Will new president revive Korea’s struggling film industry?Hope is rising within the local film industry, currently facing challenges with the rise of streaming services and the increase of ticket prices, as President Lee Jae-myung takes office as Korea’s new president . President Lee’s inauguration comes at a critical time for the entertainment sector. According to the Korean Film Council, the revenue of local theaters last year was 1.1945 trillion won ($881.3 million) in 2024, just 65.3 percent of the average revenue of 1.8282 trillion won ($1.35 billion) between 2017 and 2019. Industry officials say while Korean films have increasingly been earning global recognition — highlighted by the Oscar-winning “Parasite” — the local industry is facing a crisis. Many officials blame the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration for scaling back support for film festivals and independent cinema, which they say has eroded the industry’s diversity. “It is true that the rise of streaming platforms, which provide way more for production cost than local film production companies, have sparked difficulties for the local film industry. Theater chaJun 9, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
From healing hands to heroic team-ups: Actor Kim Hee-won stars in comic-action film ‘Hi-Five’Actor Kim Hee-won described the cast of his latest film "Hi-Five" as “introverts full of kindness and passion,” adding that the team’s chemistry helped bring the action-comedy film to life. In a recent interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, central Seoul, Kim spoke about the film, which tells the story of five people who gain supernatural powers after undergoing organ transplants. As they try to navigate their new abilities, they find themselves pursued by those who want to take advantage of their powers. Kim plays Yak-seon, a man who gains healing powers after a liver transplant. He said the script is always his top priority when choosing a project — and "Hi-Five" drew him in immediately. “From our first meeting, I said, ‘Let’s work hard and make a sequel,’” he said. “It felt like a story that could keep evolving as the powers shift from one person to another.” He added that he was relieved by the positive response from audiences at the premiere. Kim praised the camaraderie among the cast. “They all seemed like introverts, very considerate and hardworking. No oJun 7, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Mission: Impossible 8’ draws in Gen Z: What’s behind 30-year-old franchise’s youth appeal?The latest installment in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” has topped the Korean box office, continuing the legacy of a series that began nearly three decades ago. Surprisingly, its audience now includes viewers in their 20s, many of whom weren’t even born when the first film premiered in 1996. Starring Tom Cruise as the indefatigable Ethan Hunt, “The Final Reckoning” follows the IMF team as they confront a crisis that threatens humanity itself. With the fate of the world at stake, the characters must navigate a high-stakes mission where every decision counts. The film marks the eighth entry in the “Mission: Impossible” saga. In a show of commitment to his international fan base, Tom Cruise made his 12th visit to Korea ahead of the film’s release. He said during the visit that Korea is a “beautiful” country, adding he’s deeply grateful for the warm welcome and that it’s an honor to be back with “Mission: Impossible 8.” Korean fans responded in kind, helping propel the film to No. 1 at the box office. TheJun 6, 2025By Hankookilbo
Interview'Lost in Starlight' director Han Ji-won sets new course for Korean animationHan Ji-won, director for Netflix’s first Korean animated feature “Lost in Starlight,” showed a calm confidence as she discussed her film, emphasizing that animation still remains a profoundly effective medium, particularly for adults. "I think animation is a good medium for adults because we often leave behind certain emotions while living busy lives," the director told The Korea Times Monday at a cafe in Seoul. "Our film is about love and I believe animation is an efficient medium to show that." “Lost in Starlight” is a heartfelt romance that showcases Han’s unique artistic style, set in the futuristic world of Seoul in 2050. The film tells the story of Nan-young, an ambitious astronaut voiced by acclaimed actor Kim Tae-ri, who dreams of exploring Mars, and Jay, a talented musician voiced by Hong Kyung, whose artistic pursuits have taken a back seat. Their encounter, sparked by Nan-young's quest to repair her late mother's cherished turntable, leads them on a journey that transcends the space-age cityscapes of Seoul and the vast distance between Earth and Mars. When asked aboJun 4, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
'How to Train Your Dragon' director details challenges, rewards of live-action adaptationDean DeBlois, director of the live-action “How to Train Your Dragon,” emphasized that his foremost goal was to honor the emotional heart and sense of wonder that defined the original animated classic, while embracing the opportunity to make the fantastical tale a vivid reality. “It was essential to keep the sense of wonder and the emotional journey that made the original so beloved,” DeBlois said during an online interview with Korean reporters, Monday. “At the same time, we wanted to ground the film in a believable reality. That meant searching for real-world locations, like Iceland, Scotland and the Faroe Islands, to create a convincing home for Berk (a fictional island) and its dragons.” “How to Train Your Dragon” follows Hiccup (Mason Thames), a young Viking who struggles to fit in, and Toothless, a mysterious dragon, as they overcome prejudice and forge a unique friendship that changes both their world and the fate of their village. DeBlois highlighted the key differences between animation and live-action filmmaking. “The biggest difference I've found between animatJun 2, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
