Set the stepping stone for theater rebound... 80,000 audience after 26 days

The theater industry, which has been struggling due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is showing signs of a rebound. According to the Korea Film Council's integrated ticketing system on the 5th, the number of moviegoers who visited theaters the previous day was 84,163. This marks the first time in 25 days since the 9th of last month, when the number was 80,420, that attendance has surpassed 80,000. Although it is not yet comparable to pre-COVID-19 levels, it has laid a stepping stone toward normalization.

This result was brought about by the release of Korean commercial films and the Korea Film Council's exceptional support. On this day, a Korean commercial film was screened after about three months since 'Beasts Clawing at Straws.' The film is 'Intruder,' starring Song Ji-hyo and Kim Moo-yeol. It secured 49.3% of seats nationwide, attracting 49,578 viewers. The number of viewers is expected to increase over the weekend. As of 9 a.m. on the 5th, the number of reserved tickets was 22,630.

The Korea Film Council bolstered the upward trend with a volume offensive. They provided 6,000 won discount coupons to reduce the burden on viewers. This benefit is available over three weeks on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It can be used not only at multiplexes such as CGV but also at theaters dedicated to art films.

Under this unprecedented support, 'The Greatest Showman' attracted 10,481 viewers. Following it were 'Underwater' (4,056 viewers), 'Mad Max: Fury Road' (2,465 viewers), 'Prison Escape' (2,372 viewers), and 'Cafe Belle Epoque' (1,433 viewers) in that order.