Film “The Priests” is still hot in box-office

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• Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan Star in 'Heavy Snow' Amidst Korean Film Crisis The Korean film industry is experiencing a downturn, with the long-running Japanese animation 'Chiikawa' dominating the box office. In this context, the film 'Heavy Snow,' starring Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan, aims to attract audiences. The synergy between the two actors, set against a confined backdrop, raises hopes that it could revive the struggling Korean cinema.On November 12, a press screening and conference for 'Heavy Snow' took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul. Director Hong Ui-jung, along with actors Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan, shared various insights about the film.'Heavy Snow' is a mystery drama set in a rural train station isolated by heavy snowfall. It follows the story of Gapsu (played by Yoon Seok), a stationmaster nearing retirement, and his new subordinate Hyun-taek (played by Koo Kyo-hwan), who discover a mysterious corpse. Director Hong, recognized for his unique directorial style in his previous work 'Silently,' weaves suspense and humor into this strange incident occurring in a disconnected space.Initially, director Park Sun-woo was set to helm 'Heavy Snow,' but he had to step down due to health reasons early in production. Hong Ui-jung, who garnered acclaim for 'Silently,' took over the project. Despite the unexpected change, he was drawn to the script's appeal and his strong confidence in the two lead actors.Hong explained, "After director Park stepped down, I received a good offer. I made adjustments to the script and took over directing until the end. This script had been with my production company since my first film, and I had previously provided feedback on it, finding it intriguing as it is based on a play. The script's allure was significant, but more importantly, I joined without hesitation because of Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan's involvement."Yoon Seok, a prominent figure in Chungmuro, plays Gapsu, the stationmaster who has dedicated his life to the station. He portrays the character's complex inner struggles, from the fatigue of a father nearing retirement to the turmoil faced in the wake of the mysterious incident.Yoon stated, "In simple terms, this film encapsulates the story of those who leave and those who stay. It reflects the narratives of the new generation and the older generation, and ultimately, it can be seen as a story between a father and son. I believe Gapsu's feelings are encapsulated in the final line of the film. It suggests that this is not just an individual issue but could also reflect societal problems we continuously confront."Anticipation is high for the explosive acting synergy between Yoon Seok and Koo Kyo-hwan, who reunite after their collaboration in 'Mogadishu.' Yoon praised Koo, who plays the secretive Hyun-taek, saying, "He appears calm in everyday life, but when he stands in front of the camera, he exudes an overwhelming energy. There was a thrilling sensation conveyed through Koo's gaze and body language, like a dagger to the heart. I felt fortunate to work with such a talented actor again in this project."Koo Kyo-hwan expressed deep respect and trust for his senior, Yoon Seok. He noted that despite the pressure of the confined thriller setting, Yoon's strong lead allowed him to freely explore his acting creativity.Koo remarked, "Every moment of his performance is awe-inspiring. There’s a long monologue in the film that put a lot of pressure on me, but I vividly remember him encouraging me, saying, 'Let's keep going. Today is your day.' He was a tremendous support and a great senior to me."Despite the tense atmosphere of the film, the press conference showcased the unique chemistry between the two actors, filled with light-hearted banter. Yoon, known for his successful 'bromance' collaborations with younger male actors, humorously responded to a question about his dynamic with Koo, saying, "I'm currently filming another series where I'm doing a bromance with Kim Seon-ho... but here, without a doubt, Koo Kyo-hwan is number one. Next is Kim Seon-ho."A defining feature of 'Heavy Snow' is its setting in the isolated 'Seol-o Station,' completely cut off from the outside world due to heavy snowfall. While such a theatrical and closed environment can pose challenges for a director, Hong utilized it as an optimal stage to showcase the pure acting abilities of both actors.Hong noted, "Filming in a confined space allowed us to witness the incredible synergy between the two actors. Even with many ideas, we could incorporate them into the script positively and naturally without altering the story's core, which I consider the film's greatest blessing."While the film is rooted in the thriller genre, it is enriched by unexpected and ironic humor scattered throughout, enhancing its appeal. Having previously established a unique tone and manner by playfully twisting heavy themes in his earlier work, Hong adeptly captures the peculiar nature of humanity in extreme situations in this film.Hong expressed his interest in the 'human responses' that emerge in dire circumstances. He described reactions like swatting a mosquito even in the midst of committing a horrific act. He expressed satisfaction that both actors understood and maximized this directorial approach.As the press conference concluded, the director and actors shared heartfelt messages for prospective audiences ahead of the film's release.Hong said, "This film changes the audience's perspective based on how they view each character. I hope viewers enjoy this delightful confusion with a joyful and positive mindset."Yoon quoted a director from his theater days, saying, "It cannot be boring to see a living person move on stage. If it is boring, then the approach itself is wrong. If 'Heavy Snow' can properly illuminate and convey the strong yet sometimes weak aspects of humanity, I would be very satisfied."Koo added, "If I were an audience member, I would have immediately looked for reviews after leaving the theater. I would be curious about how others interpreted this story. It's a film that stimulates the audience's imagination and encourages a lot of discussion."'Heavy Snow' is set to be released in theaters nationwide on November 18.* This article has been translated by AI.
