Seoul: With just a day to go before the much-anticipated release of Na Hong-jin's "Hope," attention is focused on whether this sci-fi blockbuster can breathe new life into South Korea's struggling film industry. The film, which competed at this year's prestigious Cannes Film Festival, is one of the most expensive productions in Korean cinema. It features an impressive lineup of actors, including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon, along with Hollywood stars Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander.
According to Yonhap News Agency, "Hope" marks Na's return to filmmaking a decade after his hit "The Wailing" (2016). The story follows police officers and villagers in the coastal town of Hopo as they encounter mysterious extraterrestrial beings, leading to a series of spiraling events. Na's strong box-office history, with "The Wailing" drawing 6.9 million admissions and "The Chaser" (2008) attracting 5 million, raises expectations that "Hope" will provide a much-needed boost to the local box office.
The Korean film industry has faced numerous challenges post-COVID-19, including dwindling audiences, rising production costs, and increased competition from streaming platforms. Theater admissions, which peaked at 227 million in 2019, plummeted to 60 million in 2020 but have since recovered to over 100 million annually. However, few Korean films have crossed the 10-million admission mark recently, a benchmark for major commercial success.
Fortunately, the landscape appears favorable for "Hope." The unexpected success of the historical drama "The King's Warden" (2026), which amassed 16.9 million admissions, has buoyed the industry. This success helped increase Korean film admissions by 75 percent in the first half of the year. Yeon Sang-ho's "Colony" (2026) further extended this momentum with 5.9 million admissions.
"Hope" seems set for a strong opening, having been pre-sold to 200 territories, a record for a Korean film. Domestically, it accounted for 65 percent of advance ticket sales, with 476,129 tickets sold by Tuesday morning. Additionally, the government's movie ticket coupon program, offering 2 million discount coupons, aims to boost theater attendance.
While it's uncertain if "Hope" will be a game changer, optimism is high that it can overcome the industry's downturn. Zo In-sung, one of the lead actors, expressed hope that the film would resonate with audiences, likening it to a trumpet vine that blooms despite challenges. As "Hope" prepares to hit theaters, the industry watches eagerly to see if it will indeed blossom in the hearts of viewers.