'Hi-Five' tops weekend box office, edging out 'Mission: Impossible 8'Korean action comedy "Hi-Five" seized the top spot at the local weekend box office, unseating the latest "Mission: Impossible" installment, data showed Monday. According to the Korean Film Council, the comedy movie, directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol, drew approximately 380,000 moviegoers from Friday to Sunday. Premiering Friday, the movie follows five ordinary people whose lives take a dramatic turn after receiving organ transplants. "Hi-Five" ended the reign of "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning," Tom Cruise's eighth installment of the popular action franchise, which had held the No. 1 position since its local theatrical debut May 17. It has attracted a cumulative audience of 2.47 million to date. During the weekend, the film attracted about 371,000 moviegoers. Coming in third was "Big Deal," starring Lee Je-hoon and Yoo Hae-jin, which sold 131,000 tickets over the weekend. Inspired by a real-life story, the film revolves around two men entangled in a merger case during the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis.Jun 2, 2025By Yonhap
Political scandals reduced to box office battles, entertainment ahead of snap electionWith an early presidential election looming, Korean cinemas have transformed into an unexpected battleground for political narratives, reflecting the nation's heightened civic engagement. Leading the charge is “The Pact,” an occult political thriller that has quickly garnered attention, climbing to fourth in ticket sales just days before its official release. “The Pact,” scheduled to hit theaters on June 2, a day before the presidential election, is capitalizing on the surge in political discourse. The film has drawn significant attention as it is seen by many to evoke former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, who were at the center of controversy following an abrupt declaration of martial law last December, which led to Yoon’s impeachment. The movie features a prosecutor-turned-political candidate and a woman (Kim Gyu-ri) caught in a mysterious spell, with investigative journalists closely following their story. Despite fierce competition from major Korean and Hollywood releases, “The Pact” is making a surprising leap to fourth place in real-time ticket resMay 31, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Busan filmmakers head to Cannes, Quezon for UNESCO exchangeTwo Busan-based directors are set to embark on an international filmmaking journey, with director Kwon Yong-jin heading to Cannes in France and director Lee Si-o to Quezon, Philippines, as part of the 2025 UNESCO Creative Cities of Film Residency Film Production Project. This initiative, spearheaded by Busan, aims to foster local filmmaking talent through global collaboration. On Friday, the Busan Metropolitan Government confirmed the participants and partner cities for this project, designed to give a platform for filmmakers to produce new works in renowned film cities. Since its inception in 2017, the Residency Film Production Project has supported filmmakers from Busan and other international UNESCO Creative Cities of Film, including Galway, Ireland; Santos, Brazil; Fukuoka, Japan and Rome. The program has contributed to Busan filmmakers achieving global recognition and garnering awards at major international festivals. Kwon, a student studying filmmaking at Pusan National University, will work on a new film in Cannes. Kwon gained recognition for his feature film “On a Beautiful DaMay 30, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Pixar’s Korean artist says fourth try led to dream job, calls “Elio” a personal filmAs Disney and Pixar prepare to release their new animated film “Elio” in Korea on July 18, one of the most visually striking elements — glittering sands and vast oceans — was crafted by a Korean artist behind the scenes. Lee Jae-joon, a 40-year-old effect technical director who joined Pixar in December 2021, helped bring the film’s complex natural phenomena to life. Effect technical directors are responsible for simulating natural and physical effects, such as water, fire, dust and wind, using computer graphics. Their work plays a crucial role in enhancing realism and immersion in animation, film and games. Lee has contributed to several major Pixar productions, including “Elemental,” a hit with Korean audiences, and “Inside Out 2,” which recently became the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Yet when Lee spoke with the Hankook Ilbo at Pixar’s headquarters in Emeryville, California, on May 6, he said “Elio” is particularly meaningful to him. “I saw myself in Elio’s loneliness,” Lee said. “He wants to escape Earth, and that reminded me of how I feltMay 30, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Big Deal’ unfolds soju war, personal values shaping work life"Big Deal,” a new Korean film, takes its Korean title — "Soju Jeonjaeng," literally meaning soju war — from Korea’s most popular distilled spirit, but it’s about more than just alcohol. Its story invites audiences to reflect on the meaning of work, loyalty and personal values by showing how people’s choices are tested as the world and ideas of success change around them. Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1997 financial crisis, the movie centers on a beloved soju company in financial trouble because of aggressive expansion which causes it to puts its fate in the hands of ruthless global investors. At the heart of the story are two opposing forces — Pyo Jong-rok (Yoo Hae-jin) and Choi In-beom (Lee Je-hoon). Pyo is a loyal employee who takes pride in his company and the cherished Korean spirit it produces. He believes in doing what’s right for the company. In contrast, Choi is a sharp strategist from a global investment firm who sees the company as a business opportunity. “A company is just a place to make money, not the vessel of my life,” Choi said in the film,May 29, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
