Commercial Releases in 2005


See below for box-office figures


January

Chulsoo & Younghee Chulsoo & Younghee ["Chulsoo ♥ Younghee"]   Directed by Hwang Qu-dok.  Screenplay by Kim Yun-kyung.  A cute little kid who likes to make trouble falls in love with a spirited young transfer student named Younghee.  Starring Jeon Ha-eun, Park Tae-young, Jeong Jin-young.  Cinematography by Go Myeong-wook.  Produced by Cine Piazza.  Distributed and sold internationally by Sponge.  Rating: general.  90 min.  January 7. (pictured right)

Daddy-Long-Legs ["Kidari ajeossi"]   Directed by Gong Jeong-shik.  Screenplay by Kim Hyeong-jun.  After losing her parents, Young-mi is helped by a benevolent guardian who watches over her from afar. Later, after successfully becoming a writer for a radio program, she is given the opportunity to repay the favor to someone else.  Starring Ha Ji-won, Yeon Jeong-hoon, Shin Yi, Jeong Jun-ha, Hyun Bin.  Cinematography by Park Hee-ju.  Produced by YooBin Pictures and Wellmade Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  110 min.  January 13.

Wet Dreams 2 ["Mongjeonggi 2"]   Directed by Jeong Cho-shin.  Screenplay by Park Chae-woon.  Three high school girls curious about sex start to fight with a rival student for the attentions of their new student teacher.  Starring Lee Ji-hoon, Kang Eun-bi, Jeon Hye-bin, Park Seul-gi, Shin Ju-ah, Jeon Hae-hyung, Jeong Dong-hwan, Kim Hae-sook.  Cinematography by Seo Jeong-min.  Produced and sold internationally by MK Pictures.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  101 min.  January 14.

Git Git ["Git"]   Directed by Song Il-gon.  Screenplay by Song Il-gon and Han Gi-hyeon.  A man travels to a small motel on a remote island, remembering a 10-year old promise he made to meet his first love. While waiting to see if she will appear, he becomes acquainted with the island and with the woman who operates the motel.  Starring Jang Hyeon-seong, Lee So-yeon, Jo Seong-ha.  Cinematography by Park Yeong-jun.  Produced by the Korea Green Foundation.  Distributed by Lumix Media.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment. Rating: 12+.  73 min.  January 14. (pictured left)

Another Public Enemy ["Gonggong-ui jeok 2"]   Directed by Kang Woo-suk.  Screenplay by Kim Hui-jae.  A public prosecutor with a reputation for unconventional working methods suspects his former high school classmate of serious crimes. Ignoring advice from his superiors, he stakes his job on proving his classmate guilty.  Starring Sol Kyung-gu, Jeong Jun-ho, Kang Shin-il, Park Sang-wook, Eom Tae-woong, Im Seung-dae, Park Geun-hyeong, Byun Hee-bong.  Cinematography by Kim Seong-bok.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  148 min.  January 27.

Marathon ["Marathon"]   Directed by Jeong Yun-cheol.  Screenplay by Yun Jin-ho, Song Ye-jin, Jeong Yun-cheol.  A 20-year old autistic man is encouraged by his mother to pursue long-distance running, with the goal of winning a marathon. She finds a coach to teach him, but later she has doubts about what is really best for him.  Starring Cho Seung-woo, Kim Mi-sook, Lee Ki-young, Baek Seong-hyun, An Nae-sang.  Cinematography by Kwon Hyuk-jun.  Produced by Cineline II.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: General.  117 min.  January 27.


February

The President's Last Bang The President's Last Bang ["Geuttae geusaramdeul"]   Written and directed by Im Sang-soo.  Loosely based on the assassination of authoritarian president Park Chung-hee in 1979, when Park's chief of intelligence opened fire during a private party.  Starring Baek Yoon-shik, Han Suk-kyu, Song Jae-ho, Kim Eung-soo, Jeong Won-joong, Kwon Byeong-kil, Jo Eun-ji, Kim Yoon-ah, Yun Yeo-jeong.  Cinematography by Kim Woo-hyung.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by MK Pictures.  Rating: 15+.  102 min.  February 3. (pictured right)

My Boyfriend is Type B ["B-hyeong namja chingu"]   Directed by Choi Seok-won.  Screenplay by Choi Seok-won, Seo Dong-won, Lee Yun-jin.  A woman finds a hot-looking new boyfriend, but she struggles to deal with the obnoxious personality quirks associated with his blood type of B.  Starring Lee Dong-gun, Han Ji-hye, Shin Yi, Jeong Ryeo-won, Kim Je-in, Baek Il-seop.  Cinematography by Kim Dong-eun.  Produced by Cinema Zenith.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  International sales by Mirovision.  Rating: 12+.  96 min.  February 3.

Jenny, Juno ["Jeni, Juno"]   Written and directed by Kim Ho-jun.  A 15-year old boy and girl discover that, after a night when things get a little out of control, they are expecting a baby.  Starring Park Min-ji, Kim Hye-sung, Kim Ja-ok, Im Dong-jin, Seo Min-jeong, Lee Eung-kyung, Kang Nam-gil.  Cinematography by Kim Dong-cheon.  Produced by Culture Cap Media.  Distributed and sold internationally by Show East.  Rating: 15+.  101 min.  February 18.

Cracked Eggs and Noodles ["Pa-songsong gyeran-tak"]   Directed by Oh Sang-hoon.  Screenplay by Lee Hyun-soo.  A 26-year old man is given a shock when one day a nine-year old boy comes up to him and claims to be his son.  Starring Im Chang-jung, Lee In-seong, Ji Dae-han, Lee Sang-hoon, Maeng Sang-hoon, Eom Su-heong, Park Hye-won.  Cinematography by Lee Seok-hyun.  Produced by Good Player.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  120 min.  February 18.

Red Eye ["Redeu-ai"]   Directed by Kim Dong-bin.  Screenplay by Lee Yong-yeon, Seong Ki-yeong.  Horror film about a night train that is haunted by victims of a past train wreck.  Starring Jang Shin-young, Song Il-guk, Lee Dong-gyu, Kim Hye-na, Kwak Ki-min, Lee Eol, Jeong Young-sook, Park Won-sang.  Cinematography by Byun Hui-seong.  Produced by Taechang Entertainment.  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 12+.  97 min.  February 18.


March

Life Goes On ["Eomma..."]   Directed by Ryu Mi-rye.  Documentary in which the filmmaker, who has recently become a mother, looks back on the life of her own mother.  Cinematography by Ryu Mi-rye and Yu Chan-ho.  Produced by PURN Productions.  Distributed by Dongsoong Art Centre.  Rating: General.  50 min.  March 4. Screened together with Waiting For Spring.

