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  • Korean Film Gunch Receives Standing Ovation at Cannes, Tops Domestic Box Office Pre-Sales
    Korean Film 'Gunch' Receives Standing Ovation at Cannes, Tops Domestic Box Office Pre-Sales Film 'Gunch' has generated significant buzz after its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, and it has now topped the domestic box office pre-sales ahead of its release.According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system, as of 8:27 a.m. on May 17, 'Gunch' recorded a pre-sale rate of 28.1%, with 94,743 tickets sold, placing it at the top of the pre-sale rankings. It surpassed competing foreign films, including 'Michael,' which opened last week, as well as 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and 'Super Mario Galaxy.''Gunch' depicts the struggle of isolated survivors against evolving infected individuals in a high-rise building sealed off due to an unidentified infection outbreak. It is the latest work from director Yeon Sang-ho, known for establishing the K-zombie genre with films like 'Train to Busan' and 'Peninsula.'The film's pre-release interest was confirmed at the Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered on May 16 (local time) in the Midnight Screenings section at the Palais des Festivals. The 2,300-seat theater was filled with local audiences and film industry professionals, including director Yeon Sang-ho and actors Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, and Shin Hyun-bin.Park Chan-wook, the jury president of this year's Cannes competition, welcomed the 'Gunch' team on the red carpet alongside Thierry Frémaux, the festival's executive director. As the cast and director entered the theater before the screening, applause lasted for about five minutes, and after the film concluded, a standing ovation lasted approximately seven minutes.After the screening, Yeon Sang-ho expressed his gratitude, stating, "It is such an honor to present 'Gunch' again at the Cannes Film Festival, a dream come true. The overwhelming support will be a memorable experience for a long time as I continue to make films."'Gunch' portrays the desperate fight of those trapped inside a high-rise building in downtown Seoul following an unidentified mass infection outbreak.Following its premiere at Cannes and the surge in domestic pre-sales, 'Gunch' has emerged as one of the most anticipated films in theaters this May. Given its pre-sale success against a backdrop of strong foreign films, there is keen interest in whether it will translate into box office success after its release. The film is set to hit domestic theaters on May 21.Meanwhile, the 79th Cannes Film Festival will continue until May 23, featuring South Korean films such as Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' in the competition section, Jung Joo-ri's 'Dora' in the Directors' Fortnight, and Choi Won-jung's short film 'Rhapsody of Birds' in the La Cinef section.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 11:27:55
  • Kim Jae-won Discusses His Role as Sun-rok in Yumis Cells 3
    Kim Jae-won Discusses His Role as Sun-rok in 'Yumi's Cells 3' Kim Jae-won, who gained fame as the "first love memory manipulator" in the drama "Our Blues," has now earned the title of the nation's favorite younger man. Since his debut in "Our Blues," he has steadily built his filmography, recently achieving success with Netflix's "Lady Dua" and TVING's "Yumi's Cells 3," solidifying his unique presence in the industry. His ability to create chemistry with co-stars and evoke the excitement of relationships showcases his new potential."I’m really happy to receive so much attention and love, being called the 'nation's favorite younger man.' Besides that, this project being the third season makes it significant as it wraps up the long journey from seasons 1 and 2. I feel proud that we concluded that journey well," he said.TVING's original series "Yumi's Cells 3," written by Song Jae-jung and Kim Kyung-ran and directed by Lee Sang-yeob, depicts the romance between Yumi (played by Kim Go-eun), now a star writer, and Sun-rok (played by Kim Jae-won), who unexpectedly enters her mundane life. Based on the webtoon of the same name, "Yumi's Cells" has captured Yumi's life, love, and growth from its first season in 2022 to its third season in 2026."I often thought about how deeply one can become attached to a character. I really hope Sun-rok and Yumi can live happily together. As a long-time viewer of 'Yumi's Cells,' I wish for Yumi to live happily for her entire life," he expressed.Each season of "Yumi's Cells" has built on Yumi's relationships, showcasing her journey of love and growth. In season 1, she met her boyfriend Gu-woong (played by Ahn Bo-hyun) through a blind date, while season 2 featured Yu-babi (played by Park Jin-young), who supported Yumi's aspirations as a writer. Season 3 focuses on Yumi's relationship with her younger boyfriend, Shin Sun-rok. Kim Jae-won portrays the beloved character Shin Sun-rok, adding excitement to Yumi's final romance."It would be a lie to say I felt no pressure. It felt like being introduced as 'my boyfriend' to relatives during a family gathering. So many people were watching and had expectations for this character. In the