SEOUL – South Korea has selected "Crossing" ("Keurosing",) a drama about a North Korean defector, as its official candidate for the foreign-language Oscar.

          Pic, helmed by Kim Tae-gyun, better known for the kinetic "Volcano High", beat out four higher profile contenders that had been short listed -- "The Good The Bad The Weird," "Forever the Moment," "Sunny" and "The Chaser."

          The seven member of the jury assembled by the Korean Film Council (Kofic) said that the CAMP B production was the most appropriate contender "considering the characteristics of past winners and the traditional preferences of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences." Jury members also considered the possibility potential for distribution and commercial success in the U.S, as well as the pic's subject matter.         

             However "Crossing" stands accused of plagiarism by another South Korean helmer. Lee Kwang-hoon ("The Legend of the Evil Lake") has applied for an injunction preventing the film's continued release. It began its Korean theatrical run June 5. Camp B denies the claim.

            Kofic says it will select a new contender if "Crossing" is found guilty of when the issue comes to court in three weeks. Deadline for submission to the Academy is October 1.

© Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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