Waiting for Spring ["Bomi omyeon"]   Directed by Jeong Su-yeon.  Documentary about two elderly sisters who live on the opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean, but are unable to visit each other due to their health.  Featuring Yun Jeong-hui and Yun Gye-hui.  Cinematography by Jeong Su-yeon.  Distributed by Dongsoong Art Centre.  Rating: General.  25 min.  March 4.  Screened together with Life Goes On.

This Charming Girl This Charming Girl ["Yeoja, Jeong-hye"]   Written and directed by Lee Yoon-ki.  An emotionally withdrawn woman who works in a post office goes about her daily life, as memories of her past echo through her mind.  Starring Kim Ji-soo, Hwang Jeong-min, Kim Hye-ok, Lee Dae-won, Kim Mi-seong, Seo Dong-won.  Cinematography by Choi Jin-woong.  Produced by LJ Films.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  95 min.  March 10.

Mapado: Island of Fortunes ["Mapado"]   Directed by Chu Chang-min.  Screenplay by Jo Joong-hoon.  A gangster and a corrupt cop who are searching for a lost lottery ticket travel to a remote island populated only by five old widows.  A comedy starring Lee Jeong-jin, Lee Moon-shik, Yeo Yun-gye, Kim Su-mi, Kim Eul-dong, Seo Young-hee, Oh Dal-soo.  Cinematography by Baek Dong-hyun.  Produced by Corea Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  107 min.  March 10.

She's On Duty ["Jambok-geunmu"]   Directed by Park Kwang-choon.  Screenplay by Jeong Yong-gi.  A police detective goes undercover as a student in a girls' high school  A comedy starring Kim Seon-ah, Gong Yu, Nam Sang-mi, Ha Jeong-woo, Kim Gap-soo, Park Sang-myun, No Joo-hyun, Oh Gwang-rok.  Cinematography by Park Hyun-cheol.  Produced by Mine Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  111 min.  March 17.

Possible Changes ["Ganeunghan byeonhwa-deul"]   Written and directed by Min Byung-kuk.  Moon-ho and Jong-gyu, two old friends, face various worries as they get closer to middle age, and both end up trying to drown their troubles in sexual affairs.  Starring Jeong Chan, Yoon Ji-hye, Kim Yu-seok, Shin So-mi, Ok Ji-young, Nam Hyun-joo.  Cinematography by Kim Young-cheol.  Produced and distributed by Movienet Film Productions.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 18+.  114 min.  March 18.


April

A Bittersweet Life A Bittersweet Life ["Dalkomhan insaeng"]   Written and directed by Kim Jee-woon.  A high-ranking gang member who manages a hotel bar is asked by his boss to spy on his girlfriend, and kill her if she is being unfaithful.  Starring Lee Byung-heon, Kim Young-cheol, Shin Min-ah, Hwang Jeong-min, Kim Roi-ha, Eric, Oh Dal-soo, Kim Hae-gon, Lee Mu-young.  Cinematography by Kim Ji-yong.  Produced by b.o.m. Film Productions.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  120 min.  April 1.

Crying Fist ["Jumeogi unda"]   Written and directed by Ryoo Seung-wan.  A story about two men: a former boxing champion who is reduced to finding work as a human punching bag, and a juvenile delinquent who takes up boxing as a hobby.  Starring Ryoo Seung-beom, Choi Min-shik, Im Won-hee, Cheon Ho-jin, Seo Hye-rin, Byun Hee-bong, Na Moon-hee, Ki Joo-bong, Oh Dal-soo.  Cinematography by Jo Yong-gyu.  Produced by Sio Film and Bravo Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Show East.  Rating: 15+.  134 min (two-hour international version also said to be in the works).  April 1.

Long and Winding Road ["Eomma"]   Written and directed by Gu Seong-ju.  A woman with a rare illness that prevents her from riding on moving vehicles resorts to desperate measures to attend her daughter's wedding.  Starring Goh Doo-shim, Son Byung-ho, Kim Ye-ryung, Kim Yu-seok, Lee Hye-eun, Park Won-sang, Ban Mi-jeong, Chae Jeong-an.  Cinematography by Choi Chan-gyu.  Produced by Film Bank and Chungeorahm.  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  International sales by Tube Entertainment.  Rating: General.  96 min.  April 7.

The Twins ["Yeokjeon-ui myeongsu"]   Written and directed by Park Heung-shik.  A pair of identical twins -- one a high-flying lawyer, the other a hardworking everyman -- have their lives turned upside down when the former is charged with a crime.  Starring Jung Jun-ho (in dual roles), Yoon So-yi, Kim Hye-na, Park Jeong-su, Park No-shik, Park Sang-wook, Oh Su-min.  Cinematography by Jeong Han-cheol.  Produced by Taewon Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  122 min.  April 15.

My Right to Ravage Myself My Right To Ravage Myself ["Na-neun na-reul pagoehal kwolli-ga itta"]   Written and directed by Jeon Soo-il.  A man who assists other with suicide comes across a diverse group of people with a range of emotional conflicts.  Starring Jung Bo-seok, Choo Sang-mi, Soo Ah, Jang Hyun-seong, Choi Seong-ho, Kim Young-min.  Cinematography by Kim Seong-tae, Krzysztof Ciolkowski.  Produced by Dongnyuk Film.  Distributed by MooBiz Entertainment.  Sold internationally by KNET.TV.  Rating: 15+.  93 min.  April 15.  (pictured left)

Innocent Steps ["Daenseo-ui sunjeong"]   Directed by Park Young-hoon.  Screenplay by Park Gye-ok.  A Chinese-Korean woman comes to Seoul in order to compete as a ballroom dancer, and falls in love.  Starring Moon Geun-young, Park Geon-hyung, Yun Chan, Park Won-sang, Kim Ki-soo, Jeong Yu-mi, Lee Dae-yeon.  Cinematography by Kim Jong-yun.  Produced by Culture Cap Media.  Distributed and sold internationally by Show East.  Rating: 12+.  110 min.  April 28.


May

Blood Rain Blood Rain ["Hyeol-ui nu"]   Directed by Kim Dae-seung.  Screenplay by Lee Won-jae, Kim Seong-jae.  In 1808, a series of bizarre and gory murders take place on a remote island famous for its large paper mill. A government investigator struggles to catch the murderer, but the local townspeople all insist that it is a ghost.  Starring Cha Seung-won, Park Yong-woo, Ji Seong, Cheon Ho-jin, Yun Se-ah, Oh Hyun-kyung, Choi Jong-won, Choi Ji-na.  Cinematography by Choi Young-hwan.  Produced by FNH Pictures (Fun & Happiness).  Distributed and sold internationally by Cinema Service.  Rating: 18+.  119 min.  May 4.