original work, Sun-rok is depicted as a unicorn-like younger man, almost perfect without flaws. While there was pressure regarding that, I also saw it as a great opportunity to portray such a fantasy-like character. Therefore, I prepared for this role with a unique commitment, giving 200% instead of 100%," he said.Unlike the previous seasons, which each had 14 episodes, season 3 consists of only 8 episodes. Fans expressed disappointment at the shorter format, wishing for more time to explore Yumi and Sun-rok's story. Kim Jae-won acknowledged that a longer format could have allowed for more detailed storytelling but emphasized that the priority was to accurately portray Sun-rok within the given episodes."Personally, I think Sun-rok is a bit different from the characters Yumi has encountered so far. He is the type to move forward without hesitation once he is sure. Since he is not a calculating character, I believe we could present his story more compactly. While a longer format would have been nice, I focused on expressing Sun-rok well, regardless of the length of the episodes," he explained.Kim Jae-won identified Sun-rok's greatest charm as his straightforwardness. He believes that the essence of Sun-rok lies in his unwavering commitment to Yumi once he decides to love her, rather than any physical attributes."Many people mention his height and appearance, but I see those as secondary charms. Sun-rok's biggest strength is his ability to move forward without hesitation once he is sure of his feelings. Although there must have been realistic challenges, from the moment he decided, 'I love this person' and 'I will protect Yumi for life,' he moved forward without calculation. I think that’s the main reason Sun-rok could reach marriage with Yumi," he said.Given that the series is based on a webtoon, achieving a visual resemblance to the original character was also a significant task. Kim Jae-won mentioned that he carefully considered his hairstyle, glasses, and clothing, as well as his demeanor at work and after hours, to embody the character Sun-rok as envisioned by fans of the original work."I made a lot of effort to match the physical appearance. At work, Sun-rok has a half-up hairstyle and wears angular glasses to appear somewhat cold. Conversely, after work, he has curly hair down and wears pajamas, adopting a relaxed posture that he wouldn’t show at the office. While I’m not a homebody, I found moments of exhaustion after work relatable to Sun-rok, so I infused some of my own experiences into the character," he shared."Yumi's Cells" differs from other dramas in its filming approach. The 'cells' representing characters' emotions require actors to consider their presence even when off-screen. Unlike the seasoned production team, Kim Jae-won, who joined in season 3, needed time to adapt to this unique style."I knew from behind-the-scenes footage that the staff read the cells' lines, but I discovered that some lines were read while others were not. Curious, I asked the director, who explained that it depended on whether the scene would be split later. For instance, in scenes where the cells express Sun-rok's feelings or when he seems to deny them, the director requested specific details, like turning his head in a certain direction. Watching the broadcast, I realized how it was directed to show that 'I love this person enough to ignore the cells.' Those aspects were really interesting," he noted.The romance between Yumi and Sun-rok progressed more rapidly after their mutual confirmation of feelings. Within the 8-episode structure, they had to convincingly navigate their relationship from initial feelings to marriage. Kim Jae-won said he tried to genuinely believe in Sun-rok's love by focusing on his emotions while acting alongside Kim Go-eun."Once Sun-rok and Yumi started meeting with certainty, there was hardly any time left. We had to compact everything into just two episodes. Since fans of the original work already know the ending, I thought they would expect to see how the couple reaches marriage and the atmosphere surrounding it. So, I pondered how much Sun-rok could love Yumi and thought about actually loving Go-eun noona as Sun-rok," he explained.In expressing Sun-rok's love, Kim Jae-won emphasized the importance of loving genuinely rather than focusing on age differences or seniority. He noted that Kim Go-eun's charming presence greatly contributed to shaping Sun-rok's emotions."I aimed to love Go-eun noona as she is. The age difference didn’t matter at all. She is such a lovely person, making it easy to immerse myself in the role. During filming, she had a short haircut that reminded me of Ponyo from the animated film 'Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea,' so I affectionately called her 'Ponyo.' I tried to capture that lovely feeling and gaze in my performance," he said.In concluding the interview, he cautiously shared his future aspirations. Rather than confining himself to specific genres or characters, he expressed a desire to continue discovering new facets of himself as an actor. For Kim Jae-won, what matters now is becoming an actor who is unafraid to make new choices and not remain stuck in a familiar image."What I most clearly desire is to be recognized as an actor who always challenges himself with new roles. I don’t have a specific goal in mind, but as a newcomer, there’s so much I want to try. I’ve never seriously attempted action, so I want to challenge myself in that area, and I’d also like to try historical dramas. I’ve wanted to explore film as a genre, and I recently had the opportunity to do so, filming without regrets. I want to continue challenging myself with things I haven’t done before and become someone who isn’t afraid to take risks."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:49:25
