A Flood of Summer Movies... 12 New Releases Debut on the 14th
South Korea's 'Haengbokeui Nara' and 'Big Victory' Premiere
Heavyweight Hollywood Blockbusters Arrive
On August 15th, the Liberation Day bridge holiday, an unprecedented box office battle unfolds in theaters. This is due to the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics and the fact that the term 'tentpole' has become meaningless after the pandemic. The period from late July to early August, known as '7mal8cho' (late July to early August), has traditionally been considered the peak summer market for theaters. Last year, four major films including 'The Moon,' 'Concrete Utopia,' and 'Unofficial Operation' were released during this period, causing a market bleed and leading to a redefinition of release timing concepts. The market has shrunk, and the competition among distributors has intensified.
On the 14th, the start of the holiday, 12 films were released. A total of 16 films are scheduled to be shown in theaters during this period, overwhelmingly more than new releases during the traditional peak season. This is based on the calculation that the four-day holiday from the 15th (Liberation Day) through the weekend of the 16th and 17th is the 'last summer showdown.' The genres are diverse, ranging from heavy works dealing with modern and contemporary history to youth films targeting the 10-20 age group. Massive-budget American blockbuster disaster films and animations are also launching one after another.
'Anger vs. Laughter' Various Korean Films
The comedy film 'Pilot' (directed by Kim Han-gyeol), starring actor Jo Jung-suk, which was released on the 31st of last month, is leading the box office. It has surpassed 3 million cumulative viewers in just 11 days since its release, showing great popularity. The animated film 'Love's Hatchuping,' a theatrical version of the popular TV series 'Tini Ping,' is also gaining strong momentum in second place. On the 14th, Korean films such as 'Land of Happiness' (directed by Chu Chang-min) and 'Victory' (directed by Park Beom-su), as well as American Hollywood disaster blockbusters 'Twisters' (directed by Isaac Jung) and 'Alien: Romulus' (directed by Fede Alvarez), will be released.
'Land of Happiness' is a cinematic adaptation of the trial of Colonel Park Heung-joo of the army, who was involved in the October 26 Incident in 1979 when President Park Chung-hee was assassinated by Kim Jae-gyu, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, and was executed. The late Lee Sun-kyun plays Colonel Park Heung-joo, and Jo Jung-suk portrays Jung In-hoo, an ordinary lawyer who prioritizes survival over ideals or justice. Actor Yoo Jae-myung, who plays Jeon Sang-doo (Chun Doo-hwan), the head of the joint investigation team, delivers a significant presence. The film is directed by Chu Chang-min, known for the 10-million viewer film 'Masquerade' (2012).
On the same day, the lively youth film 'Victory' will be released. It is adapted from the true story of a high school cheerleading club in Geoje Island formed in 1984. Set in 1999, the film evokes nostalgia with upbeat music from Seo Taiji and Boys, Diva, Deux, and others. Lee Hye-ri, a former member of the girl group Girl's Day famous for the drama 'Reply 1988,' stars in the lead role.
US 200 Billion Won Blockbuster Arrival
An American blockbuster is also arriving. The Hollywood disaster film 'Twisters,' centered on tornadoes, will meet audiences. Directed by Korean-American director Isaac Jung (Jung Isaac), who directed 'Minari' (2020), and produced by the legendary Steven Spielberg, the film is a sequel to 'Twister' (1996). It depicts researchers chasing storms and others chasing controversies facing an unprecedented tornado. While following the commercial disaster film formula, it satisfies both narrative and genre entertainment. It was first released in the US on the 19th of last month, earning $274.84 million (approximately 378.647 billion KRW) in its first week, easily surpassing its production cost of $155 million (approximately 213.125 billion KRW).
The seventh sequel to Hollywood's representative sci-fi horror film 'Alien' (1979), 'Alien: Romulus,' is also a marquee release. It is the first sequel in four years since 'Alien: Resurrection' (1998). Directed by Uruguay-born director Fede Alvarez, who is gaining attention in the US, the film was made with advice from Ridley Scott, the original creator of 'Alien 2.' Set in 2142, it tells the story of young people fleeing a bleak future on Earth who arrive at the space station Romulus and face merciless attacks from aliens.
Documentaries, Re-releases, and Live Performances
Animation and live performance films will also be released on the 14th. The animations 'Octonauts Above and Beyond: The Ocean is in Danger' and 'Shinbi Apartment Special Edition: The Red-Eyed Grim Reaper,' along with the live concert film of the group SEVENTEEN titled 'SEVENTEEN Tour 'Follow' Again to Cinema,' will be released simultaneously. The special edition 'Park Chung-hee: The Man Who Dreamed of an Economic Powerhouse' and the re-released film 'Before Sunset' will also be screened in theaters.
On the 15th, the documentary 'And When the Magnolia Blooms,' about Park Chung-hee and Yuk Young-soo, will be released. It was produced by singer Kim Heung-guk's production company. The film '1923 Kanto Massacre,' which deals with the massacre of Koreans after the Great Kanto Earthquake in Japan, the animation 'Jurassic Cops The Movie: In Search of the Legendary Ancient Creature,' and '10 Lives' will also meet audiences.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