The Bow ["Hwal"]   Written and directed by Kim Ki-duk.  A 60-year old man lives together with a 16-year old girl on a remote island, counting down the days to her 17th birthday when he plans to marry her.  Starring Jeon Seong-hwan, Han Yeo-reum, Seo Ji-seok.  Cinematography by Jang Seong-baek.  Produced and distributed by Kim Ki-duk Films.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 15+.  88 min.  May 12.

Antarctic Journal ["Namgeuk-ilgi"]   Directed by Yim Phil-sung.  Screenplay by Yim Phil-sung, Bong Joon-ho, Lee Hae-joon.  An expedition to the farthest inland point of the Antarctic starts to unravel after the team comes across an 80-year old diary written by a British explorer.  Starring Song Kang-ho, Yu Ji-tae, Kim Kyung-ik, Park Hee-sun, Yun Je-mun, Choi Deok-mun, Kang Hye-jung.  Cinematography by Jeong Jeong-hun.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed by Showbox.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 15+.  114 min.  May 19.

Love in Magic ["Yeonae-sulsa"]   Directed by Cheon Se-hwan.  Screenplay by Kim Kyu-won.  A magician with a habit for womanizing gets a shock when he discovers that one of his nighttime trysts is now screening on the internet.  Starring Yeon Jeong-hoon, Park Jin-hee, Oh Yun-ah, Jo Mi-ryeong, Ha Ha, Choi Seong-wook, Kim Ji-seok.  Cinematography by Hwang Cheol-hyun.  Produced by Film Z Corp.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  109 min.  May 20.

Spying Cam ["Peurakchi"]   Written and directed by Hwang Cheol-min.  Two men spend day and night inside a decrepit motel room, for reasons that are unclear. To pass the time, they begin to re-enact scenes from Dostoyevsky'sCrime and Punishment.  Starring Chu Heon-yeop, Yang Young-jo, Kim Wang-geun.  Cinematography by Hwang Cheol-min.  Produced and sold internationally by Cinegut Films.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  100 min.  May 20.

Tang Poetry ["Dangshi"]   Written and directed by Zhang Lu.  A Chinese-Korean co-production about a former pickpocket who remains within his apartment acting in strange ways.  Starring Wang Xiang and Cui Yuemei.  Cinematography by Liu Yonghong.  Produced and distributed by Doo Entertainment (Korea).  Rating: 12+.  86 min.  May 20.

Tale of Cinema Tale of Cinema ["Geukjang-jeon"]   Written and directed by Hong Sang-soo.  In part one, a boy comes across a girl he used to like, and the two of them end up spending the night together. In part two, a man comes out of a movie theater and starts following an actress who appeared in the film.  Starring Kim Sang-kyung, Eom Ji-won, Lee Ki-woo.  Cinematography by Kim Hyung-gu.  Produced by Jeonwonsa.  Sold internationally by Chungeorahm (Asia) and MK2 (Rest of World).  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  Rating: 18+.  89 min.  May 26.

Little Brother ["Annyeong, hyeong-a"]   Directed by Im Tae-hyung.  Screenplay by Kim Eun-jeong.  A mischievous little boy is forced to grow up quickly when his older brother contracts cancer.  Starring Park Ji-bin, Bae Jong-ok, Park Won-sang, Oh Ji-hye, Seo Dae-han, Choi Woo-hyuk.  Cinematography by Kim Young-ho.  Produced and sold internationally by MK Pictures.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: General.  95 min.  May 27.


June

The Aggressives ["Taepoong taeyang"]   Directed by Jeong Jae-eun.  Screenplay by Jeong Jae-eun and Im Yeon-hui.  A group of high school aged students who practive aggressive inline skating dream of becoming good enough to enter the World Competition.  Starring Kim Kang-woo, Cheon Jeong-myeong, Lee Cheon-hee, Jo Yi-jin, On Ju-wan.  Cinematography by Kim Byeong-seo.  Produced by Film Mania.  Distributed and sold internationally by ShowEast.  Rating: 12+.  107 min.  June 2.

A Bold Family ["Gan-keun gajok"]   Written and directed by Jo Myeong-nam.  A family that is struggling financially discovers that their sickly father will leave all of his money to the Ministry of Unification, unless Korea has been unified before his death. In order to get the money for themselves, they try to convince him that unification is taking place.  Starring Gam Woo-seong, Kim Soo-ro, Shin Gu, Kim Su-mi, Seong Ji-ru, Shin Yi, Lee Kan-hee.  Cinematography by Kim Yoon-su.  Produced by Doosaboo Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  102 min.  June 9.

Rules of Dating Rules of Dating ["Yeonae-ui mokjeok"]   Directed by Han Jae-rim.  Screenplay by Han Jae-rim and Go Yun-hui.  An education student assigned to carry out practice teaching in a high school finds herself being propositioned by the instructor in charge of her class.  Starring Park Hae-il, Gang Hye-jung, Park Jun-myeong, Park Grina, Lee Dae-yeon, Seo Young-hwa.  Cinematography by Park Yong-su.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  121 min.  June 10.  (pictured)

Green Chair ["Noksaek-uija"]   Directed by Park Chul-soo.  Screenplay by Kim Jeon-han.  A recently divorced woman in her 30s starts an explicit affair with a boy in his last year of high school.  Starring Suh Jung, Shim Ji-ho, Oh Yun-hong, Seon Wook-hyun, Kim Jeon-han, Yun Se-jeong, Yu Myeong-soon.  Cinematography by Lee Eun-gil.  Produced by Hapdong Film Co.  Distributed and sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 18+.  100 min.  June 10.

The Red Shoes ["Bunhongshin"]   Directed by Kim Yong-gyun.  Screenplay by Ma Sang-ryeol, Kim Yong-gyun.  A woman picks up a pair of abandoned red shoes on the subway, and from then on strange things begin happening to her.  A horror movie starring Kim Hye-soo, Kim Seong-soo, Park Yeon-ah, Ko Su-hee, Lee Eol, Seo Ha-rim, Son Se-gwang.  Cinematography by Kim Tae-kyung.  Produced by Generation Blue Films.  Distributed by Showbox.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 15+.  103 min.  June 30.


July

Voice Voice ["Yeogo-goedam 4: Moksori"]   Written and directed by Choi Ik-hwan.  A woman is killed one night while practicing singing at school. She becomes a ghost who is invisible to everyone, but her best friend Seon-min can hear her.  A horror movie starring Kim Ok-bin, Seo Ji-hye, Cha Ye-ryeon, Kim Seo-hyung, Im Hyun-gyeong.  Cinematography by Kim Yong-heung.  Produced by Cine2000.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  104 min.  July 15.