  • Director Jung Juri and Cast of Dora Set for Cannes Film Festival Premiere
    Director Jung Juri and Cast of 'Dora' Set for Cannes Film Festival Premiere Film 'Dora' is set to have its world premiere at the 79th Cannes Film Festival's Directors' Fortnight. Director Jung Juri, who previously debuted with 'Dohiya' and followed up with 'Next Sohee,' will be joined by actors Kim Do-yeon and Ando Sakura to meet local audiences.On May 14, the production team for 'Dora' announced that Director Jung Juri and actors Kim Do-yeon and Ando Sakura are departing for Cannes, sharing their thoughts on the festival invitation. 'Dora' has been officially invited to the Directors' Fortnight at this year's Cannes Film Festival for its world premiere.Director Jung previously gained recognition at Cannes with her debut feature 'Dohiya' (2014), which was selected for the Un Certain Regard section, and her second feature 'Next Sohee' (2022), which was the closing film of the Critics' Week. With 'Dora,' she continues her relationship with Cannes, marking her third feature film at the festival. Jung expressed, "I am thrilled to be able to showcase the film right after its completion. I look forward to meeting audiences from around the world and returning to greet our local viewers soon."Kim Do-yeon, who plays the title role of Dora, will walk the Cannes red carpet for the first time with this film. She stated, "It means a lot that my first Cannes experience coincides with Dora's first steps. Director Jung allowed me to fully embody Dora on set, and senior actor Ando Sakura awakened me with new energy in every scene. I am excited to see what the moment will be like when the Cannes audience meets Dora. I hope the time we spent together resonates honestly in that space."Ando Sakura, who plays another lead character, Nami, also expressed his anticipation. He said, "Last summer, even in situations where language was a barrier, I found myself looking deeper at my surroundings to share feelings in any way possible. While films transcend language and culture, I realized that the space in front of the camera can also be a place to share our hearts without words. I sincerely hope to meet you all at my first Directors' Fortnight screening."Ando Sakura returns to Cannes after starring in 'Shoplifters' (2018) and 'Monster' (2023). This marks his first appearance in a Korean film with 'Dora.''Dora' tells the story of a family that leaves Seoul for a summer vacation at a seaside villa, where Dora, who suffers from an unknown illness, experiences love for the first time, causing everything to gradually unravel. The film explores the cracks and emotional turmoil that begin within the closest of relationships—family.The project is an international co-production involving four countries: South Korea, France, Luxembourg, and Japan. It is produced by South Korea's Red Peter, in collaboration with France's The French Connection and ARTE France Cinéma, and Luxembourg's Les Films Fauves. The production team from various countries worked together from filming to post-production, with French cinematographer Irina Lubtchansky handling the camera. Visual effects (VFX) were created in South Korea and France, sound work was done in South Korea and Luxembourg, and color grading took place in France.This year, several Korean films have also been invited to Cannes. Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' is in the competition section, while Yeon Sang-ho's 'Goonjeon' is featured in the Midnight Screenings. Park Chan-wook has been appointed as the first Korean jury president. In an interview with AFP on May 11, a day before the festival's opening, Park stated, "Awards should be given to works that will remain for 50 or 100 years. Ultimately, the artistic achievement of the film is what matters most."'Dora,' primarily funded by Solaire Partners through K-Wave Media, aims for a domestic release in the second half of 2026 following its Cannes world premiere. Domestic distribution will be handled by Episode Company, which is presenting 'Dora' as its first distribution project, while international distribution will be managed by Finecut.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:45:48
  • BTS to Perform at 2026 World Cup Halftime Show with Madonna and Shakira
