By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 6: The upcoming Korean feature film ‘Distinct: Becoming Sarawak’ will hold its first nationwide open auditions in Malaysia this April.
According to a press release, auditions are scheduled to take place on April 8 in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and April 9 in Kuching, marking a key milestone in the film’s pre-production phase.
In KL, the audition will be held at The MET Corporate Towers, 9th Floor, Filipo Ristorante Cigar Room, while in Kuching, it will take place at Northbank Club, The Game Room. Both sessions will run from 9am to 5pm.
The romantic comedy follows the journey of Joon, a Korean exchange student who arrives in Sarawak and encounters different cultures, friendships, and relationships.
“The project is a Korean feature film to be filmed across Malaysia, produced as an international collaboration between Korean production company Monster Factory and Malaysian production company The Black Label.
“Led by Korean filmmakers and creative teams, the film aims to present Malaysia and Sarawak to global audiences through emotionally driven storytelling and the international reach of Korean cinema,” said the press release.
It added that key members of the Korean production team will be present to oversee the audition process, with producer Lee Sang Chan, director Shin Ji Hwan, acting coach Yeum Dong Jin, and writer Park Ho Young as the audition panel.
Yeum Dong Jin is widely recognised in Korea for training numerous top actors and continues to work with leading talents in the industry. Through this project, there are also expectations that opportunities such as acting academies and special workshops may be introduced in Malaysia, allowing local talent to experience his coaching firsthand.
Meanwhile, Lee Sang Chan previously emphasised that the film is more than just an overseas production.
“This is a Korean film created by Korean filmmakers and actors, but its story begins in a very special place called Sarawak.
“Starting with this project, we plan to continue producing various Korean films and dramas in Malaysia together with this team, including the director and writer. This is not a one-off project, but the beginning of a long-term collaboration,” he said.
Auditions will focus on casting key supporting roles and discovering emerging local talents across Malaysia, offering an opportunity to participate in an international film project.
The casting is open to new talents, students, performers, and anyone passionate about acting, with no prior acting experience required.
“This audition is expected to serve not only as a casting opportunity but also as a gateway for participants to become part of a globally positioned Korean film project and potentially step onto the international stage,” it said.
Selected candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside Korean filmmakers and actors as part of a global production.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in Sarawak this June, positioning the region not only as a filming location but as a central narrative setting.
The project is also expected to contribute to Malaysia’s international visibility and support the growth of its tourism and creative industries.
For audition enquiries, contact Hanis at 019-734 5667. — DayakDaily