Heaven's Soldiers ["Cheon-gun"]   Written and directed by Min Joon-ki.  A group of North and South Korean soldiers are sent back in time to 1572, where they meet a young man who is slated to become the great admiral Lee Soon-shin.  Starring Park Joong-hoon, Kim Seung-woo, Hwang Jeong-min, Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Byeong-chun, Kim Seung-cheol, Kim Soo-hyun.  Cinematography by Park Jae-hyung.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  106 min.  July 15.

Mokdugi Video ["Mokdugi bidio"]   Written and directed by Yun Joon-hyeong.  A mock documentary about a motel that is haunted by a ghost.  Starring Jo Yeon-ho, Kim Byeong-tae.  Cinematography by Han Sang-woo.  Produced by TMOE Entertainment.  Distributed by Dongsoong Art Centre.  Rating: 12+.  52 min.  July 15.

Digital Short Films By Three Filmmakers 2005 ["Dijiteol samin-samsaek"]   Directed by Song Il-gon [Korea], Apichatpong Weerasethakul [Thailand], Tsukamoto Shinya [Japan].  Three 30-minute films commissioned by the Jeonju International Film Festival: Song's Magician(s), about a group of musicians who meet every December in memory of their late guitarist; Weerasethakul's Worldly Desires, about a couple seeking a spiritual tree in the jungle; and Tsukamoto's Haze, about a man who wakes up in a small room with no memory of what has happened to him.  Starring Jung Woong-in, Jang Hyun-sung, Kang Kyung-hyun, Lee Seung-bi, Kaori Fujii, Tsukamoto Shinya.  Cinematography by Park Young-jun, Tsukamoto Shinya, Apichatpong Weerasethakul.  Produced and sold internationally by Jeonju International Film Festival.  Distributed by Emotion Pictures.  Rating: 15+.  108 min.  July 22.

Guardians of Olympus ["Geuriseu roma-sinhwa ollimposeu gadieon: Giganteseu daeyeokseup"]   Directed by Kim Joon.  Screenplay by Jeon Hye-young.  An animated film that re-stages slightly modified versions of Greek myths.  Featuring the voices of Oh Seung-yoon, Woo Jeong-shin, Lee Jeong-gu, Jeong Mi-sook, Hong Seong-hyun, etc.  Produced by Gana Media.  Distributed by Sponge.  Rating: General.  87 min.  July 28.

Sympathy for Lady Vengeance Sympathy for Lady Vengeance ["Chinjeolhan Geumja-ssi"]   Directed by Park Chan-wook.  Screenplay by Jeong Seo-kyung and Park Chan-wook.  A woman is released from prison after serving a 13 1/2 year sentence, and she immediately sets out to avenge herself on a man who wronged her.  Starring Lee Young-ae, Choi Min-shik, Oh Gwang-rok, Oh Dal-soo, Kim Shi-hu, Lee Seung-shin, Kim Bu-seon.  Cinematography by Jeong Jeong-hoon.  Produced by Moho Films.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  112 min.  July 29.


August

Welcome to Dongmakgol Welcome to Dongmakgol ["Welkeom tu dongmakgol"]   Directed by Park Kwang-hyun.  Screenplay by Jang Jin and Park Kwang-hyun.  Two South Korean soliders, three North Korean soldiers, and an American pilot all get stranded in a remote mountain village during the Korean War.  Starring Shin Ha-kyun, Jeong Jae-young, Kang Hye-jung, Steve Taschler, Im Ha-ryong, Seo Jae-kyung, Jeong Jae-jin, Ryu Deok-hwa.  Cinematography by Choi Sang-ho.  Music by Hisaishi Jo.  Produced by Film It Suda.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  133 min.  August 4.  (pictured left)

Murder, Take One ["Baksu-chil ttae tteonara"]   (Also known as "The Big Scene")  Written and directed by Jang Jin.  A woman is killed in a hotel room, and as the police start trying to solve the mystery, a TV program decides to cover the investigation live on the air.  Starring Cha Seung-won, Shin Ha-kyun, Shin Gu, Park Jeong-ah, Kim Ji-soo, Ryu Seung-yong, Hwang Jeong-min, Jeong Jae-young.  Cinematography by Kim Jun-young.  Produced by Another Sunday.  Distributed by Cinema Service.   Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  115 min.  August 11.

The Wig ["Gabal"]   Directed by Won Shin-yeon.  Screenplay by Do Hyeon-jeong.  A woman suffering from advanced stage cancer is given a wig by her older sister, however her personality begins to change in odd ways after she starts to wear it.  Starring Chae Min-seo, Yu Seon, Moon Su, Sa Hyun-jin, So Yi.  Cinematography by Kim Dong-eun.  Produced by Corea Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  106 min.  August 11.

Empress Chung ["Wanghu-simcheong"]   Written and directed by Nelson Shin.  During the Chosun Dynasty, a man who serves the government is blinded in an attack on his family. Years later, his daughter Chung looks after him, and is willing to attempt anything to restore his sight.  An animated film based on a Korean folk tale featuring the voices of Kang Hee-sun, Kim Do-hyun, Kim Young-seon, Choi Mun-ja, Lee Seon-ho, Tak Won-je.  Produced by KOAA Films (South Korea) and SEK (North Korea).  Sold internationally by KOAA Films.  Rating: General.  93 min.  August 12.

Short Time ["Yi Dae-ro, jugeul sun eopta"]   Directed by Lee Young-eun.  Screenplay by Hwang Jo-yun.  A detective discovers he has a fatal disease, so he tries to get killed in the line of duty so his family can collect a big insurance check.  Starring Lee Beom-soo, Byun Ju-yeon, Choi Seong-guk, Kang Seong-yeon, Son Hyun-ju, Ryu Yong-jin, Park Choong-seon, Kim Dae-hyung.  Cinematography by Hong Jong-kyung.  Produced by Mash Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by ShowEast.  Rating: 12+.  106 min.  August 18.

Cello Cello ["Chello: Hong Miju ilga sarin-sageon"]   Directed by Lee Woo-cheol.  Screenplay by Jeong Woo-cheol.  The entire family of a talented cellist is killed, one by one, and she struggles to keep her sanity.  Starring Seong Hyun-ah, Park Da-an, Jeong Ho-bin, Choi Ji-eun, Jin Ji-hee.  Cinematography by Kwon Young-cheol.  Produced by Takham Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Tube Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  94 min.  August 18.  (pictured right)

Baribari Zzang ["Baribari jjang"]   Directed by Nam Ki-nam.  Screenplay by Kim Jin-sook.  The child of the president of Korea and the child of an elite gangster attend the same school. Soon, a rivalry develops between the two kids' respective bodyguards.  Starring Shin Yun-seop, Kim Si-myeong, Kang Ji-su, Kim Shi-deok, Eom Kyung-cheon, Lee Su-geun.  Cinematography by Jang Jae-gi.  Produced by Nanum Entertainment.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  86 min.  August 19.

