A tense and emotionally charged courtroom thriller that unravels hidden abuse, buried secrets, and forbidden love within the Korean legal system. Havana follows a rookie defense attorney who is handpicked to defend a woman accused of murdering her abusive husband—only to uncover a tangled web of family greed, institutional bias, and a deeply guarded lesbian relationship that holds the key to the truth.
Jung-min (Kang Min-hyuk), a young lawyer striving to become a prosecutor, is unexpectedly appointed to defend Yoon-ah (Yoo Da-in), a woman who calmly confesses to killing her wealthy husband. The case seems open-and-shut—domestic abuse leading to a crime of passion. But Jung-min suspects there’s more beneath the surface.
As he digs deeper, he encounters resistance from the prosecution, bias from the courtroom, and red herrings planted by Yoon-ah’s scheming sister-in-law. The real twist comes when the presiding judge is revealed to be Yoon-ah’s secret lover—turning the entire trial into a high-stakes reckoning between truth, justice, and love. The final act brings a deeply emotional resolution: Yoon-ah’s silence has been her shield—not to protect herself, but to protect her daughter.
Havana Cast
Charactor
A stoic woman accused of murdering her husband, holding back the truth to protect someone dear.
Da-in Yu
Da-in Yu is a critically acclaimed actress known for her nuanced performances in indie and mainstream dramas alike. In Havana, she balances quiet vulnerability with unyielding strength.
A rookie lawyer drawn into a case far more complicated than he expected. Earnest and idealistic, he pushes against the corruption of the legal system.
Min-Hyuk Kang
Min-Hyuk Kang, originally known as a CNBLUE drummer and rising actor, successfully steps into a more serious role here, proving his versatility.
Director
Yong-Ho Hong
Directed by Yong-Ho Hong (홍용호), Havana marks his notable foray into LGBTQ+ legal dramas, weaving suspense and social critique into a compelling narrative. With a restrained yet emotionally charged style, Hong delivers a story that challenges both institutional injustice and personal sacrifice.
MOVIE HIGHLIGHT
The powerful courtroom confrontation where the female judge outs herself to present the real alibi
The final, silent moment between Yoon-ah and her daughter—a heartbreaking act of maternal sacrifice
Subtle queerness woven into a legal drama without sensationalizing
Havana Review
Review
Story – 4.0
While grounded in legal drama tropes, the narrative twists keep viewers engaged. The queer subplot emerges organically, making the personal political without feeling forced.
Acting – 4.5
Yoo Da-in delivers a restrained but heartbreaking performance as a woman weighed down by both trauma and love. Kang Min-hyuk gives surprising depth to a novice lawyer caught between justice and duty.
Chemistry – 4.2
The unspoken tension between Yoon-ah and the female judge builds quietly but meaningfully. Their emotional intimacy—despite limited shared screen time—anchors the film’s ethical dilemma.
Production – 3.9
Solid direction with effective courtroom tension and crisp pacing. The cinematography favors cold tones that mirror the emotional repression at the heart of the story.
Ending – 4.1
The final reveal—about who truly committed the crime—adds a layer of social commentary. The bittersweet resolution prioritizes survival and chosen family, offering a rare moment of warmth in an otherwise austere film.
Havana Information
Awards & Nominations
🏅 2023 Korean Independent Film Festival – Best Screenplay (Nom.)
🏅 Busan International Film Festival – Official Selection (LGBTQ+ Spotlight)
🏅 Blue Dragon Awards – Best Actress Nomination (Yoo Da-in)