[Zoom In] Starting Next Month, Couples Can Eat Popcorn Side by Side in Theaters

November 1st Phase 1 of Daily Recovery
Movie Theater Operating Restrictions Lifted in Seoul Metropolitan Area
Popcorn and Seated Snacks Allowed for Vaccinated Individuals

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection), you will be able to watch movies in theaters while eating popcorn. This comes about 1 year and 9 months after the first confirmed case in Korea.

On the 25th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) announced at the 'COVID-19 Stepwise Recovery (With Corona) Implementation Plan Public Hearing' that social distancing measures will be eased in three stages at 6-week intervals starting next month on the 1st.

As of the 23rd, the COVID-19 vaccination completion rate surpassed 70%, shifting the focus of quarantine measures to managing severe cases and daily recovery under 'With Corona.' The three-stage easing will be implemented with a 4-week transition period and a 2-week evaluation period at each stage. The health authorities stated that the decision to proceed to the next stage will consider ICU and hospital bed capacity, the scale of severe cases and deaths, and the infection reproduction number.

On the first day of the application of the first stage revision, all facilities except entertainment venues will be allowed to operate 24 hours. For some high-risk facilities, a 'vaccine pass' will be applied, allowing only those who have completed vaccination or tested negative via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to enter.

Accordingly, movie theaters classified as multi-use facilities will have their operating restrictions lifted in the metropolitan area. Following the resumption of late-night operations on the 18th, all time restrictions will be removed, allowing 24-hour operation.

Vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to sit apart, and consumption of popcorn, drinks, and other snacks will be permitted.

Movie 'Eternals' Still/Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea

The film industry welcomes this move but remains cautious. A theater official said, "If operating restrictions are lifted and limited seating and eating are allowed, the number of couples and family audiences is expected to increase. If the year-end, considered the peak season, regains vitality, delayed new releases will likely set their release dates one by one. In particular, Marvel's 'Eternals' will be released on the 3rd of next month, and the number of theatergoers is expected to gradually increase amid the 'With Corona' atmosphere in December. We expect a synergistic effect as a result."

From the 1st of next month, events with fewer than 100 people will be allowed without conditions, and for larger events, the vaccine pass will apply. Under stage 1, events with fewer than 500 people are allowed, and in stage 2, large-scale events without personnel restrictions will be permitted. In stage 3, there will be no regulations related to events. However, in restaurants and cafes, private gatherings can have up to 10 people without restrictions, but unvaccinated individuals will face some limitations.

Accordingly, events for general audiences such as press screenings and distribution screenings held ahead of movie releases will also be possible.

A film industry official said, "Screenings can proceed as planned, but for the time being, we will monitor the trend of confirmed cases to decide whether to resume events. If confirmed cases emerge from held events, the impact would be significant, and there is also a possibility of a sharp increase in cases like in foreign countries," showing a cautious stance.

The official added, "It is important to establish the perception that theaters are safe," and said, "The film industry hopes this will be a stable stepping stone toward 'With Corona,' not just a temporary easing of restrictions." They also mentioned, "Several films are already being considered for release in the first half of next year, coinciding with winter vacation and the Seollal holiday."