'Mogadishu' to Save the COVID-19 Box Office... Releasing This Summer

A Blockbuster with a Production Cost of 24 Billion KRW... Korea's Mid-to-Large Scale Film's Opening Debut

The film 'Mogadishu,' which has gained attention as a tentpole movie, is stepping up as a game-changer to save theaters amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Distributor Lotte Entertainment announced on the 8th that the film will be released this summer. It is a drama depicting a survival escape story of people trapped in the capital Mogadishu during the 1991 Somali Civil War. The film realistically portrays the situation in Somalia, marked by civil war and terrorism, and the desperate struggles of those isolated. Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, known for 'The Unjust' (2010), 'Berlin' (2012), and 'Veteran' (2015), the film attracted attention even before production. The cast includes Kim Yoon-seok, Jo In-sung, Heo Jun-ho, Kim So-jin, Jung Man-sik, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Jae-hwa, and Park Kyung-hye. Production was handled by OCN and Dexter Studios.

The success of 'Mogadishu' could pave the way for other Korean films. A representative from distributor A said, "If theaters recover to pre-pandemic conditions with the success of 'Black Widow' and 'Mogadishu,' Korean films ready for release will gradually appear on screens." A representative from production company B also commented, "It is unlikely that additional films with production costs exceeding 20 billion won will enter the summer market," but added, "It will provide a foothold for mid-budget films to be released." The production cost of 'Mogadishu' is reported to be 24 billion won.