Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Tom Cruise confirms 12th visit to Korea for final ‘Mission Impossible’
Tom Cruise announces he will visit Korea next month to promote his upcoming film “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning ” in this video clip released Monday. Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
By Baek Byung-yeul
Hollywood star Tom Cruise has confirmed his 12th visit to Korea as part of promotional efforts for his latest movie "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning."
Lotte Entertainment, the Korean importer and distributor of the film, said Monday that the 62-year-old actor is scheduled to visit Korea on May 8. Also, this will be his sixth visit to Korea for the "Mission: Impossible" series alone.
Cruise's special connection with Korea began in 1994 with "Interview with the Vampire," and has continued with visits for films like "Mission: Impossible 2" (2000), "Vanilla Sky" (2001), "Valkyrie" (2009), "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022) and "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning" (2023).
During his visits, Cruise had always responded warmly to the overwhelming reception from fans here, impressing them with his exceptional fan service and friendly demeanor.
"Hello Korea, I am so excited to share that I'll be returning to Seoul with the cast of 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' in May," Cruise said in a video announcing his visit, posted on Monday. "I look forward to seeing you all very, very soon. Thank you."
A poster for Tom Cruise's “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
When he visited in 2023 to promote the seventh installment of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, he showed his deep affection for Korean fans by responding to every selfie and autograph request.
"Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning," the eighth installment in the series, is an action blockbuster about Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team, who are thrust into a mission where every choice they make puts their lives at risk.
Christopher McQuarrie, who has worked with Cruise since "Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation" (2015), directed the new film. Returning cast members include Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby and Holt McCallany. Cruise is expected to perform a daring stunt in this film as well, hanging onto a plane soaring at high altitude.
The movie is also invited to the non-competitive section of the 78th Cannes International Film Festival, which opens on May 13. This marks the first time the "Mission: Impossible" franchise has been invited to one of the world's most prominent film festivals.
"Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning" will be released here next month.