As foreign films like 'Odyssey,' which surpassed 10 million viewers, and the long-running 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' dominate the box office, three major Korean films are set to compete this Chuseok holiday. These films, ranging from a family-friendly K-office human drama to a heavy historical mystery thriller and the final chapter of a 20-year crime franchise, are poised to create a fierce three-way battle.
The first film to hit theaters on September 16 is 'Intern.' This movie is a perfect reinterpretation of a Hollywood classic through a Korean lens. It tells the story of 'Sun-woo' (played by Han So-hee), a workaholic CEO who hires 'Gi-ho' (played by Min-sik Choi), a silver intern with 37 years of experience, leading to a generational clash in the office.
The fresh pairing of legendary actor Min-sik Choi and MZ icon Han So-hee is a highlight. Despite their contrasting personalities, they share experiences that create a delightful synergy. The cast also includes strong performances from Kim Jun-han, Ryu Hye-young, and Kim Geum-soon, who portray relatable K-office workers. Director Kim Do-young, known for his ability to resonate with audiences in films like 'Kim Ji-young: Born 1982' and 'If We,' maintains the original's warm healing message while cleverly incorporating Korean workplace culture and the language of the MZ generation. The film is expected to be a heartwarming holiday movie suitable for the whole family.
Following that, on September 23, a heavy historical drama and a flashy entertainment film will be released simultaneously. The film 'Assassins' is a high-density mystery thriller that investigates the shocking assassination attempt on the First Lady on August 15, 1974, and the suspicions surrounding it.
Starring top Korean actor Hae-jin Yoo, along with Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho, the film promises an overwhelming ensemble performance. They portray characters in different roles—'Cheol-gu,' a detective in charge of on-site security; 'Jae-hwan,' the head of the social department at a newspaper; and 'Young-il,' a rookie reporter—each pursuing the truth of the incident from their unique perspectives. The cast is further strengthened by the addition of Bae Sung-woo, Uhm Ji-won, Park Ji-hwan, and special appearances by Oh Jung-se and Jung Woo-sung, creating a solid lineup.
The production team is equally impressive. Highb Media Corp, known for 'Seoul's Spring,' collaborates with director Heo Jin-ho, along with top-notch staff like cinematographer Imo-gae and art director Kim Byeong-han. They have meticulously recreated the atmosphere of the 1970s by using actual locations from that era and ensuring accurate props, even checking the number of digits in phone numbers. The film has been officially invited to the Gala section of the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, recognizing its artistic merit.
Also releasing on the same day (September 23) is the highly anticipated 'Tazza' series, which celebrates its 20th anniversary with a grand finale. 'Tazza: Song of Belphegor' follows friends Jang Tae-young (played by Byun Yo-han) and Park Tae-young (played by Noh Jae-won) as they reunite in the global gambling scene, entangled in an online casino business, leading to a fierce revenge plot.
This film, based on the fourth installment 'Song of Belphegor,' which fans consider the best, marks the series' first global shoot across Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. The film expands its scale by moving between urban and rural areas in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and has been meticulously designed to maximize realism, with all gambling scenes crafted to be plausible 'hold'em' games, following thorough checks by professional poker players. The rivalry between Byun Yo-han and Noh Jae-won is central to the story, complemented by a talented cast including Ayaka Miyoshi, Tsuyoshi Ihara, and trusted actors like Jo Woo-jin and Yoon Kyung-ho. Directed by Choi Kook-hee, known for 'The Day of the National Bankruptcy,' the film delves deeply into the characters' desires and natures, marking a spectacular conclusion to a 20-year journey.
As three major Korean films prepare to enter the domestic box office, which has been dominated by foreign films, all eyes are on who will claim the top spot this Chuseok holiday.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.