• Low-budget South Korean film set for wider overseas theatrical release Courtesy of Barunson E&A SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - Low-budget film "The World of Love" is set to expand its theatrical release overseas after successful runs in several Asian and European countries. According to its distributor Barunson E&A on Wednesday, the 119-minute film directed by Yoon Ga-eun is scheduled to open in the U.K. this month and Japan next month, followed by a wider release across North America. The upcoming releases follow impressive theatrical runs in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and France earlier this year, with the film remaining in theaters for several weeks. "The World of Love" attracted 210,000 moviegoers when it was released here in October last year, an impressive feat for a low-budget film. The film has also gained critical acclaim, receiving invitations to more than 40 film festivals worldwide. It became the first South Korean film selected to compete in the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)'s Platform section last fall. It also went on to win several awards including two at the 9th Pingyao International Film Festival in China in September, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) award at the 41st Warsaw International Film Festival in Poland in October, and the top prize at the 47th Nantes Three Continents Festival in France in November. "The World of Love" revolves around a teenage girl who becomes isolated and ostracized after refusing to participate in a school-wide petition.
• Box Office Update: 'Assassins' Leads Korean Film Competition During Chuseok 올 추석 극장가에서 한국영화 세 편이 흥행 경쟁을 벌인 가운데 허진호 감독의 '암살자(들)'이 초반 승기를 잡았다. 같은 날 개봉한 '타짜: 벨제붑의 노래'가 뒤를 쫓고, 한 주 먼저 관객과 만난 '인턴'도 꾸준히 관객을 모으고 있다. 천만 영화 '오디세이'가 장기 흥행을 이어가는 상황에서 서로 다른 장르를 내세운 한국영화 세 편의 성적에 관심이 쏠린다.영화진흥위원회 영화관입장권 통합전산망에 따르면 '암살자(들)'은 추석 연휴인 지난 24일부터 26일까지 사흘간 114만7091명을 동원하며 전체 박스오피스 1위를 지켰다. 