    BTS to Perform at 2026 World Cup Halftime Show with Madonna and Shakira BTS will take the stage at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup final. This marks the first time a halftime show will be held during a FIFA World Cup final, with BTS co-headlining alongside Madonna and Shakira.According to Global Citizen and FIFA on May 14, BTS will perform at the halftime show on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.FIFA and Global Citizen aim to expand their reach to global audiences through a performance that combines sports, music, and culture. The event will also promote the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to enhance access to quality education and sports for children in underserved communities worldwide.BTS expressed their excitement through their agency, Big Hit Music, stating, "It is a great honor to perform on such a meaningful stage that brings the world together. We believe music is a universal language that conveys hope and unity. It is even more significant to share this message with global audiences through the World Cup and contribute to expanding educational opportunities for children."The halftime show will be produced by Global Citizen and broadcast live worldwide, featuring Chris Martin of Coldplay as the curator. Characters from 'Sesame Street' and 'The Muppets' will also be part of the lineup, promising a performance enjoyable for all generations.BTS has a history of collaboration with Global Citizen. The group performed at Global Citizen LIVE in 2021, and Jungkook took the stage at the Global Citizen Festival in 2023. He also contributed to the official soundtrack 'Dreamers' for the 2022 Qatar World Cup and performed at the opening ceremony.BTS is currently on a world tour, having recently held concerts in Mexico City at Estadio GNP Seguros on May 7 and 9-10, where they met with approximately 150,000 fans. This marked their first full group concert in Mexico in nearly 10 years, with all three shows sold out.Following their Mexico performances, BTS will continue their world tour with shows at Stanford Stadium on May 17-18 and 20.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 14:50:32
  • Michael Tops Box Office on Opening Day with 100,000 Viewers
    'Michael' Tops Box Office on Opening Day with 100,000 Viewers On its opening day, the film 'Michael' secured the top spot at the box office.According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system, 'Michael,' which premiered the previous day, attracted 99,903 viewers, making it the number one film. The cumulative audience count stands at 118,493.'Michael' depicts the journey of Michael Jackson, who astonished the world with his innate musical talent and rose to become the King of Pop. The film, featuring legendary music and performances, drew audiences from its first day of release.In second place at the box office is 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' which was viewed by 29,970 people during the same period, bringing its total audience to 1,299,742.The Korean film 'Salmon' maintained its position in third place with 16,444 viewers, accumulating a total of 3,067,181. Even in its sixth week of release, it continues to perform well at the box office.To celebrate surpassing 3 million viewers, 'Salmon' is hosting a special promotion in collaboration with Lotte Cinema, offering tickets for 300 won. Audiences can download promotional coupons from the Lotte Cinema website and app to purchase tickets for the Culture Day screening on the 13th at this discounted rate. Coupons are available on a first-come, first-served basis.'Salmon' is a horror film that unfolds after a filming crew encounters something dark and deep in a reservoir while attempting to reshoot after capturing an unidentified figure on a road view.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 11:24:23
  • Kim Min-has Student Teaching Challenges Conventional Cinema
    Kim Min-ha's 'Student Teaching' Challenges Conventional Cinema "It's romantic. The lighting, temperature, humidity..." This is a remark made by a participant on a variety show. It suggests that elements like location, weather, and physical condition all contribute to creating an 'atmosphere.' The same applies to film. The mood of the day and personal experiences can serve as 'evaluation criteria' for a movie. In this way, 'Choi's Review' is a segment that introduces films to audiences through the author's experiences and perspectives, aiming for a more relaxed and everyday approach. (Editor’s Note) There is no middle ground. Viewers either passionately love or completely fail to understand Kim Min-ha's films. From the short film 'Burger Song Challenge' to the feature debut 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day' and now 'Student Teaching,' Kim's work consistently sparks intense 'taste battles.' The director shows no willingness to compromise on her unique and charming rhythm. The story follows Eun-kyung (played by Han Sun-hwa), a 'MZ student teacher' who returns to her alma mater with lofty ambitions and a sense of duty. Despite her pure passion for teaching, she faces the harsh realities of a crumbling educational system. One day, she encounters three girls from a mysterious black magic club, 'Kuroi Sora'—Aoi (Hong Ye-ji), Riko (Lee Yeo-reum), and Haruka (Lee Hwa-won)—and senses they are involved in a troubling incident. It is revealed that these top students, who never miss a national mock exam, have their souls bound to a yokai in exchange for answers. To protect her precarious students, Eun-kyung willingly plunges into a deadly mock exam orchestrated by the 'College Entrance Exam Ghost.' 