'Yadang' becomes most-viewed 2025 film in Korea"Yadang: The Snitch" has become the most-watched theatrical release of the year in Korea, surpassing Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood film "Mickey 17," the Korean movie's distributor said Tuesday. Starring Kang Ha-neul, Yoo Hae-jin and Park Hae-joon, the crime thriller had reached 3,015,000 admissions as of Tuesday morning, edging past "Mickey 17," which drew 3,013,000, according to Plus M Entertainment. Directed by Hwang Byeong-guk, "Yadang" centers on the intertwined ambitions of a cunning criminal informant, a driven prosecutor who recruits him and a detective who risks everything to take down a major drug trafficking ring. Since its release, the flick has stayed atop the domestic box office every day, except for May 5, when Warner Bros.' "A Minecraft Movie" briefly claimed the top spot. During the extended six-day holiday period ending May 6, "Yadang" amassed 831,000 admissions to become the most-watched Korean film released this year, surpassing "Hitman 2," which drew 2.54 million. On Monday, it also became the first R-rated Korean film in six years to surpass 3 million admissions nationwideMay 13, 2025By Yonhap
Superhero flick 'Hi-Five' gears up for release amid Yoo Ah-in's drug scandalDirector Kang Hyoung-chul, best known for his 2011 comedy-drama "Sunny," described his upcoming film "Hi-Five" as an entertaining movie that blends the fantasy elements of superpowers with a fun narrative. "I've had the opportunity to make several films and I'm fortunate to be a movie director. This time, I wanted to make an enjoyable film. I've always wanted to make movies that people can watch comfortably and have fun with," the director said Monday at a press conference in Seoul. "Hi-Five" is a comedic action film revolving around five individuals who unexpectedly gain different superpowers after receiving organ transplants. The story unfolds as they encounter people who covet their newfound abilities. "It's a comedy, but it incorporates the unrealistic element of superpowers," Kang explained. "Because of this, we focused more on the stories that arise when characters acquire these powers." Filming for "Hi-Five" commenced in June 2021 and wrapped up in around five months. However, its release faced significant delays due to the drug scandal involving lead actor Yoo Ah-in, who was undeMay 12, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Actor Nam Bo-ra weds in star-studded ceremonyActor Nam Bo-ra has married her longtime partner, celebrating the milestone with a lavish wedding that drew an outpouring of support from friends, colleagues and fans. Guests arrived an hour early for Saturday’s hotel ceremony in Seoul, quickly filling the venue as Nam, radiant in a white gown, welcomed them with a bright smile in the bridal waiting room. Emotions ran high when her cast mates from the 2011 film “Sunny,” including Park Jin-joo, Kim Bo-mi and Kim Min-young, entered the room. Nam burst into tears, joking through her sobs, “I cried the moment I saw their faces — I wish they’d leave quickly!” Comedian Kim Ki-ri emceed the wedding, lightening the atmosphere with his trademark humor. The ceremony was officiated by a pastor from Nam’s church, while Park Jin-joo and Kim Min-young sang the congratulatory song, “Welcome to the Show,” by DAY6. Their energetic performance had the bride singing and dancing along. Nam’s husband, described as introverted, stood smiling in the background, watching her lovingly. He is a businessman the same age as Nam. In an interviewMay 12, 2025By KTimes
Will Lotte Cinema-Megabox merger revive Korea’s slumping film industry?Will Korea's next cinema giant be "Lottebox" or "Mega Cinema"? Lotte Cinema, Korea's No. 2 multiplex cinema chain, and its No. 3 rival Megabox have begun merger talks, a significant shake-up as the industry grapples with a prolonged downturn, hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of streaming platforms. On Thursday, Lotte Group, operator of Lotte Cinema, and JoongAng Group, which runs Megabox, signed a memorandum of understanding to merge their cinema operations. They said the joint venture will be managed collaboratively by their parent companies, Lotte Shopping and Contentree JoongAng, respectively. If the two merge, their combined number of screens will surpass industry leader CJ CGV, which has 1,346. According to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Lotte Cinema had 915 screens and Megabox had 767 screens as of 2024. Lotte said the strategic decision to pursue a merger was made for sustainable growth amid a rapidly changing content industry, characterized by declining film production and a lack of blockbuster hits, creating a vicious cycle. JoongAng Group said the main purpose ofMay 12, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
How will Trump's film tariffs impact Korean entertainment industry?After U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100 percent tariff on all movies produced in foreign lands on May 4, aiming to revive "dying" Hollywood and save American jobs, the Korean entertainment industry is on a high alert over what challenges this possible move might bring to the K-content industry, which has been enjoying emerging global prominence through tie-ups with Netflix, Disney+ and major Hollywood studios. Trump, even before the start of his second presidency, appointed three renowned actors — Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson — as “Special Ambassadors” to revive Hollywood, which has lost much of its business to overseas markets over the past years. There is widespread uncertainty about how such tariffs would actually be applied to films — especially since movies are different from physical goods and the rules for digital content and streaming platforms remain unclear. Experts predict the impact on K-content will not be significant as Korea is neither a key production base nor a major filming location for Hollywood. However, there areMay 11, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Jeonju