Cruel Art World Story: Forgery

The story unfolds through the perspective of a young painter in his twenties named Kang. Torn between love and art, he finds himself standing on the fragile line between success and survival, facing the temptations of ghost painting and the shadow of forgery. At the same time, the film interweaves a story from thirty years earlier: a talented painter who, under the crushing weight of poverty, was forced to abandon his pride and create paintings under someone else’s name. Through this parallel narrative, the film contrasts the conscience of the artist with the harsh realities of life.

Directed by Go I-geulim, Cruel Art World Story: Forgery leans on a strong ensemble — Kim Myung-ho, Woo Sang-jeon, Kim Tae-ha — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2026.