As the Extended Chuseok Holiday Approaches, Star-Studded Films Compete for Audiences' Attention

Barunson

Amid the bustling rhythm of the film industry, another momentous cinematic showdown is set to unfold during the Chuseok holiday season in South Korea—a time that rivets audiences just as fiercely as summer holidays and Lunar New Year celebrations. With this year's Chuseok festivity extending over a weekend from September 28 to October 1, an influx of moviegoers is anticipated to grace the theaters.

In a league where celebrated actors like Song Kang-ho, Ha Jung-woo, and Gang Dong-won vie for box office supremacy, the stakes have never been higher. Their long-awaited films, completed prior to the pandemic's emergence, are poised to stir the imaginations of eager film aficionados.

Song Kang-ho, known for his spellbinding performances, will grace the screen in "Cobweb." Premiering at the noncompetitive Un Certain Regard section of this year's Cannes Film Festival in May, the film is projected to make its Chuseok debut, though an exact date remains undisclosed. At Cannes, the movie commanded nearly ten minutes of sustained applause—a testament to its potential impact.

Directed by Kim Jee-woon, this dark comedy navigates the 1970s trials of a director (played by Song Kang-ho) during an era riddled with government censorship and unsympathetic actors. The cast, featuring Lim Soo-jeong, Oh Jeong-se, Jeon Yeo-been, and Jung Soo-jung, raises the stakes further.

The synergy of Song's trademark humor and artistic dexterity, intertwined with Kim's stylistic black comedy set against the backdrop of a half-century past, has kindled great expectations. 

▲ Lotte Entertainment

Also poised to captivate audiences is "Road to Boston," a biographical masterpiece chronicling the journey of Korean marathoner Sohn Kee-jung in the aftermath of World War II. With Ha Jung-woo portraying Sohn and Yim Si-wan as his fellow runner Seo Yoon-bok, the film is helmed by Kang Je-gyu, known for crafting cinematic triumphs like "Shiri" (1999), "Brotherhood" (2004), and "Take Off" (2009).

Having concluded filming in January 2020, "Road to Boston" is primed to make its grand debut on September 27, marking a triumphant end to its long gestation period.

▲ CJ ENM
Gang Dong-won, recognized for his prowess in both comedic and box office successes, returns to the limelight in "Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman." Under the direction of Kim Seong-sik, the film navigates the comical escapades of the counterfeit exorcist Dr. Cheon (portrayed by Gang). Supported by a cast including Heo Jun-ho, Lee Dong-hwi, Lee Som, and Kim Jong-su, the film promises a tantalizing blend of laughter and drama.

With an eye on upholding his legacy of comedic box office hits such as "Too Beautiful to Lie" (2004), "Jeon Woo-chi: The Taoist Wizard" (2009), and "A Violent Prosecutor" (2016), Gang Dong-won's return holds industry observers in rapt anticipation.

Industry insiders are hopeful that the Chuseok holiday season will invigorate local box office sales, even amidst the fierce competition of summer blockbuster releases. While only "Smugglers" and "Concrete Utopia" have crossed the pivotal breakeven point, drawing in around 4 million viewers each, optimism remains high.

Figures from the Korean Film Council underscore the contrast between Korean and foreign film ticket sales, with Korean film admissions clocking in at 3.32 million—a half of July's figures from the previous year at 6.35 million. In contrast, foreign film attendance has surged by 1 million tickets to reach 19 million during the same period.

As autumn nears and the silver screen beckons, the Korean cinema landscape readies itself for a Chuseok spectacle of unparalleled proportions, promising both cinematic gems and audience delight.

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