A film, but a perennial favorite of K-drama fans: the romantic comedy My Sassy Girl (Korean: 엽기적인 그녀; Japanese: 猟奇的な彼女) returns to Japanese cinemas as the "4K Complete Version" on January 2 (Sat). It is a special cut re-edited and supervised by the director himself, with about 13 minutes of added scenes.
🎬 Film Info
| 🎞️ Title | My Sassy Girl 4K Complete Version (Korean: 엽기적인 그녀; Japanese: 猟奇的な彼女 4K完全版) |
| 📅 Release in Japan | January 2 (Sat) — as written on the official site; the weekday suggests January 2, 2027 |
| 🎥 Director / Writer | Kwak Jae-yong |
| 📖 Original story | Kim Ho-sik |
| 🎭 Cast | Jun Ji-hyun (the "sassy girl"), Cha Tae-hyun (Gyeon-woo) |
| 📷 Cinematography | Kim Sung-bok |
| 🎵 Music | Kim Hyung-seok |
| 🎶 Theme song | "I Believe" by Shin Seung-hun; Pachelbel's "Canon" is also used in the film |
| 🏷️ Genre | Romantic comedy (2001 Korean film) |
| 📺 Theaters | No list on the official site; theater information is on the external site theaterlist.jp |
The poster lists the original version as a 2001 Korean film, 137 minutes, distributed in Japan by Showgate. We could not confirm the running time of the 4K version.
📖 Plot
Gyeon-woo, a university student, ends up taking care of a drunk, beautiful woman on the subway. Despite her demure looks, she is headstrong and wild, and their relationship develops unpredictably — but she carries a heartbreaking secret she cannot tell anyone.
The Japanese poster reads: "The origin and the pinnacle of the modern rom-com — 24 years after its release, the strongest heroine ever returns to the big screen!"
🎞️ What Is New in the 4K Complete Version
- Re-edited and supervised by the director, Kwak Jae-yong
- About 13 minutes of added scenes
- Restored in 4K for the cinema screen
- Director Kwak Jae-yong says he is glad it is being re-released and that the emotions in the film are "honest and pure" (per the official site)
🎬 Special Trailers (Limited-Time)
The official site has the "I Believe special edition" main trailer and short trailer for a limited time — footage that cannot be seen elsewhere, set to Shin Seung-hun's theme song "I Believe." They are scheduled to stay up until March 31 (Wed), 2027.
▶ Click the image to watch the special trailers on the official site
Note: because of music rights, the trailers are streamed within Japan only, and saving, downloading, copying, reposting and redistributing are not allowed. For that reason we link to the official site instead of embedding the video.
🌏 About My Sassy Girl
- A big hit in Korea in 2001, with about 5 million admissions
- Released in Japan in 2003
- The official site says DreamWorks, led by Steven Spielberg, acquired the remake rights
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When is My Sassy Girl 4K Complete Version released in Japan?
The official site says January 2 (Sat); the weekday suggests January 2, 2027. Theaters are listed on theaterlist.jp.
What is the "4K Complete Version"?
A version re-edited and supervised by director Kwak Jae-yong, with about 13 minutes of added scenes, shown in 4K.
Who stars in it?
Jun Ji-hyun (the "sassy girl") and Cha Tae-hyun (Gyeon-woo).
Where can I watch the trailers?
On the official site: the "I Believe special edition" main and short trailers, until March 31, 2027 (streamed within Japan only).
What is the theme song?
"I Believe" by Shin Seung-hun; Pachelbel's "Canon" is also used in the film.
🔗 Official Information
・My Sassy Girl 4K Complete Version — official site (Japanese)
Based on the official site and poster as of November 14, 2026. Release date, theaters and bonuses may change — please check the official site.