'Student Teaching' twists the conventions of horror to fuel its comedy. While continuing the trajectory of her previous works, it collides the tropes of horror with the rhythm of comedy, subverting even its roughness into a meticulously crafted aesthetic. Kim Min-ha's unique signature lies in her ability to push excess not as a flaw but as a distinctive language. She cleverly navigates production budget limitations with inventive directorial choices, utilizing pixel art and animation to create the film's hip and kitschy texture. The characters, who exist outside of reality, and the deliberately rough dialogue draw the audience into this bizarre world from the very beginning. Accepting Kim's 'universe' offers viewers a liberating experience amidst the chaotic and crude elements. Under the term 'horribly lovely,' the film plays with horror and charm, yet its message is heavier than in previous works. As Kim stated, "I wanted to create a film that is funny but not foolish," the comedy's exterior conceals a critique of contemporary issues. It sharply reflects the shadows of a crumbling educational system and the expanding private tutoring market, alongside the historical context of the 'Seodang Hunt' during the Japanese colonial period, aimed at undermining Korean education. The previous film, 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day,' attracted only 30,000 viewers, making a sequel unlikely. However, the audience breathed new life into this niche world. The film gained traction on OTT platforms as a 'Girls Night Movie,' forming a fanbase that spurred further production. 'Student Teaching' is essentially a response summoned by the audience. This sentiment resonates throughout the film. The portrayal of marginalized girls supporting each other mirrors how audiences have sustained this film series. The journey of these incomplete beings embracing one another as they navigate societal absurdities offers a comforting presence that surpasses hasty admonitions. The chemistry among the cast is also noteworthy. Han Sun-hwa, as Eun-kyung, effectively anchors the narrative. Having established a unique presence through dramas like 'Drinking City Women' and films such as 'First Ride' and 'Pilot,' she faithfully embodies Kim Min-ha's vision, creating a solid bridge between the audience and the work. The trio from 'Kuroi Sora'—Hong Ye-ji, Lee Yeo-reum, and Lee Hwa-won—along with Yoo Seon-ho as 'Idainashi,' also enhance audience immersion with their excellent character portrayals. 'Student Teaching' may not satisfy everyone. However, it relentlessly pursues its unique taste and ultimately garners a response. This stubborn sincerity becomes a gentle black magic that willingly offers companionship to all incomplete beings traversing their own tunnels. The film is set for a solo release at CGV on May 13, with a runtime of 94 minutes and a rating of 12 and older.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-13 18:38:59
  • CRAVITY: A Journey of Growth Through Change
    CRAVITY: A Journey of Growth Through Change Every day, dozens of songs and works are created. Music, drama, and films are introduced through countless media, but what reaches the public is often less than half. The artists who sing and act face similar challenges. Despite their exceptional talents, they are frequently undervalued or go unnoticed. Artist Spotlight is a segment dedicated to introducing artists from various fields and exploring their growth. It is also a heartfelt tribute to these artists. Editor’s Note"Where is the flower that blooms without shaking?"Every record of growth is completed through moments of instability. This has been true for the group CRAVITY as well. The nine boys who debuted in 2020 as 'super rookies' have now entered a phase of redefining themselves rather than following a path laid out by others. Their rebranding with 'Dare to Crave' signifies that change is not merely about adopting a new facade. It involves acknowledging their own 'cravings' and cautiously stepping toward their desires. After a period of running forward, CRAVITY finally looks back at 'themselves.' Instead of erasing their instability, they embrace it as part of their identity. 'ReDeFINE' represents the most honest present CRAVITY has reached.CRAVITY is a nine-member boy group under Starship Entertainment. The group's name combines 'Creativity' and 'Gravity,' symbolizing the synergy of diverse members coming together to draw fans into their unique world. They also express their ambition to become the 'Center of Gravity' in the K-pop scene. Following their second studio album 'Dare to Crave,' interpretations of the name have evolved to include 'Crave' and 'Gravity,' reflecting a deeper meaning that now encompasses their inner drive. CRAVITY's narrative has gradually expanded within their albums. Their debut series 'HIDEOUT' depicted boys stepping into an unfamiliar world, discovering each other, and uniting through empathy. Their first full album, 'The Awakening,' spoke of subsequent enlightenment and breakthroughs. Their determination to not be halted by external pressures was expressed in the energetic track 'Gas Pedal,' while 'LIBERTY: IN OUR COSMOS' expanded the story to one of reclaiming freedom and hope through darkness. Following this, 'NEW WAVE' and 'SUN SEEKER' further highlighted the energy of