The Crescent Moon ["Choseungdal-gwa bambae"]   Directed by Jang Kil-soo.  Screenplay by Jo Eun-ah, Yu Ji-hyung, Jang Kil-soo.  The story of a young boy Nan-na and his younger sister Ok-i, growing up in a seaside town with their grandmother.  Starring Lee Yo-seop, Han Ye-rin, Kang Bu-ja, Jang Seo-hee, Ki Joo-bong, Yang Mi-kyung, Lee Sang-hyun.  Cinematography by Lee Ki-tae.  Produced by Cinema System, Shincine and Cinepark.  Distributed by N-Net.  Rating: General.  104 min.  August 25.


September

April Snow April Snow ["Oechul"]   Directed by Hur Jin-ho.  Screenplay by Hur Jin-ho and Shin Jun-ho.  A man learns that his wife has been in a car accident, and is in a coma. Soon he discovers that she was driving with another man with whom she was having an affair.  Starring Bae Yong-joon, Son Ye-jin, Ryu Im Sang-hyo, Ryu Seung-soo, Kim Kwang-il, Jeon Guk-hwan, Yu Seung-mok.  Cinematography by Lee Mo-gae.  Produced by Blue Storm.  Distributed and sold internationally by ShowEast.  Rating: 18+.  105 min.  September 8.

Duelist ["Hyeongsa Duelist"]   Written and directed by Lee Myung-se.  Someone is releasing huge numbers of counterfeit coins into Chosun-era Korea, destabilizing the economy. A male and female detective try to solve the case, and come across a mysterious swordsman who seems to be involved.  Starring Ha Ji-won, Gang Dong-won, Ahn Sung-ki, Song Young-chang, Yun Ju-sang, Do Yong-gu, Shim Cheol-jong.  Cinematography by Hwang Ki-seok.  Produced by Production M and Wellmade Entertainment.  Distributed by Korea Pictures.  Sold internationally by The Core Studio.  Rating: 12+.  111 min.  September 8.

Marrying the Mafia 2: Monster-in-Law ["Gamun-ui Wigi: Gamun-ui Younggwang 2"]   Directed by Jeong Yong-ki.  Screenplay by Kim Young-chan.  A gang boss instructs her son to find an intelligent, capable wife who can improve the family bloodline, but he falls in love with a prosecutor.  Starring Shin Hyun-joon, Kim Won-hee, Kim Su-mi, Tak Jae-hoon, Im Hyung-joon, Gong Hyung-jin, Jeong Jun-ha, Shin Yi.  Cinematography by Moon Yong-shik.  Produced by Taewon Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  115 min.  September 8.

Geochilmaru: The Showdown Geochilmaru: The Showdown ["Geochilmaru"]   Directed by Kim Jin-sung.  Screenplay by Byun Won-mi and Kim Jin-sung.  An email from an unknown person brings together a group of specialists in various martial arts for an informal tournament.  Starring Kwon Min-gi, Kim Jin-myung, Seong Hong-il, Oh Mi-jeong, Yu Yang-rae, Yu Ji-hoon, Jang Tae-shik, Choi Jin-yong.  Cinematography by Choi Young-min.  Produced by Sponge and Mongmaru.  Distributed and sold internationally by Sponge.  Rating: 12+.  86 min.  September 15.

Windmill Palm Grove ["Jongryeo-namu sup"]   Written and directed by Yu Sang-wook.  A man relates the story of his true love while riding a bus to the coast.  Starring Kim Min-jong, Kim Yu-mi, Jo Eun-sook, Kim Yong-gi, Lee Ah-hyun.  Cinematography by Gu Taek-sang.  Produced by Cham Film Co. & Human Pictures.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  108 min.  September 15.

Fade Into You ["Bitna-neun geojit"]   Written and directed by Chegi.  Three stories about traveling: in the future, a man travels to space ("wooju"); a man takes a business trip to the city of Won-ju; and a woman travels alone to Jeju.  Starring Lee Nan, Kim Han, Ok Ji-young, Kwon Hyuk-poong, Kim Young-seon.  Cinematography by Lee Doo-man.  Produced by Bitna-neun Film Company.  Distributed and sold internationally by Indiestory.  Rating: 15+.  70 min.  September 16.

Camellia Project ["Dongbaek-kkot"]   Directed by Lee Song Hee-il, Choi Jin-sung, So Jun-mun.  An omnibus film comprised of three mid-length works with the heading: "Three Queer Stories on Bogil Island." Comprises La Traviata (Lee Song Hee-il), Kim Chu-ja (Choi Jin-sung), Drifting Island (So Jun-mun).  Starring Hwang Choon-ha, Kim Wang-geun, Song Ju-hee, Jeong Hae-shim, Jeong Seung-gil, Lee Eung-jae, Kim Tae-yong.  Cinematography by Kim Hyun-sung, Jang Tae-won, Jang Woo-young.  Distributed and sold internationally by Indiestory.  Rating: 18+.  90 min.  September 16.

You Are My Sunshine You Are My Sunshine ["Neoneun nae unmyeong"]   Written and directed by Park Jin-pyo.  A farmer in his mid-thirties falls in love with a sex worker from the local coffee shop, and tries to convince her to marry him.  Starring Jeon Do-yeon, Hwang Jeong-min, Na Moon-hee, Ryu Seung-soo, Jeong Yu-seok, Seo Ju-hee, Yun Jae-moon.  Cinematography by Seong Seung-taek.  Produced by b.o.m. film productions.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  121 min.  September 23.

Haan ["Han Gil-su"]   Written and directed by Lee In-soo.  Based on the true story of Korea's first double agent, who learned of the plot to bomb Pearl Harbor in 1941 and tried to warn the U.S.  Starring An Jae-mo, Im Yu-jin, Goh Jeong-il, Seo Mi-young.  Cinematography by Choi Geon-hee.  Produced by Triumph Pictures.  Distributed by Media Line Pictures.  Rating: 12+.  92 min.  September 23.

If You Were Me: Anima Vision ["Byeol-byeol iyagi"]   Directed by Lee Sung-gang (Bicycle Trip, 10 min), Park Jae-dong (Be a Human Being, 13 min), Yoo Jin-hee (Day Dream, 13 min), Kwon Oh-sung (Animal Farm, 16 min), Amy Lee (The Flesh and Bone, 10 min), plus one collaborative project (At Her House, 11 min).  A continuation of the series of omnibus films that tackle human rights issues, this time with animated works.  Distributed and sold internationally by Indiestory.  Rating: General.  72 min.  September 23.

