Diverse Genres Aim to Capture Audiences Ahead of Summer Blockbuster Rush

Courtesy of Ace Maker Movieworks

In June, three films spanning distinct genres will debut in theaters, strategically releasing ahead of the crowded summer blockbuster season in July and August.
 

▲ “Wonderland” / Courtesy of Ace Maker Movieworks

On June 5, director Kim Tae-yong's science fiction drama “Wonderland” premiered in local theaters. This marks Kim's return to feature films after his 2010 romance drama “Late Autumn.” “Wonderland” features an ensemble cast including Tang Wei, Suzy, Park Bo-gum, Jung Yu-mi, and Choi Woo-sik. The narrative centers on individuals reuniting through artificial intelligence within a simulated virtual realm known as Wonderland. The film adopts an omnibus format, exploring three different human relationships, including the story of Jeong-in (played by Suzy), a user of Wonderland, who faces emotional turmoil as her comatose boyfriend Tae-joo (played by Park Bo-gum) awakens in a hospital. 

▲ “Hijacking 1971” / Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment Korea

Scheduled for release on June 21, director Kim Sung-han’s action thriller “Hijacking 1971” will enter theaters. Starring Ha Jung-woo, Yeo Jin-goo, Sung Dong-il, and Chae Soo-bin, the film is based on a real airplane hijacking incident from 1971. The storyline, set on an airplane, blends action with elements of romantic comedy and fantasy, according to the director. Veteran actor Sung Dong-il portrays Gyu-sik, the chief pilot who mentors and supports Tae-in, played by Ha Jung-woo. Both actors previously collaborated in the 2009 film “Take Off.” 

▲ “Handsome Guys” / Courtesy of NEWOn June 26, the comedy occult film “Handsome Guys” will be released, featuring Lee Sung-min and Lee Hee-jun. The plot follows two friends who relocate to a rural house, only to discover an awakened evil spirit in the basement. Director Nam Dong-hyup described the film as rich in comedic elements and noted that it incorporates a Hollywood style, distinguishing it from recent occult hits like “Exhuma.”

These films aim to draw audiences by offering a diverse cinematic experience in a relatively quiet period before the arrival of summer's major releases.

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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com