What happens when you‘re the only person who’s read an obscure web novel, and then its story becomes reality? That mind-bending premise drives “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet,” this summer’s most ambitious tentpole in local theatres, built on a web comic juggernaut that‘s amassed over 425 million views worldwide since its launch in 2020. Adapted from the smash hit web novel "Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint" which first launched in 2018 and later spawned the comic, the film has everything riding on

The Sewol Ferry disaster of 2014 remains one of Korea’s most deeply felt national tragedies. While public attention has long focused on those who were on board, the stories of civilian divers who risked their lives to recover victims' bodies have largely remained in the background. "Sea Tiger," Jung Yoon-chul’s (“Marathon,” “A Man Who Was Superman”) first film in eight years, brings those overlooked narratives to the fore through an experimental approach that strips cinema down to its theatrical

"How to Train Your Dragon" (US) Opened June 6 Fantasy/Adventure Directed by Dean DeBlois Hiccup (Mason Thames), a Viking chief's son, befriends a feared dragon and challenges his village's traditions in this live-action remake of the 2010 animated film. "The Pact" (South Korea) Opened June 2 Drama/Thriller Directed by Kim Nam-Kyun An investigative journalist uncovers the dark influence of a mysterious woman (Kim Gyu-ri) who uses occult practices to control South Korea's political elite. "Hi-Five

At 35, Cha Hak-yeon still carries the youthful spark that gave him a commanding presence in Vixx a decade ago. Turn back the clock to the days of the group's greatest hits, like "Voodoo Doll" and "Error," and that same electrifying energy, now channeled with more restraint, powers his transition from K-pop idol to seasoned actor. While fans may still remember him as the boy band's charismatic leader and main dancer, N, Cha has spent nearly a decade building his acting chops across television. Mo

Korean comedy "Hi-Five" crossed one million admissions on Saturday, marking a milestone for local cinema amid generally favorable but mixed audience reactions. According to the Korean Film Council's latest box office data, the superhero comedy reached 1,040,358 total admissions as of Saturday evening, hitting the benchmark nine days after its May 30 release. The film ranked second in daily ticket sales with 134,333 admissions, trailing only the Hollywood live-action remake "How to Train Your Dra

South Korea’s flagship web comic showcase is returning for a second year — this time, on a larger scale. As with last year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will host the event, with the Korea Creative Content Agency overseeing operations. The 2025 World Webtoon Festival will take place Oct. 19–22 at the sprawling Lotte World Mall complex in Songpa-gu, Seoul, a 244,000-square-meter mixed-use development. The new venue marks a shift from last year’s boutique setup in Seongsu-dong to on

"The Old Woman with the Knife" by Gu Byeong-mo follows a female assassin nearing the end of her career — a striking and compelling premise that has proven irresistible for adaptation. The hardboiled Korean action-thriller novel, originally published in 2018, was reimagined as a musical last year and its film adaptation premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. It follows the story of Hornclaw (played by Lee Hye-young), a 65-year-old assassin whose age is beginning to catch up wit

The Korea International Ocean Film Festival is running for the eighth time from June 19-22 at Busan Cinema Center. Co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and the Korea Ocean Business Corp., with support from the International Ocean Film Foundation, this year’s festival brings together 33 films from 10 countries under the theme “Where the Sea Touches Us.” "Her Shark Story," directed by Ignacio Walker and Denis Arqueros, opens the festival on June 19 at 6 p.m. The documentary follows marine biologis

Actor Lee Byung-hun will lend his voice to Charles Dickens in the Korean dubbing of "The King of Kings," joining a star-studded cast for the animated film that has become the highest-grossing Korean production in US box office history. Thursday's cast announcement by Mofac Studio revealed Jin Sun-kyu as Jesus, Lee Ha-nee as Catherine Dickens alongside Lee and Yang Dong-geun as Peter. Veteran actors Cha In-pyo (Pontius Pilate), Kwon Oh-joong (King Herod), and Jang Gwang (High Priest Caiaphas) rou

"The Pact" (South Korea) Opened June 2 Drama/Thriller Directed by Kim Nam-Kyun An investigative journalist uncovers the dark influence of a mysterious woman (Kim Gyu-ri) who uses occult practices to control South Korea's political elite. "Hi-Five" (South Korea) Opened May 30 Action/Comedy Directed by Kang Hyung-cheol Five individuals (Lee Jae-in, Ahn Jae-hong, Ra Mi-ran, Kim Hee-won, Yoo Ah-in) develop superpowers after receiving organ transplants from a psychic donor. Now, they must defend them

South Korea just wrapped up a snap presidential election that saw opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung claim victory after months of political turmoil sparked by his predecessor's botched martial law gambit. Which makes this the perfect moment to dive into Korean cinema's rich catalog of films about political ambition, the seductive allure of power, and the moral compromises that define public life. From smoke-filled campaign war rooms to ancient royal courts, These three standout dramas offer eng

On the eve of South Korea's presidential election, an unlikely contender has made waves at the box office. "The Pact" — a darkly provocative occult thriller — claimed second place in nationwide ticket sales Monday, an unexpected showing for a low-budget production with a partisan political agenda. According to the Korean Film Council's latest box office data, "The Pact" drew 60,140 viewers on its opening day Monday, narrowly edging out $400 million Hollywood juggernaut "Mission: Impossible — Fin

Actor-producer Ma Dong-seok's occult action film "Holy Night: Demon Hunters" has been selected for screening at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival's Midnight Fantasy section, distributor Lotte Entertainment announced Tuesday. One of China's major cinema events, the Shanghai International Film Festival is the only Chinese festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations. "The Wailing" (2016), "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" (2018), "The Roundup: Punishment"

"I thought they had made a mistake -- they know I don't speak Korean, they know I'm not Korean, so why would I ever be in a Korean movie?" Byron Mann recalls his initial reaction when his manager called about the offer in 2023. The Hong Kong-born, 58-year-old Hollywood veteran thought someone had their wires crossed. He wasn't wrong to be confused. While Mann had seen a couple of Korean movies before, most memorably "Parasite," the country itself was still pretty much a mystery to him. So much s

South Korean action comedy "Hi-Five" seized the top spot at the local weekend box office, unseating the latest "Mission: Impossible" installment, data showed Monday. According to the Korean Film Council, the comedy movie, directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol, drew approximately 380,000 moviegoers from Friday to Sunday. Premiering Friday, the movie follows five ordinary people whose lives take a dramatic turn after receiving organ transplants. "Hi-Five" ended the reign of "Mission: Impossible -- The Fin