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.
Cinemas gear up for family-focused May holidays
A scene from "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” / Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea
By Baek Byung-yeul
With May packed with holidays dedicated to the family, local theaters are rolling out a diverse and highly anticipated lineup of movies for fans of different generations.
From a brand-new "Star Wars" cinematic adventure and a legendary pop icon's biopic to homegrown animated features arriving just in time for Children's Day on Tuesday, this month's box office offers plenty of reasons for families to head to the cinema.
Leading the charge for family blockbusters is "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie."
Released on Wednesday to capture the holiday crowd, the film continues the massively successful animated journey of Nintendo's iconic plumber brothers. This time, the adventure goes cosmic, offering visually stunning intergalactic world-building that both nostalgic parents and young gamers can enjoy together.
Driven by the high expectations of Nintendo fans in Korea, the film topped the weekend box office. According to data from the Korean Film Council, the movie has drawn 685,994 viewers as of Sunday, surpassing the long-awaited sequel "The Devil Wears Prada 2."
Poster for “Dalimi: Sing-along Party” / Courtesy of Lotte Cinema, Sunwoo & Company
For younger children, homegrown animation studios are delivering specialized content perfectly suited for the season. The 2024 viral sensation "Heartsping: Teenieping of Love" has returned to theaters with a special edition release. Released Friday, just a few days before Children's Day, the lovable fairies have already proven their immense ticketing power, and this special cut promises to be a top pick for families with young children.
Joining the local animation slate on the same day is "Dalimi: Sing-along Party." Unlike a traditional movie, this sing-along version is an interactive experience. It encourages young children to sing along with the main character, Dalimi, creating a fun and friendly theater atmosphere for toddlers and preschoolers.
Poster for “Michael” / Courtesy of Universal Pictures
For older children and adult moviegoers, Hollywood is bringing two massive cultural events to the big screen. The "Star Wars" universe makes its grand return to cinemas with "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which is set to release on May 27.
Directed by Jon Favreau, the film transitions the critically acclaimed Disney+ series into a blockbuster movie. The story follows the armored bounty hunter Din Djarin and his small companion, Grogu. This film is expected to be a must-watch sci-fi hit when it opens in theaters worldwide later this month.
Meanwhile, music lovers can look forward to "Michael," the ambitious biographical drama chronicling the life of pop star Michael Jackson.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, the film explores the legendary singer's complex life and monumental career. Featuring many of his greatest hits, the biopic offers a nostalgic experience for parents and a great musical introduction for younger audiences. “Michael” will hit local theaters on May 13.