Controversy Over 'Emergency Declaration' Ticket Sales Rate, Megabox's Delayed Response Causes Incident

Early Morning Multiple Screen Sold-Out Phenomenon "Internal Test Ahead of Late-Night Screening Event"
Considered Normal Ticketing, Counted in Reservation Rate and Box Office, Megabox to Provide Cancellation Data

The controversy over ticket sales manipulation surrounding the movie 'Emergency Declaration' was settled as a misunderstanding caused by Megabox's delayed response. On the 4th, the Korea Film Council's integrated computer network detected a strange phenomenon where 'Emergency Declaration' screenings on multiple Megabox screens were all sold out during the early morning hours. Suspicions arose on online communities that the distributor or film company artificially inflated the ticket sales rate. The distributor Showbox immediately explained, "Megabox conducted internal testing ahead of a late-night screening event," adding, "This does not affect real-time ticket sales rates or box office results at all." In fact, Megabox is holding a late-night screening event from the 12th to the 14th where movies can be watched at a discounted price.

However, the issue resurfaced on the 10th. It was revealed that the data was considered as normal ticket issuance and was counted in the ticket sales rate and box office. A Korea Film Council official said, "After checking the data, it was confirmed as normal ticket issuance," and added, "We have not yet received ticket cancellation data from Megabox." Upon this fact being revealed through some online communities, Megabox hurriedly began collecting ticket cancellation data to send to the Korea Film Council. A Megabox official stated, "The internal procedure for delivering ticket cancellation data is complicated, so it took some time," and added, "We will strive to prevent confusion." A Korea Film Council official said, "We expect to receive ticket cancellation data from Megabox," and added, "We will correct the cumulative audience number (1,579,254) for 'Emergency Declaration' in the integrated computer network."