Blockbusters 'Seo Bok,' 'Life Is Beautiful' premieres postpone due to COVID-19

The December premieres of sci-fi film “Seo Bok,” left, and musical film “Life Is Beautiful” have been canceled. Courtesy of CJ ENM and Lotte Entertainment

By Lee Gyu-lee

Distributors of the upcoming blockbusters ― sci-fi, thriller “Seo Bok” and musical “Life Is Beautiful” ― have canceled the movies' December premieres as COVID-19 cases surge.

“Seo Bok,” distributor CJ ENM released a statement Monday, announcing that the premiere date “has been postponed indefinitely due to the spread of the coronavirus.”

The sci-fi film, starring Park Bo-gum and Gong Yoo, has been one of the most anticipated blockbusters this year, originally set to open in theaters early this month.

“As concerns over the virus rise across the country, we have made the decision to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus,” the distributor said.

Directed by Lee Yong-ju, the story revolves around terminally ill former intelligence agent Ki-hun (Gong) going on a final mission to protect human clone Seo Bok (Park), who holds the secret of eternal life.

“Life Is Beautiful” distributor Lotte Entertainment made an announcement the same day, declaring that its upcoming film would be released at a later date.

“We ask for understanding from everyone who has been waiting for the release,” it said.

The musical road trip movie, directed by Choi Kook-hee, follows a terminally ill woman named Oh Se-yeon (Yum Jung-ah) and her husband Kang Jin-bong (Ryu Seung-ryong), going on a trip to look for Se-yeon's first love.

The government raised the social distancing level to 2.5 in the greater Seoul area. Under the measure, which came into force Tuesday, movie theaters are required to close at 9 p.m.