Cha Ji-hyuk, the actor from Netflix's hit action series Bloodhounds 2, will star in a brand-new Korean-Malaysian romantic comedy called "Distinct: Becoming Sarawak" — and the entire film will be shot right here in Kuching and across Sarawak.

Filming kicks off June 15.

What's the movie about?

It's a romance story built around the idea that differences can bring people together. The film explores love, healing and identity — set against Sarawak's city life, culture and landscapes.

The message? Sarawak's multicultural society, where people of different backgrounds live side by side while keeping their own identity, is the perfect backdrop for this kind of story.

Who's involved?

Cha will star alongside Malaysian actresses Siti Nur Aishah Bee Md Nor and Shelyn Poh. The film is directed by Shin Ji-hwan, with costume design by Lee Chung Chung — the creative director of global fashion brand LIE, whose work has walked Seoul, New York, Paris and London fashion weeks.

The Korean crew has already been in Kuching since June 1 for pre-production, and local casting sessions were held earlier this year to recruit Sarawakian talent.

Why it matters

This is more than just a movie. Producer Lee Sang Chan says the project is about building a bridge between Sarawak and international audiences — and his company plans to bring more Korean productions to Malaysia after this.

For Kuching's creative scene, this means jobs, exposure and the chance to put local talent on a global stage.

Location: Kuching & across Sarawak
Filming starts: June 15, 2026

Source: https://dayakdaily.com/korean-actor-cha-ji-hyuk-to-spotlight-sarawak-in-new-international-feature-film/

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