Theater Scene Faces Wave of Postponements Due to Itaewon Shock... 'Top Concern' Is Proceeding as Planned [Comprehensive]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The film industry has been thrown into fear once again due to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection) cluster outbreak that occurred at Itaewon clubs. Just as the frozen Chungmuro was taking steps toward resuming activities, the resurgence has caused sighs of frustration.

The release of "Intruder," starring Song Ji-hyo and Kim Mu-yeol and directed by Son Won-pyung, was initially scheduled for April 27 but was postponed to May 21. However, due to the COVID-19 resurgence, the release has been further delayed to June 4.

On the 12th, the "Intruder" team stated, "As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has recently increased again, leading to the nationwide postponement of kindergarten and elementary to high school openings and growing social concerns, we have determined that it is difficult to proceed with the film's release as planned and have decided to postpone it to June 4."

The press screening scheduled for the 14th for "Intruder" has also been canceled, and they are reportedly rescheduling it to align with the new release date.

On the following day, the film "French Woman" also postponed its release for the same reason. Lotte Entertainment stated, "'French Woman' was originally scheduled to be released on the 21st, but due to the recent increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases and growing social concerns, the release has been postponed to June 4." Additionally, the press screening scheduled for the 19th will also be postponed.

The film "Hot Issue," which attracted attention due to the relationship between Cheetah (Kim Eun-young) and director Nam Yeon-woo, is scheduled to be released as planned on the 27th. A representative from the film told this publication, "The release schedule will proceed without changes." Furthermore, the interview with Cheetah (Kim Eun-young) and director Nam Yeon-woo scheduled for the 19th will also proceed as planned.

Actor Jung Jin-young’s directorial debut, starring Jo Jin-woong, "Vanished Time," has been set for June with no expected changes to the schedule. The release date is confirmed for June 18, and promotional activities have begun. It remains to be seen whether it will succeed in the fierce competition at theaters.

Theaters are expected to resume operations around June. Although new releases were expected to gradually open toward normalization by the end of May, the COVID-19 resurgence originating from Itaewon clubs has inevitably caused setbacks. With the postponement of elementary to high school openings and other complex factors, the industry has had to take a step back once again. Therefore, Chungmuro is expected to face a difficult period through May. The unexpected Itaewon shock has deepened the sighs within the theater industry once more.