Though the COVID-19 may have affected the film industry, it didn't stop over 500,000 moviegoers in Korea to watch the box office hit "Innocence" on Saturday since its opening on June 10.
So far, maybe because of the joint effort of KOFIC, the government agency and cinemas, they have successfully promoted their effort to support the movie industry.
With the rise of moviegoers, the industry will be revived, and it is huge news, prompting producers not to hesitate to premiere their movies locally. Since the "new normal" is watching movies at home via Netflix and a lot have been discouraged from going to public places, the record means a lot.
"Innocence" is based on a true-to-life story of a lawyer who decides to defend her mother in court after being wrongfully accused of murder. Ahn Jung In, the lawyer, played by actress Shin Hye Sun, will try to prove her mother's innocence and uncover the secrets in their small village with the mayor's help. Her mother, Hwa Ja, played by Bae Jong-ok, was accused of killing lives after the rice wine was poisoned at her husband's funeral. Since she is old and is suffering from memory loss, she will have a hard time defending herself.
According to KOFIC ticket sales, the film corresponded to an accumulated 500,507 audience via 919 screens nationwide, further securing its top box office spot.
This court thriller has been consistently getting positive reviews. No wonder, more and more people have supported and watched the film.
The twist is knowing the mayor and the local residents have been giving false testimonies and hiding the truth to impede Ahn Jung In's investigation and court battle.
Multi-awarded actress Shin Hye Sun made her debut in the television series "School 2013." She had her first leading role in the drama "My Golden Life." She also starred in "Oh My Ghost" and "She Was Pretty." Her versatility was recognized internationally through her lead role in "Angel's Last Mission: Love."
Meanwhile, actress Bae Jong-Ok also a multi-awarded actress and has a long list of drama series and films. Since 2003, she has even taught Theater and Film Studies at Chung-Ang University as a visiting professor. She has recently been cast in the movie "King Maker" and in tvN's "Queen Cheorin," where Shin Hye Sun is also the lead star.
As a theater advocate, Jong-Ok chose to play as Jung In's mother, although the character is 30 years older than her. Also, the actress wondered how much complications can get between neighbors if their respective families have a history between them.
Another multi-awarded star, Heo Joon Ho, is part of the main cast. He will play as Mayor Choo. He has been notably recognized in the 2003 box office hit "Silmido," which won him the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the Grand Bell Awards.
The film was initially set to premiere in March, but because of the COVID-19 cluster infection from March, it has been rescheduled twice.
