Lowest Theater Attendance in 16 Years... KOFIC Turns a Blind Eye (Comprehensive)

Only Three Works Gathered Over 10,000 People... Industry Facing Collapse Crisis
Impact of COVID-19 Spread... Yeongjinwi "No Support Measures Available"

On the 3rd, as concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection grow, a movie theater in Gangnam-gu, Seoul is quieter than usual. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] The Korean film industry is staggering due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). It is facing the worst slump since the establishment of multiplex theaters.

According to the Korea Film Council's integrated box office computer network on the 25th, the number of moviegoers who visited theaters the previous day was 74,762. This is the lowest since May 31, 2004, when there were 67,973 visitors. It is the second time since 2010 that the number slipped below the 100,000 mark. The previous day of box office failure was April 5, 2016 (94,906 visitors).

The box office rankings have become meaningless. Only three films attracted more than 10,000 viewers: Jipura-gi-rado Japgo Sipeun Jimseungdeul (Beasts Clawing at Straws) (22,687 viewers), 1917 (19,372 viewers), and Jeongjikhan Hoo-pyo (Honest Candidate) (13,515 viewers). Jageun Aggi-deul (Little Women) (8,803 viewers), Keulrojet (Closet) (4,019 viewers), Gisaengchung (Parasite) (1,543 viewers), and Hi, Jexi (1,344 viewers) all failed to attract audiences. Jojo Rabbit (925 viewers), Super Sonic (431 viewers), and Namsan-ui Bujangdeul (The Man Standing Next) (371 viewers) did not even reach 1,000 viewers.

The CGV Sungshin Women's University Entrance branch in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, confirmed as a location visited by the fifth confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection, has suspended operations for the second consecutive day on the 2nd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

This is the aftermath of the COVID-19 spread. As confirmed cases surged nationwide, including in Daegu, visits to theaters have sharply declined. On this day, the only film securing over 1,000 seats and exceeding a 5% occupancy rate was Keulrojet (5.5%). Jipura-gi-rado Japgo Sipeun Jimseungdeul had 3.6%, 1917 3.5%, and Jeongjikhan Hoo-pyo 3.1%. Hi, Jexi (2.9%), Super Sonic (2.8%), and Sean the Ship the Movie: Kkoma Oegyein Rulla! (2.1%) did not even surpass the 3% threshold.

The bleak atmosphere is likely to continue for some time. This is because the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased to 833 the previous day. The rapid increase has turned movie theaters into spaces to avoid. New releases have already postponed their premieres one after another, including Sanyang-ui Sigan (Time to Hunt), Call, Gyeolbaek (Innocence), Bapjeong, Ijang, Fukuoka, and Onward: Dan Haru-ui Gijeok (Onward). The black-and-white version of Gisaengchung (Parasite), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, also postponed its release following government recommendations to refrain from mass gatherings.

Major domestic multiplexes such as CGV and Lotte Cinema have long been operating under emergency management systems. They are thoroughly strengthening hygiene management, including guidance on preventive measures, providing hand sanitizers, and recommending mask-wearing. CGV is focusing on flexible operations, such as reducing the number of movie screenings. Megabox is also shortening business hours depending on each branch's situation. Lotte Cinema executives voluntarily returned 20% of their salaries and are encouraging employees to take unpaid leave, making operational changes.

O Seok-geun, Chairman of the Korean Film Council, is greeting before apologizing for the implementation of the film industry's blacklist at the "Public Apology and Commitment to Innovation in the Film Industry Press Conference" held on the 4th at the Bankers Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyeong aymsdream@

Although the film industry is on the brink of collapse, the actual control tower, the Korea Film Council, remains indifferent. It collects about 30 billion won annually from theaters as a film development fund, but the only countermeasure it has offered is 5,000 hand sanitizers. Even these were only distributed to some entrusted theaters in the provinces. The Korea Film Council stated, "There are no separate support plans being prepared. COVID-19 guidelines should be followed as announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism."

Industry insiders are all venting their frustration. Mr. A said, "They haven't even come out to survey the actual situation of theaters or made a single call to listen to our difficulties. They even ignored the proposed countermeasures from the three major multiplex companies," criticizing, "It's practically demanding self-reliance."

Mr. B said, "The Korea Film Council doesn't even know what theaters need. Most theaters have already secured enough hand sanitizers." He insisted, "What is most needed now is quarantine measures. They must be carried out simultaneously on all screens nationwide to change the perception of theaters first." Mr. C raised his voice, saying, "This is the biggest crisis in the Korean film industry, yet Chairman Oh Seok-geun is at the Berlin International Film Festival. He should return quickly and assess the dreadful reality of the film industry."