Christopher Nolan's film 'Odyssey' has been a hot topic in theaters this year. Within 33 days of its release, it attracted over 10 million viewers and became embroiled in a ticket scalping controversy, with IMAX tickets selling for around 100,000 won. Amid allegations of automated ticket purchasing, CGV limited the number of tickets one person could buy, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced plans to expedite legal revisions to combat ticket scalping.
A friend of mine ultimately did not get to see 'Odyssey.' Hoping for a proper viewing experience, they checked the CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall IMAX theater, known as 'Yongamx,' for over two months but could not secure a ticket. They expressed disappointment at missing out on the film.
This raises a fundamental question: If so many people want to see it, why not keep it in theaters longer?
In short, it could not remain. 'Odyssey' was pulled from Yongamx on October 20, just 77 days after its release. It was not due to a lack of audience interest; industry sources reported that the occupancy rate during its run exceeded 90%, and even on its last day, it was over 80%. The following day, the theater began screening the Korean film 'Silnakwon' in a standard digital format, effectively turning an 'IMAX theater without IMAX' into reality. 'Silnakwon' cannot be blamed for this situation, as it was not originally intended for IMAX. The circumstances surrounding its screening are external to the film itself.
The issue lies with the screen quota. According to the enforcement decree of the law on the promotion of films and video materials, theaters must show Korean films for at least one-fifth (73 days) of their annual screening days. This requirement applies not just to the theater as a whole but to each screening room, including special theaters. As of October 26, Yongamx had shown Korean films for 40 days, leaving 33 days to fill before the arrival of major releases like 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Dune: Part 3' in December.
The problem is the lack of films. In 2023, there were nine IMAX releases of Korean films, seven in 2024, and eight last year, but this year only three films—'Humint,' 'Gunchi,' and 'Hope'—were released in IMAX. The theater has filled gaps by screening regular Korean films or concert films. In 2023, titles like '30 Days,' in 2024 'Escape,' and last year's 'The Neighbors' were shown in IMAX theaters. Consequently, the average occupancy rate for Korean films at Yongamx this year is around 30%, significantly lower than the 50% for foreign films.
Theaters are operating specially designed venues like regular ones, while audiences miss out on films they want to see. The Korean films that should be protected are left with the label of 'filling dates' and face empty seats. One theater official lamented, 'No one is happy in this situation. Audiences miss out on films they want to see, and the investment in these screening rooms is not being utilized properly. I don't know who this system is for.'
This is not to deny the merits of the screen quota. When Hollywood films dominated screens, this system provided a lifeline for Korean cinema. However, the 73-day requirement was established in 2006. Over the past 20 years, theaters have changed dramatically. Special theaters have become a viewing format in their own right, and audiences now choose not only what to watch but also where to watch it. Meanwhile, the number of Korean films to fill that format has decreased.
The solution lies in the field. An industry insider stated, 'I agree with the intention to protect Korean films,' but added, 'It makes sense to set obligations based on the entire theater rather than by individual screening rooms.' The idea is to maintain the overall quota while allowing for more flexibility in regular theaters to compensate for less in special theaters.
If the fit is not right, it can be adjusted. By changing just one unit of measurement, audiences can see the films they want, theaters can properly utilize their special venues, and Korean films can find their audience in filled seats. If things remain as they are, this winter, some will miss out on films they want to see, while others will screen films to empty seats, just like my friend did.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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