‘The absence of a blockbuster hit’

Korean films are weeping due to the slump in theaters.Last year, despite the slump in theaters, two films, including “The Grave” and “The Outlaws 4,” surpassed 10 million viewers in the first half of the year.However, this year, no Korean films have recorded notable box office success.With the exception of a few films, many have failed to attract 1 million viewers, and amidst the gloomy atmosphere of box office failures, the burden on the upcoming summer peak season releases is even heavier.

O First Half Theaters, Even Breaking 1 Million Will Be Difficult

According to the integrated computer network for movie ticket sales on the 19th, the highest-grossing Korean film released this year is ‘Opposition Party’ starring Kang Ha-neul and Yoo Hae-jin, which recorded a cumulative audience of 3.37 million.It is a completely different atmosphere from last year, when ‘Abandoned’ and ‘The Outlaws 4’ were released in February and April, respectively, and heated up theaters by drawing over 10 million viewers.

Even among the films released this year, only three films have surpassed 2 million viewers, including ‘Opposition Party’, ‘Hitman 2’ (2.54 million), and ‘The Match’ (2.14 million), so even commercial films from major distributors cannot guarantee that they will surpass 1 million viewers.

In particular, the worries about Korean films are deepening by the day as leading works by leading actors of Chungmuro, such as ‘Lobby’ and ‘Broken’ starring Ha Jung-woo, ‘Demon Hunters’ starring Ma Dong-seok, ‘Bogota’ starring Song Joong-ki, and ‘Virus’ starring Bae Doo-na and Kim Yun-seok, are suffering from box office failures one after another.

From Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Min-ho to Im Yoon-ah and Ahn Bo-hyun, Summer Theaters

In the midst of the stagnant atmosphere, the burden of box office success has increased for movies targeting the summer season, which is considered the peak season for theaters.This summer’s anticipated movies are attempting to attract audiences by starring young actors with strong fandoms instead of big-name Chungmuro stars.

The most eye-catching work is the fantasy blockbuster ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint ‘, based on a web novel, which will be released on July 23rd.It is a blockbuster with a production cost of 30 billion won, and stars Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Nana, and Ji-soo.It depicts the story of those who try to save the destroyed world in a novel that has become reality.

‘ Zombie Daughter ‘starring Jo Jung-seok and’ The Devil Moved In ‘starring Im Yoon-ah and Ahn Bo-hyun, which are armed with comedy, will be released in theaters in July and August, respectively.’ Zombie Daughter ‘is about a doting father who embarks on top-secret training to protect his daughter who has become a zombie, while’ The Devil Moved In’ tells the story of a woman who wakes up every morning as a devil and a young part-time worker who watches over her.


Reporter Seungmi smlee@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.