Save the Green Planet! (Korean: 지구를 지켜라!; RR: Jigureul jikyeora!) is a 2003 South Korean science fiction black comedy film written and directed by Jang Joon-hwan. The plot follows a young man, Lee Byeong-gu, as he kidnaps Kang Man-shik, an executive of a major pharmaceutical corporation, who Byeong-gu believes to be an alien.
The film was released on 4 April 2003. An English-language remake, Bugonia, was released in the United States on October 24, 2025. Jang was set to direct, but was replaced by the Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos due to health concerns. He was credited as executive producer.
Contents
Plot
Lee Byeong-gu, a conspiracy theorist obsessed with aliens, believes that extraterrestrials from "Andromeda PK 45" are preparing to invade Earth and that he must prevent their plot. With the help of Sunny, his childlike circus performer girlfriend, he kidnaps Kang Man-shik, a pharmaceutical executive who he believes to be an alien commander who can contact the Andromedan prince during a lunar eclipse due soon.
Byeong-gu imprisons Kang in his basement and shaves his head to prevent him from sending a telepathic distress signal to the Andromedans. Kang is subjected to various tests which include scrubbing him with a Korean liquid painkiller and an “Italy towel” used by ttaemiris. It is revealed that Kang's company poisoned Byeong-gu's mother during a drug trial, linking Byeong-gu's paranoia to personal tragedy. When a detective arrives to investigate Kang's disappearance, Byeong-gu hides the evidence, but the officer later discovers human remains. He attempts to summon police backup, but is found and killed by Byeong-gu. Byeong-gu crucifies Kang and breaks his leg after he attempts to escape.
