[On-site Video] "It Feels Like Memories Are Disappearing" Goodbye Seoul Theater... Regretful Citizens

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "It's really a shame.", "I've been coming to this theater for over 40 years."

The Seoul Theater, which has been greatly loved by audiences in Jongno, Seoul for over 40 years, will close on the 31st. On the afternoon of the 18th, citizens met near the theater expressed their sorrow upon hearing the news that the theater, which decorated a scene of their youth, is closing.

Seoul Theater opened on September 17, 1978, with the Korean film "Last Winter" as its first screening. Later, the late Kwak Jeong-hwan, chairman of the production company Hapdong Films, acquired Segi Theater, which was a re-release theater, and expanded the theater from just one screen to a total of 11, growing it into the country's first multiplex. However, facing declining profitability due to competition from theaters operated by large corporations and the direct impact of COVID-19, the decision was ultimately made to close the theater.

Mr. Hwang, 79 years old this year, said, "I have been using Seoul Theater for over 40 years already," adding, "I occasionally came to watch old classic films." He expressed regret, saying, "It's very unfortunate that it is closing." Mr. Hwang added, "Since Seoul Theater is disappearing, I came out once again to see it."

The Seoul Theater, which opened on September 17, 1978, with "The Last Winter" as its first screening. Photo by Seoul Theater

Meanwhile, there was also a viewer who came all the way from Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province to Jongno to visit Seoul Theater. Office worker Mr. Ahn (44) said, "I didn't use Seoul Theater often, but when I was nearby, I came to watch movies I liked," adding, "For over 20 years, I thought I should come here to watch art films or unique movies, so it's disappointing."

Mr. Ahn said, "Even though I didn't come often, Seoul Theater was there for a long time, so it felt welcoming," adding, "It was like feeling happy to see a relative or acquaintance even if you don't meet often." He continued, "It's sad that Seoul Theater is disappearing, and seeing it change into a multiplex cinema with multiple branches rather than a single theater like Seoul Theater makes me feel time is passing, and I feel a vague sense of regret."

A citizen in their 60s, Mr. Kim, said, "I came yesterday and today after hearing the news that Seoul Theater is closing," adding, "It's really sad to see the famous theaters in Jongno disappearing."

Meanwhile, Seoul Theater is holding a "Thank You Screening" as a final farewell to express gratitude. Seoul Theater has been holding free screenings for three weeks from the 11th to the 31st. The "Thank You Screening" offers free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis to 100 people on weekdays and 200 people on weekends, only for tickets purchased on-site at Seoul Theater during the screening period.

The screenings include general release films and premiere screenings scheduled for the second half of the year. Additionally, it includes masterpieces that were considered but unfortunately omitted from various special exhibitions at Seoul Theater. Detailed information can be found on the Seoul Theater website and SNS.