Teen literary classic Manhole comes to the screen in a thriller about a troubled high schooler

Based on the youth-lit classic Manhole, the film Manhole released a trailer, triggering a wave of reactions. Audiences and critics are keen to see how the novel’s dense, delicately drawn psychology will be realized on screen. The trailer’s release has heightened anticipation for the thriller’s exploration of a high school student’s inner life.

Park Ji-ri, who passed away in 2016, was celebrated for voicing adolescent emotions, and Manhole marks the first adaptation of her work into a feature film, giving the project particular significance.

Park Ji-ri, born in Haenam, Jeollanam-do in 1985, began her writing career with Hapche in 2010 and quickly drew attention. Over roughly six years, she produced numerous works including Manhole and other titles, establishing herself as a bestselling author. She later lived as a reclusive figure before her death in 2016.

Set as a high-stakes thriller, the story follows Seono, a high school student whose father was a fallen firefighter, who confronts a creeping wound as unforeseen events unfold. The character is portrayed by Kim Jun-ho, with other leads including Kwon So-hyeon, Min Seo, and Park Mi-hyeon delivering immersive performances. The film’s newly released stills hint at a taut, emotionally charged production.

Director Han Ji-su transforms the novel’s dense psychological layers into a tense narrative with a stylish visual sensibility. The adaptation focuses on Seono’s inner life as the story moves from fragile familial forgiveness to moments of rebellion among friends toward a precipice. Han Ji-su makes his feature-directing debut with this project, after studying at the Korea National University of Arts and contributing as a co-writer on Netflix’s The Deluge.

The cast also includes rising talents such as Kim Jun-ho, Kwon So-hyeon, Min Seo, and Park Mi-hyeon, whose performances are highlighted as a major draw. Promotional stills reveal diverse locations that underscore the film’s intimate emotional climate.

Netizens responded to the trailer with messages like “This is my life novel,” “Wow, this is being adapted into a movie,” “I want to see it so badly,” and “The trailer looks stylish.” Some noted that the actor’s appearance aligns with their imagined portrayal of the character, adding to the anticipation.

Previously, the film was invited to the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival as a “Best Discovery of the Year” and has earned early critical praise. It is scheduled for nationwide release on November 19.