Tag: South Korea

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 16, 2026

Busan Film Festival Records Massive Crowds Amid Political Debates

The 31st Busan International Film Festival drew record-breaking audiences, marking its highest attendance since 2015. However, the event was also overshadowed by political controversies involving a local box office hit and an Iranian director's speech. Alongside the screenings, the Asian Contents & Film Market saw robust growth in participants and international pavilions, highlighting the resilience and expanding reach of Asian cinema despite ongoing funding hurdles.

Busan International Film FestivalACFMAsian CinemaFilm MarketsSouth Korea

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 12, 2026

Anime Feature 'Chiikawa' Tops South Korean Box Office

The Japanese animated fantasy 'Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island' claimed the top spot at the South Korean box office over the weekend of October 9–11. It narrowly edged out the local political thriller 'The Assassin(s)' in a razor-thin admissions contest. Distributed by Toho and directed by Kei Oikawa, the anime generated $3.13 million from 407,895 admissions. Meanwhile, the controversial period drama 'The Assassin(s)' secured second place by a margin of just 215 tickets.

Box OfficeChiikawaSouth KoreaAnimeThe Assassins

Businessglobal-economyOct 11, 2026

South Korea completes trial of Arctic shipping route

South Korea has successfully completed a trial voyage of a container ship through the Arctic shipping route. The test was conducted to explore alternative maritime paths opened by melting sea ice. This development comes as geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, continue to disrupt traditional global shipping lanes and supply chains.

South KoreaArcticShippingGlobal TradeClimate Change

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 11, 2026

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Tops Korea Box Office

Christopher Nolan’s latest cinematic achievement, "The Odyssey," has officially surpassed James Cameron’s "Avatar: The Way of Water" in local-currency terms. This milestone makes it the highest-grossing international release in South Korean box office history. The film accumulated KRW139.2 billion, roughly translating to $101.5 million, as of October 11. It has also achieved massive admissions numbers, pulling in 12 million moviegoers, which accounts for about 24% of the entire South Korean population.

Christopher NolanThe OdysseyBox OfficeSouth KoreaAvatar

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 10, 2026

Netflix: 67% of Surveyed Members Want to Visit South Korea

A recent Netflix survey reveals that 67% of international respondents want to visit South Korea, largely driven by the captivating stories set in the country. Speaking at the Busan Creative Asia event, Netflix's Sung Q Lee emphasized that this tourism boom is rooted in narrative connection rather than scenery alone.

NetflixSouth KoreaBusanTourismStreaming

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 9, 2026

UTA and Gold House Partner to Build Asia-Hollywood Bridge

United Talent Agency (UTA) and the Asian Pacific advocacy group Gold House are joining forces in South Korea. The partnership marks Gold House's official entry into the Korean market, aiming to connect Asian creatives and investors with Hollywood. The collaboration kicks off at the Busan International Film Festival with industry events and panels. Leaders from both organizations emphasize authenticity and cross-border partnership as key drivers for future media projects.

UTAGold HouseBusan International Film FestivalHollywoodSouth Korea

WorlddiplomacyOct 8, 2026

South Korea recalls Ukraine envoy over prisoner-of-war row

South Korea has decided to recall its ambassador to Ukraine amid a growing diplomatic dispute. The escalation follows Kyiv's public disclosure regarding the transfer of captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul. The friction began when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the transfer. Seoul argues this breached a confidentiality agreement, a claim that Ukrainian officials strongly deny.

South KoreaUkraineNorth KoreaDiplomacyPrisoners of War

SportsfootballOct 7, 2026

South Korea to review military service exemption after Asian Games

South Korea is currently engaged in discussions regarding potential changes to military service exemptions for athletes. This move comes in the wake of a recent controversy that arose during the Asian Games. The policy currently allows successful athletes to bypass standard military service, but debates have intensified over fairness and transparency.

South KoreaMilitary ExemptionAsian GamesFootballSports Policy

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 7, 2026

Singapore Film Festival Keeps 'The Assassin(s)' Amid Korean Backlash

The Singapore International Film Festival has announced it will proceed with Hur Jin-ho's "The Assassin(s)" as its opening film. This decision comes shortly after all 109 lawmakers from South Korea's conservative People Power Party formally requested the withdrawal of the movie. Despite the political pressure and domestic controversy in South Korea, the festival defended its independent curatorial process. Organizers emphasized the film's artistic merit and noted that the filmmakers describe the work as an imagined story rather than a political agenda.

Singapore Film FestivalThe Assassin(s)Hur Jin-hoSouth KoreaPeople Power Party

Sportsother-sportsOct 6, 2026

South Korea captain apologises for gloating over military exemption

South Korea football captain Lee Gi-hyuk has issued a formal apology following public backlash over comments he made regarding his exemption from mandatory military service. The remarks were perceived as insensitive in a nation where military duty is a deeply ingrained social obligation. Lee expressed regret for his behavior, acknowledging that his gloating caused offense to the public and his fellow citizens. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the privileges afforded to elite athletes and the expectations placed upon them by society.

South KoreaFootballMilitary ServiceLee Gi-hyukSports Ethics

SportsfootballOct 6, 2026

Captain apologises for gloating over military service exemption

South Korea football captain Lee Gi-hyuk has issued a public apology after facing heavy backlash for gloating about avoiding the country's mandatory military service. The controversy arose after Lee successfully led his national team to secure the football gold medal at the Asian Games, an achievement that traditionally grants an exemption from standard military duties. The player's remarks sparked widespread public criticism in a society where military conscription is viewed as a serious civic duty, prompting his swift retraction and apology.

South KoreaFootballMilitary ServiceAsian GamesLee Gi-hyuk

Entertainmentfilm-tvOct 5, 2026

Korean Directors Guild Defends 'The Assassin(s)' Amid Controversy

The Directors Guild of Korea (DGK) has issued a strong statement supporting the filmmakers behind the box office hit 'The Assassin(s)'. The film, which explores the 1974 assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo, has faced intense backlash from conservative politicians and online critics who accuse it of historical distortion. The DGK argues that the criticism has crossed the line into personal attacks and harassment against the cast and crew. While acknowledging that films are subject to public opinion, the guild emphasizes that creators should not face threats to their livelihoods or personal safety due to their artistic choices.

South KoreaCinemaCensorshipDirectors Guild of KoreaThe Assassin(s)