NEW Confirms Copyright Deal for Chinese Adaptation of Director Ahn Tae-jin's Film

Courtesy of NEW

Korean movie distributor NEW announced on Tuesday that a copyright agreement has been reached for a Chinese remake of the South Korean period thriller "The Night Owl" directed by Ahn Tae-jin.

The deal for the Chinese remake of "The Night Owl" was reportedly secured at a "record-high" price, although the name of the Chinese entertainment company involved in the production was not disclosed by NEW.

Previous instances of Korean film remakes in China, such as the 2018 romantic comedy "On Your Wedding Day" transformed into "My Love" (2021), have achieved substantial success at the box office. For example, "My Love" recorded sales of 150 billion won ($110.7 million), indicating potential for "The Night Owl" to replicate such success in China.
 

▲ “The Night Owl” / Courtesy of NEWNEW expressed plans to capitalize on the intellectual property value of "The Night Owl" by securing additional profits if the Chinese remake proves to be a box office hit.

Released in November 2022, "The Night Owl" garnered significant attention in South Korea, dominating the local box office for several weeks and attracting over 30 million viewers despite debuting during a traditionally slower season. The film also received recognition on the international film festival circuit, including a screening at the Sitges International Film Festival in Spain.

Set in the Joseon era (1392-1910), the plot of "The Night Owl" centers around Kyeong-soo (played by Ruy Jun-yeol), a day-blind acupuncturist who inadvertently witnesses the death of the crown prince. Yoo Hae-jin portrays the king, who collaborates with Kyeong-soo to uncover the truth behind his son's demise.

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