Korean movies are receiving a lot of support from international fans. However, the film industry in South Korea is said to be struggling due to some circumstances.
Even movies such as "Killing Romance," "Rebound," and more that starred brilliant actors failed to surpass the expected hype.
According to a media outlet, among the K-movies released in the first quarter of 2023, Hyun Bin's "The Point Men" was the only film that had one million moviegoers.
'Killing Romance'
It tells the story of a top celebrity who shockingly announces her retirement from the entertainment industry and her fateful encounter with a chaebol on a remote island. This comedy movie is directed by Lee Won Suk and written by "The Beauty Inside" writer Park Jeong Ye.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Kim Seon Ho's Debut Movie 'The Childe' Confirmed For Release in THIS Month
"Killing Romance" premiered last April 14. It stars Lee Honey, Lee Sun Gyun, and Gong Myung. Unfortunately, despite the good cast, the movie only recorded 140,000 viewers.
'Rebound'
Based on the true story of the Busan Jungang High School Basketball Team, "Rebound" features the journey of Basketball team coach Kang Yang Hyun, who recruits and manages a ragtag team for a final competition.
The film was released on April 5 in cinemas. Different from "Killing Romance," this sports-healing movie was able to attract 600,000 viewers. "Rebound" was headed by veteran actor Ahn Jae Hong alongside "Crash Landing on You" star Lee Shin Young, Jeong Jin Won, Jung Gun Joo, Ahn Ji Ho, Kim Taek, and Kim Min.
'Phantom'
The movie tells the story of people in 1933 when Korea was under Japanese occupation. Five individuals in Gyeongseong were suspected as 'Phantom' spies of the anti-Japanese organization. These five suspects are entangled in a sting operation and are locked up in a remote hotel. They try to prove that they are not spies, but they still struggle to escape from their imprisonment.
"Phantom" is composed of star-studded cast members namely; Sol Kyung Gu, Lee Honey, Park So Dam, Kim Dong Hee, Seo Hyun Woo, and Park Hae Soo. This movie premiered on January 18, 2023, the same day "The Point Men" was released.
It has been said that this film is expected to have 3.5 million viewers but unfortunately only attracted 600,000 moviegoers.
'Gangnam Zombie'
Ji Yeon Park and Ji Il Joo's first movie together flopped. "Gangnam Zombie" tells thrilling stories of citizens from Gangnam, Seoul who begin to experience unusual and terrifying symptoms, devolving into inhuman activities, due to the sudden outbreak, which leaves only a few survivors.
The Korean Film Council said that the revenue from domestic films only accounted for 27.3 percent of the total market, which is about half of 2022's record of 54.4 percent. One reason people see it as a problem is the rising cost of movie tickets.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Yoo Teo Wins Award For His Directorial Debut Film 'Log in Belgium'
For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.
Kdramastars owns this article.
Shai Collins wrote this.