Mr. Housewife ["Miseuteo jubu-kwijeu-wang"]   Directed by Yu Seon-dong.  Screenplay by Yu Seon-dong, Song Han-seung.  A live-at-home Dad finds himself in desperate need of money, so he enters into a TV game show for housewives.  Starring Han Suk-kyu, Shin Eun-kyung, Gong Hyung-jin, Seo Shin-ae, Kim Soo-mi, Lee Ju-hyun, Yeom Hyun-hee.  Cinematography by Choi Young-taek.  Produced by Polstar Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  107 min.  September 29.

Blossom Again Blossom Again ["Sarangni"]   Directed by Jung Ji-woo.  Screenplay by Jung Ji-woo and Gong Mi-jeong.  An math instructor at a teaching institute finds herself falling in love with one of her young students, since he looks so similar to her long-lost first love.  Starring Kim Jung-eun, Lee Tae-seong, Jeong Yu-mi, Kim Young-jae.  Cinematography by Choi Hyun-ki.  Produced and distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  115 min.  September 29.

Never to Lose ["Gangryeok 3-ban"]   Directed by Son Hee-chang.  Screenplay by Ki Seung-tae.  Unit 3 of the Division of Violent Crimes, which owns the worst arrest record on the police force, is unexpectedly charged with bringing down the most dangerous criminal organization in the city.  Starring Kim Min-joon, Heo Jun-ho, Jang Hang-seon, Nam Sang-mi, Yun Tae-young, Kim Tae-wook, An Nae-sang.  Cinematography by Kim Yong-heung.  Produced by Cinenet.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 15+.  111 min.  September 29.


October

All For Love All For Love ["Nae saengae gajang areumdaun iljuil"]   Directed by Min Kyu-dong.  Screenplay by Yu Seong-hyeop and Min Kyu-dong.  Six different couples living in Seoul experience a week full of joy and heartbreak, with many of their stories overlapping.  Starring Uhm Jung-hwa, Hwang Jung-min, Im Chang-jung, Seo Young-hee, Kim Soo-ro, Kim Yu-jeong, Ju Hyun, Oh Mi-hee, Yun Jin-seo, Jeong Kyung-ho.  Cinematography by Oh Seung-hwan.  Produced by Doosaboo Films and Soo Films.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  138 min.  October 7.

Sad Movie ["Saedeu mubi"]   Directed by Kwon Jong-kwan.  Screenplay by Hwang Seong-gu.  A series of overlapping stories about four couples who all suffer tragic fates.  Starring Jung Woo-sung, Im Soo-jung, Cha Tae-hyun, Yeom Jung-ah, Shin Min-ah, Son Tae-young, Lee Ki-woo, Yeo Jin-gu, Kim Seung-cheol.  Cinematography by Kim Byeong-seo.  Produced by iFilm.  Distributed by iLoveCinema and Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by iHQ.  Rating: 12+.  108 min.  October 20.

Princess Aurora ["Orora-gongju"]   Written and directed by Pang Eun-jin.  A series of murders begin to unfold in an upscale district of Seoul, with a children's sticker left behind at the scene of each crime.  Starring Uhm Jung-hwa, Moon Sung-keun, Kwon Oh-joong, Choi Jong-won, Hyun Young, Kim Yong-geon, Kim Ik-tae, Park Hyo-jun, Jang Hyun-seong.  Cinematography by Choi Young-hwan.  Produced by East Film.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  106 min.  October 27.

The Beast and the Beauty ["Yasu-wa minyeo"]   Directed by Lee Gye-byeok.  Screenplay by Hwang Jo-yun, Han Jeong-hyeop, Lee Gye-byeok.  A man discovers that his girlfriend, who is blind, is about to recover her sight through an operation. However, he has lied to her about his appearance, and he is too scared to face her in person.  Starring Ryoo Seung-beom, Shin Min-ah, Kim Kang-woo, An Kil-gang, Lee Young-sook, Ham Eun-jeong, Kim Joo-il.  Cinematography by Kwak Young-min.  Produced by Sio Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  101 min.  October 27.


November

Bravo My Life Bravo, My Life ["Saranghae, Malsun-ssi"]   Directed by Park Heung-shik.  Screenplay by Park Heung-shik, Kang Byeong-hwa, Jang Hak-gyo.  An adolescent boy starts to come of age in the late 70s and early 80s, largely oblivious to the dramatic political events occurring around him.  Starring Moon So-ri, Lee Jae-eung, Yun Jin-seo, Kim Dong-young, Park Yu-seon, Lee Han-wi, Kang Min-hwi.  Cinematography by Choi Young-taek.  Produced by Blue Storm.  Distributed and sold internationally by Show East.  Rating: 12+.  92 min.  November 3.

Mr. Socrates ["Miseuteo sokeurateseu"]   Written and directed by Choi Jin-won.  A good-for-nothing young hoodlum is suddenly kidnapped by a group of gangsters and made to study for the police qualification exams.  Starring Kim Rae-won, Kang Shin-il, Lee Jong-hyuk, Yun Tae-young, Oh Kwang-rok, Park Cheol-min.  Cinematography by Jin Young-hwan.  Produced by Courage Film.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 18+.  109 min.  November 11.

Love Talk [""]   Written and directed by Lee Yoon-ki.  Set in LA's Korean American community, about three interconnected people who struggle with life and relationships.  Starring Bae Jong-ok, Park Jin-hee, Park Hee-soon, Kim Joong-ki, Choi Deok-moon, Eric Steinberg, Lee Hyun-soon, Jeong Hee-tae, Choi Ban-ya.  Cinematography by Choi Jin-woong.  Produced by LJ Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  118 min.  November 11.

The Boy Who Went To Heaven ["Sonyeon, cheonguk-e gada"]   Directed by Yun Tae-yong.  Screenplay by Park Sang-kyung, Park Chan-wook, Lee Mu-young, Choi Dong-hoon, Yun Tae-yong.  A young boy living in 1980s Korea falls in love with a woman who resembles his recently-departed mother. After a near death experience, he is allowed to come back to earth briefly as an adult.  Starring Yeom Jung-ah, Park Hae-il, Oh Kwang-rok, Park Eun-su, Jeong Jin-gak, Kim Kwan-woo, Jo Min-soo, Hong So-yeon.  Cinematography by Lee Jun-gyu.  Produced by Sidus FNH and Christmas Entertainment.  Distributed by Showbox and Chungeorahm.  Sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  114 min.  November 11.

The Uninvited The Unforgiven ["Yongseo-badji mothan ja"]   Written and directed by Yoon Jong-bin.  A young university student starts his two-year military duty, and discovers that a former classmate is his new superior. As time passes, he struggles not to adopt the prevailing mindset of the military.  Starring Ha Jeong-woo, Seo Jang-won, Yoon Jong-bin, Im Hyun-sung, Han Seong-chan, Son Sang-beom, Kim Seong-mi.  Cinematography by Kim Byeong-cheol.  Produced by AnD Pictures.  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  Sold internationally by Film Messenger.  Rating: 15+.  121 min.  November 18.

