Jeon’s powerful performance earned widespread critical recognition.
Now, Possible Love offers another opportunity for the actress to achieve international success.
Netflix Supports Possible Love’s Oscar Campaign
Netflix is supporting Possible Love during the 2027 awards season.
The film opened in select United States theaters on October 23, 2026.
Additionally, its Netflix streaming release is scheduled for November 6, 2026.
The streaming debut will introduce the drama to a wider international audience.
Moreover, South Korea has selected Possible Love as its submission for Best International Feature Film.
The selection strengthens the film’s visibility during awards season.
However, the submission does not guarantee an Oscar nomination.
Similarly, Jeon’s Best Actress nomination remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, Netflix’s campaign and the film’s festival success could help attract Academy voters’ attention.
Could Jeon Do-yeon Make Oscar History?
Jeon Do-yeon’s performance in Possible Love has created the possibility of a historic Academy Award nomination.
If nominated, she would become the first South Korean performer recognized in the Best Actress category.
Moreover, the achievement would highlight her remarkable career spanning nearly three decades.
From Secret Sunshine to Kill Boksoon, Jeon has consistently explored challenging roles.
Additionally, her work has helped introduce Korean cinema to international audiences.
Although the Academy has not announced its nominees, Possible Love remains an important film in the awards conversation.
Ultimately, the drama could mark another defining moment in Jeon’s career.
Do you think Jeon Do-yeon deserves a historic Oscar nomination for Possible Love? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to Awesome TV for the latest Korean cinema news, Netflix releases and Academy Awards updates!
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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