Hopeless () is a 2023 South Korean neo-noir thriller film directed by Kim Chang-hoon and starring Hong Xa-bin in his film debut. The film also features Song Joong-ki and Kim Hyeong-seo. The film depicts a teenage boy, Yeon-gyu, who while wanting to escape from his hellish reality, meets the middle boss of a local gang, Chi-geon, and ends up in the world of crime. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The film was released theatrically in South Korea on October 11, 2023.
Yeon-gyu is a teenage boy who wants to escape his hometown, where violence is commonplace among neighbors. Despite never having experienced what he wanted in his 18 years of life, he still clings to hope. His only wish is to live peacefully with his mother. However, the world never allows him to have dreams or hope for the future. When Yeon-gyu needs help from adults, Chi-geon, a local thug, offers a favor. This seemingly simple favor introduces Yeon-gyu to Chi-geon's world. Ironically, Yeon-gyu gradually becomes entangled in Chi-geon's life. Desperate to escape his current situation, he struggles with this dilemma. Will he ultimately be able to flee the town?
Hopeless premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2023. It was also invited to the 28th Busan International Film Festival in 'Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere' section.
As of October 14, 2023, the film has grossed at the local box office and accumulated 135,178 admissions from 976 screens.