A professor from KAIST is receiving criticism for publicly voicing disapproval of well-known actor Choi Min Sik's remarks regarding the increasing price of movie tickets.
The debate started on August 17 when Choi Min Sik appeared on MBC's Sohns Questions show. The actor, known for his roles in movies such as Oldboy and I Saw the Devil, voiced his apprehension about the rising cost of movie tickets, potentially discouraging people from going to the cinema.
"People have developed a preference for quick and concise content such as YouTube shorts lately. Moreover, the cost of movie tickets has significantly increased. I kindly request a reduction in ticket prices as any sudden hike would deter the public from attending a screening. Currently, the price per ticket stands at 15 000 KRW (~ $11.20 USD)," he said
Choi mentioned that many prefer watching movies on an OTT platform to going to the cinema.
Professor Lee Byung Tae from KAIST disagreed with Choi's statements on Facebook. He criticized the actor for lacking knowledge and understanding of the situation. He pointed out that if reducing prices could boost earnings for theaters, they would have implemented such a strategy by now.
"If lowering prices will attract more viewers and increase profits, companies will lower prices even if they are told not to," he said, pointing to the financial pressures that led many theaters to the brink of bankruptcy.
The professor also referenced actor Choi Min-sik's response to the crisis, questioning whether his decision to donate his appearance fee to theaters screening his films was a charitable act or a necessary measure in a struggling industry.
"Do you think the movie theater business is a charity?" he asked, underscoring the complex dynamics between profitability and community support in the entertainment sector.
Lee explained in detail that theaters follow a business strategy where ticket costs act as a draw for customers while most of the revenue actually comes from sales of snacks and beverages like popcorn and drinks.
He additionally pointed out that due to increasing interest rates along with rising rent and wages costs, decreasing ticket prices without risking the sustainability of the business would be highly challenging.
Lee's remarks ignited an online discussion where numerous internet users criticized the professor for what they saw as a severe reaction to Choi Min Siks viewpoint.Critics raised doubts about Lee's motives.
They implied that his rection appears as confrontational without considering the actor's stance on cinema's accessibility."Why criticize him in this way?" a user questioned.
"Choi Min Sik was simply expressing a sentiment shared by people." Some individuals conveyed their dismay at a regarded scholar involving himself in a public argument of this nature.
One online user noted, "This could have been a productive conversation but has turned into name calling instead."
The criticism directed towards Professor Lee brings attention to the conflicts regarding the increasing entertainment cost in South Korea and the difficulties encountered by the film sector in managing profitability and public reach effectively.
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This article was written by:
Rovelyn Barba
