Korean Kaiju classic Yongary, Monster from the Deep will be released in 4K UHD in limited quantities by genre film restoration and distribution company Vinegar Syndrome! Boasting some epic Matt Frank cover art and limited to only 6,000 units, this special edition set will come with a spot gloss hard slipcase + slipcover and a whole bunch of amazing bonus features, including what is left of the original Korean cut of Yongary, titled Daegoesu Yonggari. Kaiju fans need to keep their eyes on this monumental release, as it will only available on Vinegar Syndrome’s website and at select indie retailers. Pre-orders are now available on VS’s website, with an estimated ship date of later this month (July 2025).
In Yongary, “Earthquakes are causing havoc throughout Korea and it’s no simple seismic mayhem, but instead the mythic monster Yongary emerging from the earth! After nuclear testing awakens the giant monster presaged in Korean folklore, Yongary threatens to level the country, breathing fire and stomping entire buildings. Only scientist Il-Woo, with the help of his girlfriend’s prankster kid brother Icho, can figure out how to slow down the terrible Yongary, who gobbles up petroleum products and only appears to be growing stronger. The seemingly powerless army considers using guided missiles against Yongary, potentially demolishing ancient historical landmarks in order to save lives, all in the hope of stopping his fiery path of destruction.”
Vinegar Syndrome also emphasized the importance of Yongary, adding: “Considered one of Korea’s first giant monster epics, YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP is a vital and original take on the genre, with an expertly handled monster, a healthy dose of humor, and even a clever touch of sentiment shown towards the monster itself. It also boasts masterful special effects crafted by the legendary Keizô Murase (Mothra, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Gamera, etc.) himself, character stories built around Il-Woo and Icho, and utterly exquisite miniature work. This kaiju classic and long-time staple on regional U.S. TV has something for everyone, including a jaw-dropping rock ‘n roll dance sequence! The folkloric monster team at Vinegar Syndrome is proud to bring you this beloved creature classic, newly restored in 4K and finally featuring the surviving fragments of its original Korean language version.”
Full Specs:
- 2-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray
- 4K UHD presented in Dolby Vision High-Dynamic-Range
- Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm interpositive
- Commentary track with film historian Samm Deighan
- Commentary track with film historian Steve Ryfle & writer/critic Kim Song-ho
- All that remains of Daegoesu Yonggari, the original Korean cut of Yongary with newly translated English subtitles, sourced from tape and courtesy of the Korean Film Archive (48 min)
- Archival video interview with legendary kaiju suitmaker Keizo Murase, originally produced for TohoKingdom.com (20 min)
- “Yongary: The Birth of Korea’s Monster” (19 min) – a featurette with Korean film historians Kim Hyun-jae, Hong Gi-hun, and Park Sang-kyu
- Video introduction by film historian Sean Rhoads, co-author of Japan’s Green Monsters: Environmental Commentary in Kaiju Cinema (8 min)
- Image gallery
- Anatomy poster by renowned kaiju artist Matt Frank
- Reversible sleeve artwork
- English SDH subtitles
directed by: Kim Ki-duk
starring: Yeong-il Oh, Jeong-im Nam, Lee Soon-jae, Moon Kang, Kwang Ho Lee
1967 / 80 min / 2.35:1 / English Mono