지난 23일 개봉한 이 작품은 4일 만에 누적 관객 130만5677명을 기록하며 올해 추석 개봉작 가운데 가장 먼저 100만 고지를 밟았다.일일 관객 수도 꾸준히 늘었다. 연휴 첫날인 24일 28만8480명을 동원한 데 이어 25일 42만6259명, 26일 43만2352명을 모았다. 개봉 첫날부터 박스오피스 정상을 차지한 뒤 연휴 내내 선두를 유지하며 경쟁작들과의 격차를 벌렸다.'암살자(들)'은 1974년 8월 15일 발생한 영부인 저격 사건의 의혹과 배후를 추적하는 미스터리 영화다. 허진호 감독이 연출을 맡고 유해진, 박해일, 이민호가 주연을 맡았다. 실제 역사적 사건에 영화적 상상력을 더한 이야기와 배우들의 연기를 앞세워 추석 관객을 공략했다. 제51회 토론토국제영화제 갈라 섹션에 공식 초청되며 개봉 전부터 관심을 모은 작품이기도 하다.'암살자(들)'의 뒤를 쫓는 작품은 최국희 감독의 '타짜: 벨제붑의 노래'다. 연휴 사흘간 54만593명을 동원하며 전체 박스오피스 2위를 유지했다. 24일 14만3957명으로 출발해 25일 18만1738명, 26일 21만4898명으로 관객 수를 늘렸다. 누적 관객은 66만3140명이다.특히 청소년 관람불가 등급에도 높은 좌석판매율을 기록했다. 배급사에 따르면 지난 26일 '타짜: 벨제붑의 노래'의 좌석판매율은 52.9%였다. 관람 연령에 제한이 있는 데다 '암살자(들)'과 같은 날 개봉했지만, 연휴 기간 일일 관객 수를 꾸준히 늘리며 추격을 이어가고 있다.'타짜: 벨제붑의 노래'는 허영만 원작 만화 '타짜' 시리즈의 마지막 편이자 영화 '타짜' 시리즈 20주년을 마무리하는 작품이다. 온라인 카지노 사업으로 성공한 장태영(변요한)이 자신의 모든 것을 빼앗은 동명이인의 절친 박태영(노재원)과 글로벌 도박판에서 다시 만나 벌이는 복수극을 그린다. 기존 시리즈의 인지도와 범죄 오락 장르의 특성을 앞세워 관객 확보에 나섰다.두 신작의 공세 속에서도 '인턴'은 꾸준히 관객을 모았다. 지난 16일 개봉한 '인턴'은 연휴 사흘간 21만1680명을 동원하며 전체 박스오피스 4위를 유지했다. 24일 5만5125명, 25일 7만7900명, 26일 7만8655명을 기록했다. 누적 관객은 70만6267명이다.김도영 감독의 '인턴'은 동명의 할리우드 영화를 한국 정서에 맞게 리메이크한 작품이다. 패션업계에서 회사를 이끄는 젊은 최고경영자(CEO) 선우(한소희 분)와 경력 37년 차 실버 인턴 기호(최민식 분)의 오피스 생활을 그린다. 역사적 사건을 소재로 한 미스터리와 청소년 관람불가 범죄영화가 상위권에서 경쟁하는 가운데 세대 간 관계와 공감을 앞세워 관객들과 만나고 있다.추석 극장가의 흥행 격차도 뚜렷해졌다. 연휴 사흘간 '암살자(들)'이 '타짜: 벨제붑의 노래'보다 60만명 이상 많은 관객을 모으며 선두를 차지했다. 다만 '타짜: 벨제붑의 노래' 역시 일일 관객 수가 증가하고 있어 두 작품의 경쟁이 연휴 이후에도 이어질지 관심이 모인다. '인턴'은 두 작품에 비해 관객 동원 규모가 작지만 먼저 개봉한 작품으로서 일정한 수요를 유지하고 있다.장기 흥행 중인 외화도 변수다. 지난달 5일 개봉한 '오디세이'는 26일 하루 14만2224명을 동원하며 전체 박스오피스 3위를 지켰다. 누적 관객은 1169만1832명이다. 한국영화 신작들이 연휴 극장가의 상위권에 진입한 가운데 '오디세이'도 여전히 관객을 모으고 있는 셈이다.연휴 초반 관객의 선택은 '암살자(들)'로 기울었다. '타짜: 벨제붑의 노래'는 일일 관객 수를 늘리며 추격하고 있고, '인턴'도 신작들과의 경쟁 속에서 관객을 모으고 있다. 역사 미스터리와 범죄 오락물, 세대 공감 드라마라는 서로 다른 장르가 맞붙은 이번 추석 극장가에서 연휴 이후 흥행 격차가 어떻게 달라질지가 남은 관전 포인트다.* This article has been translated by AI.