film festival sees surge in visitors despite funding challengesThe Jeonju International Film Festival concluded its 10-day run on Friday, once again coloring the North Jeolla Provincial city’s spring season with cinema and reaffirming its identity as the nation’s premier independent and alternative film festival. The 26th edition saw significant audience engagement, with an average seat occupancy rate of 81.6 percent, marking a 2.3 percent increase from last year’s 79.3 percent, according to the organizing committee. Out of 586 screenings, 448 were sold out— an increase of 67 sold-out screenings compared to the previous year. Over 70,000 attendees were recorded at official events alone. Off-screen events also saw significant growth. The Street Screening session, which showcased films in outdoor spaces around the city, attracted around 4,500 people, a roughly 2.5-fold increase in viewers compared to the previous year. The organizing committee said that the "100 Films 100 Posters" session, a unique side event of the festival where 100 graphic designers created posters for 100 of the films being screened and displayed them throughout the city,May 11, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
INTERVIEW Hong Seo-joon: ‘I feel truly alive when I act’With a long list of impactful performances behind him, actor Hong Seo-joon has earned the nickname “10-million (won) supporting actor” for his appearances in box office hits. But beyond the screen, Hong is a thoughtful and devoted artist who attributes his growth to both meaningful collaborations and quiet persistence. In an interview, Hong spoke about his recent work in projects like the drama “When the Phone Rings” and films such as “12.12: The Day,” “Exhuma,” and “Yadang: The Snitch.” Moving fluidly between scene-stealing supporting roles and solid leads, he has proven his range and staying power. One project he holds close is “When the Phone Rings,” saying, “It felt like a gift.” Hong first connected with director Park Sang-woo during the MBC drama, “Man in the Kitchen.” “I once told him, ‘I really want to be in your next project — just let me audition.’ He burst into tears and said, ‘Why would you need to audition? I’d be honored to work with you.’ I was moved,” Hong recalled. In the series, he plays Min Do-ki, a butler-like characterMay 9, 2025By KTimes
'Pressure is privilege': Tom Cruise shows enduring dedication in KoreaHollywood icon Tom Cruise, during his 12th visit to Korea, offered insights into his enduring work ethic and philosophy of embracing challenges in producing movies as he promotes the upcoming film “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.” "We have a saying, which is 'pressure is a privilege'," the 62-year-old actor told reporters Thursday in Seoul. "The thing I also have realized about myself is how much I enjoy the pressure, how much I enjoy the responsibility of making movies." The movie star said he acknowledged the fear involved in his daring stunts but emphasized his willingness to confront it. "People ask if I'm not scared when facing various difficulties. Honestly, I am," Cruise said. "It's okay to feel those emotions and I'm not afraid of them. I don't just look for what's safe." Cruise, whose career has been a lifelong pursuit since first dreaming of making movies at age four, emphasized his deep gratitude and commitment. “It’s not what I do, it’s who I am,” he said. "There hasn't been a day that I have not felt privileged, a day that I have not felt very gratefuMay 8, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk makes music director debut with 'Midnight Sun'AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk will make his debut as a music director for the upcoming movie "Midnight Sun," a film that blends music and romance. The movie's distributor, BY4M Studio, said Thursday that Lee will set the tone of the film through music, overseeing its soundtrack. "The movie 'Midnight Sun,' for which Lee is the music director and in charge of the entire original sound track, will immerse viewers by melding Lee Chan-hyuk's unique musical world into the movie's story, characters and scenes," the distributor said. "Midnight Sun,” which will hit theaters on May 28, is a musical romance about Mi-sol (Jeong Ji-so), who can only date at midnight, and Min-jun (Cha Hak-yeon), as they fall in love through music and challenge themselves to achieve their dreams together. Lee wrote and composed four songs for the film, including the main theme. "Venturing into a new field was a meaningful and fun experience. I ask for your great love," Lee said. The film's director, Cho Young-jun, said Lee made a significant contribution to the film. "Music director Lee Chan-hyuk had an exceptional understandinMay 8, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Tom Cruise visits Seoul to promote new 'Mission: Impossible' filmHollywood star Tom Cruise returned to Korea on Wednesday, marking his first visit in two years — this time to promote the latest installment in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Cruise arrived at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul aboard his private jet around 4:20 p.m. He was greeted by a large crowd of enthusiastic fans, some chanting his name and waving posters featuring scenes from his blockbuster films, including the "Mission: Impossible" and "Top Gun" series. Wearing a bright smile, Cruise spent about 20 minutes greeting fans, signing autographs and taking selfies. He occasionally posed with a heart gesture made with his fingers — a popular sign of affection in Korea — before departing the airport in a waiting vehicle. The actor is in town to promote "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning," the eighth film in the long-running action franchise. It marks his 12th visit to the country since his first trip in 1994 to promote "Interview with the Vampire." His most recent visit was in 2023 for "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One." The actor has earnedMay 7, 2025By Yonhap
