The Korean film SUGAR tells a powerful and emotional story of a mother’s relentless fight for her child’s life. The film centers on Kim Mi Ra, a working mother whose world is turned upside down when her young son is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires constant treatment and access to critical medical equipment.
As Mi Ra struggles to balance her responsibilities as a parent and a working professional, she is confronted not only by emotional exhaustion but also by rigid legal systems and bureaucratic barriers. Her son’s condition demands immediate action, yet strict medical regulations and import laws stand in her way—turning time into her greatest enemy.
Rather than surrendering to the system, Mi Ra makes a bold and dangerous choice. Driven by desperation and maternal instinct, she attempts to develop or obtain the necessary medical equipment on her own. This decision places her in serious legal jeopardy, forcing her to navigate a world where morality, legality, and survival collide.
The story unfolds in a chronological narrative, tracing Mi Ra’s emotional transformation as she faces difficult choices and irreversible consequences. Each step highlights the cost of resistance, the weight of motherhood, and the sacrifices demanded by love.
Cast
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Choi Ji-Woo as Kim Mi Ra, a devoted mother fighting against all odds
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Ko Dong-Ha as Jung Dong-Myeong, Mi Ra’s son diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes
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Min Jin-Woong as Jung Joon-Woo
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Kim Young-Sung (supporting role)
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Kim Sun-Young (supporting role)
Supported by a strong ensemble cast, SUGAR delivers sustained emotional tension and depth, drawing audiences deeper into the family’s struggle.
Written and directed by Choi Sin-Choon, known for his humanistic and emotionally driven storytelling, SUGAR is inspired by real-life events. The film’s production carefully reflects the harsh realities of medical challenges and the emotional toll placed on families in crisis. The film is produced by Studio Target, with 300 and Co serving as its international distributor.
SUGAR is a deeply moving family drama, focusing on love, sacrifice, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. With its intense emotional content and serious medical and legal themes, the film is best suited for teenage and adult audiences (ages 13–15 and above) who are prepared for a heavy and thought-provoking viewing experience.
The film premiered in South Korea on January 21, 2026, and is set to open in CGV Indonesia on February 4, 2026.
Prepare plenty of popcorn—and maybe a few tissues. SUGAR delivers emotionally charged scenes that pull viewers into the heart of a mother’s fight against time, law, and fate.
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