youth and the quest for individual paths. The boys who once sought freedom and hope in an unfamiliar world have now grown closer to a more realistic portrayal of youth.This narrative has also translated into their performances and achievements. Despite debuting during the pandemic, CRAVITY swept several rookie awards and expanded their fandom through their self-produced reality show 'CRAVITY Park,' showcasing their dynamics and relationships. Their victory in 'Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace,' their entry into a handball stadium five years after debut, and various performance awards demonstrate that they are not just a team that has endured but one that has proven itself through results. For CRAVITY, growth has been about enduring time and proving themselves on stage.The changes became particularly evident with their second studio album, 'Dare to Crave.' While previous works showcased the energy of boys racing toward an unfamiliar world, this album delves into the emotions that drive that energy. It centers on the cravings faced between escape and confrontation, capturing the desire to move forward even when one is unsure of what they want. All members participated in songwriting, and the introduction of unit formations marks a significant shift.This momentum continues through 'Dare to Crave: Epilogue' and into their eighth mini-album, 'ReDeFINE.' 'ReDeFINE' represents the most crucial present CRAVITY faces after rebranding. It tells the story of youth that acknowledges instability yet rises again. Rather than focusing on how to avoid falling, it illustrates how to rise after a fall, revealing where CRAVITY stands now and the mindset they carry toward the future.CRAVITY will continue to experience fluctuations in their journey. Nevertheless, they will not stop. Their ability to confront anxiety and find their place amid instability has shaped the CRAVITY we see today. 'ReDeFINE' is the album that best showcases this attitude. It reflects a present where they strive to maintain their identity even while navigating through uncertainty. Having traversed this journey, CRAVITY's current state has become even more complete. There is no flower that blooms without shaking. CRAVITY will ultimately embrace the next season.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 13:48:34
  • Foreign Films Dominate Box Office After Holiday Weekend
    Foreign Films Dominate Box Office After Holiday Weekend Despite the end of the holiday weekend, foreign films continued to perform strongly at the box office. During the weekend of May 8 to 10, "The Devil Wears Prada 2" and "Super Mario Galaxy" secured the top two spots, while the Korean horror film "Salmon" ranked third, maintaining its long-term success.According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system, "The Devil Wears Prada 2" was the top film of the weekend, attracting 195,514 viewers and bringing its total audience to 1,221,632.The sequel features the legendary fashion magazine editor Miranda and her former assistant Andy, who returns as a creative editor after 20 years. The film explores their reunion and the changing media landscape as they vie for dominance in the fashion industry. It has also been performing well internationally, having topped the North American box office for two consecutive weeks, with worldwide earnings exceeding $433.24 million, surpassing the first film's total of $326.58 million.In second place was "Super Mario Galaxy," which drew 184,014 viewers during the same period, bringing its cumulative audience to over 1.31 million. The film's success continued from the holiday weekend, appealing particularly to family audiences."Super Mario Galaxy" tells the story of brothers Mario and Luigi, who have grown from Brooklyn plumbers to heroes saving the world. In this installment, they embark on a new adventure to rescue Yoshi, who gets lost while on a mission in the Sand Kingdom. The film's family-friendly appeal has contributed to its steady audience flow during May, a month dedicated to families.Among Korean films, "Salmon" secured the third position, attracting 147,323 viewers from May 8 to 10, with a total audience of 3,022,847. Despite the strong performance of foreign films, it has consistently drawn viewers and continues to thrive at the box office."Salmon" is a horror film about a film crew that encounters something mysterious in a dark reservoir after capturing an unidentified shape on a road view. Directed by Lee Sang-min, it stars Kim Hye-yoon, Lee Jong-won, Kim Jun-han, Kim Young-sung, Oh Dong-min, Yoon Jae-chan, and Jang Da-ah. After surpassing the break-even point of 800,000 viewers shortly after its release, it crossed the 1 million mark within ten days and has since reached 3 million, thanks to positive word-of-mouth.This weekend's box office results reflect the continued momentum in theaters following the holiday season. "Super Mario Galaxy" and "The Devil Wears Prada 2" led the foreign film charge, while "Salmon" maintained its presence through strong word-of-mouth and sustained success.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 08:56:39
  • Director Lee Sang-yeob Reflects on Yumis Cells and Fan Support
