Hollywood Strikes Back as Korean Cinema Maintains Strong Momentum

[Anchor]

This year, Korean cinema has been on a remarkable run, led by hits such as "The King and the Man." However, starting this week, Hollywood is set to challenge that dominance with its own brand of familiar blockbusters.

Reporter Lee Joo-hyoung has the story.

[Reporter]

South Korea remains one of the few countries where domestic films have not been overshadowed by Hollywood productions.

In particular, as the film market shows signs of recovery this year, four of the top five box-office hits are Korean films.

The market share for the first half of the year is more than double that of Hollywood films, marking the highest level in the past decade.

Even global hits like "Super Mario," which has grossed over 1 trillion won worldwide, and "Michael," the second-highest earner, have only managed to draw about 1.5 million viewers each in Korea.

However, Hollywood is knocking on the door of the Korean market again starting this week with a wave of blockbusters.

The charge is led by "Disclosure Day," the latest film from legendary blockbuster director Steven Spielberg.

Having shown an interest in extraterrestrial civilizations since "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "E.T.," the master director poses chilling questions amidst a chase between those trying to hide the existence of aliens and those attempting to expose them.

[Steven Spielberg / Director: "I believe much more now than when I made 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1982) that we are not the only intelligent civilization in the universe."]

A scene where the protagonist suddenly speaks Korean due to the alien's supernatural powers is also quite impressive.

["That can be justified..."]

"Toy Story," the pioneer of 100% CG-animated 3D films, also returns with its fifth installment.

Thirty-one years have passed since the first film, and the toys' greatest adversary is no longer another doll, but a tablet device.

Through the bickering between digital devices and analog dolls, the film showcases Pixar's signature witty and heartwarming style, satirizing modern society.

In addition, "Supergirl," a live-action film featuring the female superhero from DC Comics—a rival to Marvel—will be released next week for the first time in 42 years. Also coming soon is the much-talked-about film "Marty Supreme," starring global Gen-Z star Timothée Chalamet, who reportedly practiced table tennis for six years to deliver the performance of a lifetime.

Amidst the rapid rise of Korean cinema and Hollywood's pursuit, the theater industry is wrapping up the first half of the year and heading toward the summer season, traditionally the biggest battleground for films.

Reported by Lee Joo-hyoung | Video by Ahn Yeo-jin | Graphics by Hwang Se-yeon | VJ by Oh Se-gwan
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.