Shadowless Sword ["Muyeonggeom"]   Directed by Kim Young-jun.  Screenplay by Kim Tae-gwan, Shin Jun-hee.  When the king and his heirs to the throne are assassinated, a female warrior is charged with the task of escorting an exiled prince back to his kingdom so he can assume the throne. A swordplay fantasy set in the tenth century.  Starring Yoon Soy, Lee Seo-jin, Shin Hyun-joon, Lee Ki-yong, Park Seong-woong, Nam Ji-hyun, Han Gang, cameos by Choi Ji-woo, Kim Soo-ro, Jeong Jun-ha.  Cinematography by Seo Geun-hee.  Produced by Taewon Entertainment.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Sold internationally by New Line Cinema.  Rating: 12+.  104 min.  November 18.

Wedding Campaign ["Na-ui gyeolhon-wonjeongki"]   Directed by Hwang Byung-guk.  Screenplay by Yun Soon-yong, Choi Jong-hyun, Hwang Byung-guk.  Two men in their late thirties living in rural Korea are having trouble finding women to marry. Out of desperation, they sign up for a scheme which takes them to Uzbekistan in order to set them up with ethnic Korean brides.  Starring Jung Jae-young, Soo Ae, Yu Jun-sang, Kim Sang-gyeom, Kim Ji-young, Kwon Tae-won, Evangenia Park, Vera Popok.  Cinematography by Lee Doo-man.  Produced by Tube Pictures.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 12+.  120 min.  November 23.

When Romance Meets Destiny When Romance Meets Destiny ["Gwangsik-i dongsaeng gwangtae"]   Written and directed by Kim Hyun-seok.  Gwang-sik is somewhat uncomfortable around women and he has a hard time getting a date, while his younger brother is a skilled seducer who never lasts long in a relationship. When both men suddenly meet women who they feel quite serious about, they experience opposite romantic challenges.  Starring Kim Joo-hyuk, Bong Tae-gyu, Lee Yo-won, Kim Ah-joong, Jeong Kyung-ho, Kim Hyung-min, Kim Il-woong.  Cinematography by Choi Jin-woong.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by MK Pictures.  Rating: 15+.  104 min.  November 23.

Five is Too Many ["Daseoseun neomu manha"]   Written and directed by An Seul-gi.  Five people who in various ways can be characterized as societal outsiders meet and become close.  Starring Yu Hyung-geun, Jo Shi-nae, Kim Do-gyun, Choi Ga-hyun, Lee Gyeong-se, No Jeong-ah, Kwak Dae-ho.  Cinematography by Kim Han-sol.  Produced by CR Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Indiestory.  Rating: 15+.  80 min.  November 25.

Annyoung, Sayonara ["Annyeong, sayonara"]   Directed by Kim Tae-il, Kato Kumiko.  A documentary about a Korean woman who files a lawsuit against the Yasukini Shrine and the Japanese government regarding the enshrinement of her father at the controversial shrine, and a Japanese man who files a lawsuit regarding compensation for Korean War victims.  Featuring Lee Hee-ja, Furukawa Masaki.  Cinematography by Ji Hye, Takabe Uko.  Produced by the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities.  Distributed by the Association of Korean Independent Film and Video, and ArtPlus Cinema Network.  Rating: 12+.  107 min.  November 25.


December

Bystanders ["Yuwol-ui ilgi"]   Directed by Im Kyung-soo.  Screenplay by Goh Jeong-woon.  Two detectives start investigating a string of deaths at a high school, which all seem to lead to a severely harassed student who was previously killed in a car accident.  Starring Shin Eun-kyung, Kim Yoon-jin, Moon Jeong-hyuk (Eric), Yun Ju-sang, Maeng Se-chang, Kim Jin-ho, Kim Seong-ah.  Cinematography by Kim Cheol-joo.  Produced by Film N Pictures and Boston Media.  Distributed and sold internationally by Core Studio.  Rating: 15+.  103 min.  December 1.

The Intimate ["Aein"]   Directed by Kim Tae-eun.  Screenplay by Yoon Chang-hoon, Kim Min-joo.  A woman who is planning to marry her long-time boyfriend in a month accepts a proposition from a stranger to have a one-night stand.  Starring Seong Hyun-ah, Jo Dong-hyuk, Lee Chang-yong, Hyun Kyung-soo, Han Ji-won, Park So-jeong, Kim Cheol-joon.  Cinematography by Kim Jae-ho.  Produced by Kihweck Shidae.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 18+.  98 min.  December 8.

Love is a Crazy Thing Love is a Crazy Thing ["Yeonae"]   Directed by Oh Seok-geun.  Screenplay by Seo Shin-hye.  A married woman with two kids who is struggling financially decides to take up work as a bar hostess/companion.  Starring Jeon Mi-seon, Jang Hyun-sung, Kim Ji-sook, Kim Yu-seok, Oh Yoon-hong, Yun Da-kyung, Jeong In-gi.  Cinematography by Park Sang-hoon.  Produced by Sidus FNH and Film Naru.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  100 min.  December 9.

Typhoon ["Taepung"]   Written and directed by Kwak Kyung-taek.  A man who feels he has been betrayed by both South and North Korea hijacks a ship as the first step in a grand plan for revenge.  Starring Jang Dong-gun, Lee Jeong-jae, Lee Mi-yeon, David McGuiness.  Cinematography by Hong Kyung-pyo.  Produced by Jininsa Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  124 min.  December 14.

The Art of Seduction ["Jageop-ui jeongseok"]   Directed by Oh Ki-hwan.  Screenplay by Shin Jeong-gu.  A private banker and a successful architect are both unrivalled in the game of seduction, until the day that they meet each other.  Starring Son Ye-jin, Song Il-guk, Park Joon-gyu, Noh Joo-hyun, Park Yong-woo, Hyun Young, An Seon-young.  Cinematography by Lee Seok-hyun.  Produced by Chungeorahm Films.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  100 min.  December 21.

My Girl and I ["Parang-juuibo"]   Directed by Jeon Yoon-soo.  Screenplay by Hwang Seong-gu.  Plain Su-ho and fabulously attractive Su-eun, high school classmates living on Geojae Island in the 1990s, start to date each other, but tragedy lurks in the near future. A remake of the Japanese film and novel Crying Out For Love at the Center of the World.  Starring Song Hye-gyo, Cha Tae-hyun, Lee Soon-jae, Kim Hae-sook, Han Myeong-gu, Park Hyo-joon, Kim Young-joon.  Cinematography by Park Hee-ju.  Produced by iFilm.  Distributed by iLove Cinema.  Sold internationall by iHQ.  Rating: 12+.  95 min.  December 22.