    Director Lee Sang-yeob Reflects on 'Yumi's Cells' and Fan Support "The core of this story is empathy. Since Go Eun is a character who shares a similar life experience with Yumi, I wanted to maximize that connection. Yumi is a relatable character, like a younger sister you see around you. However, if you look closely, there are also shining aspects to her character that I wanted to highlight."'Yumi's Cells' tells the story of an ordinary woman, Yumi (played by Kim Go-eun), who experiences love and growth alongside her cells. Beginning with Season 1 in 2022 and culminating in Season 3 in 2026, the series has carefully chronicled Yumi's life and development.Director Lee Sang-yeob, known for his work on dramas such as 'Mr. Baek,' 'Shopping King Louie,' and 'My Love from the Star,' has guided 'Yumi's Cells' through all three seasons. After such a long journey, he expressed deep emotions about concluding the final season."It felt like finishing a big assignment. I worked hard, and it felt rewarding to hear that it was done well. As I wrapped up the final season, I felt quite emotional. The viewers seemed to share similar feelings, which made me realize I wasn't alone in that experience."Season 3 of 'Yumi's Cells' follows Yumi, now a successful writer, as an unexpected character enters her life, leading her to laugh, cry, and fall in love once more. While the original story includes characters Gu Woong, Yu Babi, and Shin Sun-rok, the drama focused on the narrative up to Season 2, resulting in some adaptations, including shifting some of Shin Sun-rok's episodes to Yu Babi (played by Park Jin-young)."When I first thought about what story to tell with this original work, I aimed to include Yumi's romance, love and breakup, and her growth as a writer. So, in Seasons 1 and 2, we focused on her relationship with Babi and her debut as a writer. At that time, I wasn't even thinking about Season 3. However, due to the overwhelming love for Seasons 1 and 2, we prepared for Season 3. I was quite anxious, thinking, 'What should I do?' and collaborated closely with the writer. Both of us are fans of the original work, so we pondered how to create a conclusion that everyone could accept, which led us to Season 3."In Season 3, the romance between Yumi and Sun-rok is restructured around a so-called 'hate-love' dynamic, with a more significant age gap between the two characters than in the original work."In the original, Yumi and Sun-rok's relationship has many sweet moments, but the conflicts are relatively minor. However, for the drama to be engaging, there needs to be a clear progression of conflict. So, we introduced the 'hate-love' concept. As a successful writer, Yumi develops a crush on Sun-rok, and I thought it would be interesting to have some barriers in her feelings. By increasing the age gap, it allows Yumi to naturally question whether it's okay for her to have feelings for him. We made these changes to enhance the drama, and I was a bit surprised by how well it was received."The casting of Kim Jae-won as Shin Sun-rok generated significant interest. In the original, Shin Sun-rok plays a crucial role in Yumi's final romance and marriage narrative, making him a central figure in Season 3."During the audition, I immediately felt he was 'Sun-rok.' Since it was a meeting with both the writer and me, Jae-won, as a newcomer, was understandably nervous, but he tried hard not to show it. That effort made him seem even more like Sun-rok. He wore a thick suit, like armor, and sat neatly, which reflected Sun-rok's character. He looked both cute and impressive. I thought he could definitely pull it off."Yumi's love interests have varied each season. After Gu Woong and Yu Babi, Season 3 introduces Shin Sun-rok, with the production team emphasizing the chemistry that arises when Yumi connects with her partners, as much as the fidelity to the original work."I believe Yumi looks good with tall men. Jae-won's dark, clear eyes also match the webtoon image well. Most importantly, I thought their two-shot would be beautiful. During the first meeting, I felt relieved and thought, 'Thank goodness, he can do this well.'"Reflecting on Yumi in Season 3, Director Lee Sang-yeob praised Kim Go-eun, who has been with the series throughout all three seasons. He noted that she continues to exceed expectations. Particularly, Yumi's character, starting the season as a successful writer with a sense of ease and ennui, aligns well with the experiences Kim Go-eun has gained as an actress over time."She is such a talented actress. Even in Seasons 1 and 2, she consistently delivered more than I expected. I often found myself chuckling while monitoring her performances. In Season 3, Yumi begins with a sense of ease as a successful writer. That aligns perfectly with the diverse roles Kim Go-eun has taken on and the experiences she has accumulated. She expressed Yumi's feelings of ennui and limitations as a successful writer exceptionally well."Director Lee Sang-yeob believes Yumi's charm lies in her relatability rather than glamour. She is a character who seems like someone you could meet in everyday life, but if you look closer, you find something special. He noted that Kim Go-eun captures this essence beautifully."Yumi's greatest strength is that she appears ordinary, yet shines when you look deeper. We all encounter people in