10,000 Confirmed Cases... Lunar New Year Box Office Sees 'Pirates 2' and 'Kingmaker' Release

'The Pirates: Goblin Flag' Still

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] As the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases surpasses 13,000 amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, two highly anticipated films are newly taking the spotlight. What will the theaters look like during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday? Will they be able to make up for the disappointing performance during last year's Chuseok?

On the 26th, the films Pirates: The Goblin's Flag (directed by Kim Jeong-hoon) and Kingmaker (directed by Byun Sung-hyun) will be released simultaneously in theaters.

The sequel to the 2014 film Pirates: The Band of Adventurers, which attracted 8.66 million viewers, Pirates: The Goblin's Flag depicts the spectacular adventures of pirates who gather at sea to become the owners of the royal treasure that disappeared without a trace. Actor Kang Ha-neul plays the role of Muchi, the leader of the righteous band and Goryeo's best swordsman, anchoring the story, with Han Hyo-joo, Lee Kwang-soo, and Kwon Sang-woo also starring.

The cheerful characters aboard the pirate ship and the refreshing sea story provide entertainment. Adorable creatures such as penguins and whales offer visual delights, likely attracting the 10-20 age group.

'Kingmaker' Still Cut

The film Kingmaker, inspired by the story of the late former President Kim Dae-jung, also premieres on the same day. It is a drama about politician Kim Un-beom (played by Sol Kyung-gu), who challenges the world to change it, and election strategist Seo Chang-dae (played by Lee Sun-kyun), whose existence and name are hidden, as they enter a fierce election battle.

The performances of actors Sol Kyung-gu and Lee Sun-kyun are worth watching. Although the film is somewhat plain and dry, the passionate acting of the two actors breathes life into the story. The election scenes set in the 1960s and 1970s are also intriguing.

This is a new work by director Byun Sung-hyun, who directed Believer in 2017. Director Byun has overcome controversies related to Ilbe, regional, and misogynistic hate and is presenting a political film as his new work. It will be interesting to see how audiences evaluate it.