'The Throne' chosen as opening film for Hawaii fest

South Korea's period drama, "The Throne," has been chosen as the opening film for an upcoming international film festival in Hawaii, its distributor said Thursday.

The historical film directed by Lee Joon-ik will be screening on Nov. 12, the opening day of the 35th Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) slated to run through Nov. 22, on the island of Oahu, according to Showbox.

"The Throne" depicts King Yeongjo during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), who locked his only son and crown prince Sado in a rice chest and starved him to death, deeming the heir in his 20s unfit to rule.

Starring veteran actor Song Kang-ho and rising star Yoo Ah-in, the historical work has drawn a constant stream of moviegoers, attracting more than 5.7 million at home as of Wednesday since its premiere in mid-September.

A handful of other South Korean films, including "Assassination," "Veteran" and "Madonna" will also be shown, with the festival to present a total of 181 films from 41 countries, according to the HIFF website. (Yonhap)