our daily lives who are striving in their own ways. This aspect was crucial in the original work, and I wanted to ensure it was well-represented in the drama. During our preparations, we discussed the importance of contemporary empathy. We aimed to highlight relatable aspects of characters living in a similar era, and Kim Go-eun executed that brilliantly."The combination of live-action and animation is another distinctive feature of 'Yumi's Cells.' As the seasons progressed, the technical quality and detail of the animation improved."Rather than just increasing the scale, I think the details have improved. For instance, the scene where Yumi's town experiences a flood shows a significant evolution in the water effects from Season 1 to Season 3. Water animation is quite challenging, but we've reached a point where we can implement it effectively. The fire effects are also difficult, but we can now create them more realistically. The heart fever scenes have become much more vibrant, thanks to technological advancements and accumulated know-how."The final wedding scene is significant for fans of the original work. Director Lee Sang-yeob, also a fan, wanted to capture this moment faithfully. He aimed to preserve the original imagery as much as possible, and in doing so, he found himself expressing his own fan sentiments."As a fan of the original, this was a scene I really wanted to include. The original writer had written a scene that I aimed to replicate as closely as possible. There is a scene in front of the curtain, and while it was challenging to make it exactly the same due to the wedding venue's structure, I made some adjustments to the background while still channeling my fan enthusiasm. After finishing, I felt relieved and somewhat like I was marrying off a younger sister. I genuinely hoped Yumi would be happy."Throughout the three seasons, Yumi has been accompanied by Gu Woong, Yu Babi, and Shin Sun-rok. Director Lee noted that each character has its own strengths and significance. He explained that Yumi's growth was completed through her relationships with these characters."I think the feelings we invest in characters are all similar. From a directing perspective, Woong was the most sympathetic character, while Babi was perfect but had a fatal flaw. However, he was also someone who supported Yumi's journey as a writer, which deserves praise. I envisioned Sun-rok as a boyfriend who would bring excitement. After experiencing anxious relationships in her twenties, I wanted him to be someone Yumi could feel secure with. I believe that Woong and Babi's presence made Sun-rok possible. The ability to explore various romantic experiences and growth is one of the strengths of 'Yumi's Cells.'"The success of Season 3 was largely due to the support of fans. In his closing remarks, Director Lee expressed gratitude to the viewers who have supported Yumi throughout her journey."Season 3 would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of fans who loved Seasons 1 and 2. I believe the fans raised Yumi. Thank you for cheering us on and being with us until the end."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 04:22:40
  • Salmons Eye Surpasses 3 Million Viewers, Becomes Second-Biggest Korean Horror Film
    'Salmon's Eye' Surpasses 3 Million Viewers, Becomes Second-Biggest Korean Horror Film The film 'Salmon's Eye' has surpassed 3 million viewers, making it the second-highest-grossing horror film in South Korea's box office history. According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system, 'Salmon's Eye' exceeded 3 million viewers as of the afternoon of May 10. This achievement surpasses the record set by the 2018 film 'Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum,' which previously held the second spot. 'Salmon's Eye' quickly gained traction after exceeding its break-even point of 800,000 viewers shortly after its release, reaching 1 million viewers within just ten days. The film continued to attract audiences steadily, ultimately reaching the milestone of 3 million viewers. The horror film depicts a filming crew that encounters something dark and mysterious in a reservoir after capturing an unidentified figure on a road view. Directed by Lee Sang-min, the film has garnered attention as an immersive horror experience. Director Lee Sang-min expressed his gratitude through the film's distributor, Showbox. He stated, "Recently, I've been enjoying doing things I've always wanted to do, like spending the whole day reading at the library, watching movies I've wanted to see, or reading comics at a bookstore. I also traveled with friends not long ago. I love walking, and the nice weather has allowed me to enjoy long walks lately." He also thanked the audience, saying, "As with any film, especially horror, I believe it is completed thanks to the viewers who experience it together in theaters and scream along with us. I sincerely thank all the viewers who helped complete 'Salmon's Eye' and supported Team 'Salmon's Eye.'" Since its release, 'Salmon's Eye' has gained popularity as an experiential horror film, showcasing the strength of Korean horror cinema by surpassing the break-even point and attracting 3 million viewers this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 03:45:58