Blue Swallow Blue Swallow ["Cheong-yeon"]   Written and directed by Yoon Jong-chan.  A film based loosely on the life of Park Kyung-won, Korea's first civilian woman pilot who lived in 1920s Japan.  Starring Jang Jin-young, Kim Joo-hyuk, Yu Min, Nakamura Toru, Han Ji-min, Kim Tae-hyun.  Cinematography by Yoon Hong-shik.  Produced and distributed by Korea Pictures.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 12+.  133 min.  December 29.

King and the Clown ["Wang-ui namja"]   Directed by Lee Joon-ik.  Two clowns living in the Chosun Dynasty get arrested for staging a play that satirizes the king. They are dragged to the palace and threatened with execution, but are given a chance to save their lives if they can make the king laugh.  Starring Gam Woo-sung, Jeong Jin-young, Kang Seong-yeon, Lee Joon-ki, Jang Hang-seon, Yu Hae-jin, Jeong Seok-yong, Lee Seung-hoon.  Cinematography by Ji Gil-woong.  Produced by Eagle Pictures and Cineworld.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  119 min.  December 29.


* For information about upcoming Korean movies, visit http://www.koreanfilm.org/new.html



Box-Office Results

Release date Film Title Nationwide Seoul Screens*
Jan 7 Chulsoo & Younghee 4,523 2,953 4
Jan 13 Wet Dreams 2 1,188,815 274,165 41
Jan 13 Daddy Long Legs 528,817 158,207 43
Jan 14 Git 2,836 2,836 4
Jan 27 Another Public Enemy 3,911,356 1,167,828 85
Jan 27 Marathon 5,148,022 1,552,548 68
Feb 3 The President's Last Bang 1,083,962 338,025 46
Feb 3 My Boyfriend is Type-B 1,485,454 347,896 44
Feb 18 Jenny, Juno 289,829 55,675 29
Feb 18 Cracked Eggs and Noodles 1,193,150 289,039 48
Feb 18 Red Eye 242,842 70,000 24
Mar 4 Life Goes On / Waiting for Spring n/a n/a 1
Mar 10 This Charming Girl 43,457 27,319 8
Mar 10 Mapado: Island of Fortunes 3,090,467 922,647 58
Mar 17 She's On Duty 1,914,941 431,865 64
Mar 18 Possible Changes 2,467 2,166 3
Apr 1 A Bittersweet Life 1,271,595 466,425 75
Apr 1 Crying Fist 1,728,477 588,630 71
Apr 7 Long and Winding Road 197,793 47,088 34
Apr 15 The Twins 602,078 161,379 61
Apr 15 My Right to Ravage Myself 1,271 463 2
Apr 28 Innocent Steps 2,197,555 692,461 80
May 4 Blood Rain 2,274,995 763,864 98
May 12 The Bow 1,398 1,226 1
May 19 Antarctic Journal 1,057,311 323,335 83
May 20 Love in Magic 1,163,274 364,202 55
May 20 Tang Poetry 263 263 1
May 20 Spying Cam 372 372 2
May 26 Tale of Cinema 41,919 30,468 12
May 27 Little Brother 1,143,136 266,504 45
June 2 The Aggressives 55,970 22,027 30
June 9 A Bold Family 1,593,038 409,176 75
June 10 Rules of Dating 1,735,977 692,475 39
June 10 Green Chair 11,178 8,589 5
June 30 The Red Shoes 1,371,122 368,080 54
July 15 Voice 508,319 136,457 49
July 15 Heaven's Soldiers 1,232,992 263,876 58
July 15 Mokdugi Video 984 984 1
July 22 Digital Short Films... 668 668 1
July 28 Guardians of Olympus 27,830 10,770 9
July 29 Sympathy for Lady Vengeance 3,650,000 1,374,194 127
Aug 4 Welcome to Dongmakgol 8,008,622 2,435,088 114
Aug 11 Murder, Take One 2,475,291 815,497 78
Aug 11 The Wig 545,591 131,672 48
Aug 12 Empress Chung 75,957 22,759 12
Aug 18 Short Time 838,419 192,770 46
Aug 18 Cello 197,678 50,108 33
Aug 19 Baribari Zzang 12,417 2,063 6
Aug 25 The Crescent Moon 3,735 1,910 3
Sep 8 April Snow 809,191 287,650 78
Sep 8 Duelist 1,203,146 382,218 88
Sep 8 Marrying the Mafia 2 5,635,266 1,451,468 101
Sep 15 Geochilmaru: The Showdown 2,177 2,177 3
Sep 15 Windmill Palm Grove 22,895 7,882 5
Sep 16 Fade Into You 251 251 1
Sep 16 Camellia Project 744 744 3
Sep 23 You Are My Sunshine 3,051,134 1,063,480 92
Sep 23 Haan 10,000 526 3
Sep 23 If You Were Me: Anima Vision 7,232 5,620 7
Sep 29 Mr. Housewife 413,157 131,179 52
Sep 29 Blossom Again 165,538 61,507 45
Sep 29 Never to Lose 989,573 169,045 41
Oct 7 All For Love 2,533,103 902,198 105
Oct 20 Sad Movie 1,066,765 323,757 87
Oct 27 Princess Aurora 946,372 302,070 47
Oct 27 The Beast and the Beauty 1,561,282 455,824 54
Nov 3 Bravo, My Life 406,526 112,939 44
Nov 11 Mr. Socrates 1,261,965 309,053 52
Nov 11 Love Talk 15,719 8,534 15
Nov 11 The Boy Who Went To Heaven 242,053 75,508 50
Nov 18 The Unforgiven 10,647 8,686 7
Nov 18 Shadowless Sword 609,852 157,908 79
Nov 23 My Wedding Campaign 767,657 249,070 76
Nov 23 When Romance Meets Destiny 2,430,200* 806,193* 83
Nov 25 Five is Too Many 2,565* 2,126* 3
Nov 25 Annyoung, Sayonara 712 550 1
Dec 1 Bystanders 697,980* 175,472* 46
Dec 8 The Intimate 122,780* 31,610* 31
Dec 9 Love is a Crazy Thing 18,383 4,142 3
Dec 14 Typhoon 3,723,752* 1,077,709* 115
Dec 21 The Art of Seduction 1,672,862* 491,689* 75
Dec 22 My Girl and I 321,404* 89,834* 34
Dec 29 Blue Swallow n/a n/a 49
Dec 29 King and the Clown n/a n/a 79


* Accumulated admissions to December 31.  Screen totals are for Seoul only.


Seoul figures provided by KOFIC box office information system, which over the course of 2005 managed to sign up 100% of the screens in the city. Nationwide figures are provided by KOFIC based on distributors' estimates.



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Darcy Paquet / Koreanfilm.org