Commercial Releases in 2006


Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec   /   box office figures

January

The Art of Fighting ["Ssaum-ui gisul"]   Directed by Shin Han-sol.  Screenplay by Shin Han-sol, Min Dong-hyun.  A student attending a rough high school is beaten up nearly every day. One day he comes across an eccentric man who excels in the art of unconventional fighting.  Starring Baek Yoon-shik, Jae Hee, Kim Eung-soo, Choi Yeo-jin, Park Won-sang, Hong Seung-jin, Park Ki-woong, Lee Moon-shik.  Cinematography by Im Jae-soo.  Produced by Corea Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  98 min.  January 5.

On the Road, Two ["On deo rodeu, tu"]   Directed by Kim Tae-yong.  A rock documentary which follows the Yoon Do-hyun Band on a multi-nation tour across Europe.  Starring Yoon Do-hyun, Park Tae-hee, Kim Jin-won, Heo Joon.  Cinematography by Choi Chan-min, Kwon Sang-joon.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by Sponge.  Rating: General.  107 min.  January 5.

Running Wild Running Wild ["Yasu"]   Directed by Kim Seong-su.  Screenplay by Kim Seong-su, Han Ji-hoon.  A hot-blooded detective enters into an uneasy partnership with a cool, ruthless prosecutor in a bid to take down a gang boss who harbors political ambitions.  Starring Kwon Sang-woo, Yu Ji-tae, Son Byeong-ho, Eom Ji-won, Kang Sung-jin, Lee Ju-shil, Jeong Won-joong, An Gil-gang.  Cinematography by Choi Sang-mook.  Produced by Popcorn Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 18+.  125 min.  January 12.

If You Were Me 2 ["Daseot gae-ui shiseon"]   Directed by Park Kyung-hee ("Seaside Flower"), Ryoo Seung-wan ("Hey, Man"), Jung Ji-woo ("A Boy With a Knapsack"), Jang Jin ("Someone Grateful"), Kim Dong-won ("Jongro, Winter").  The second episode in the omnibus films focused on the issue of discrimination, and financed by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. Contains five short films, all of which explore some aspect of discrimination.  Starring Jeong Eun-hye, Seo Ju-hee, Kim Su-hyun, An Gil-gang, Lee Jin-seon, Oh Tae-kyung, Ryoo Seung-yong, Lee Ji-yong, Jin Bok-ja, Shin Hae-jin.  Produced by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Indiestory.  Rating: 12+.  112 min.  January 13.

My Boss, My Teacher ["Tusabu-ilche"]   Directed by Kim Dong-won.  Screenplay by Kang Seok-beom, Kim Dong-won, Lee Yun-jin.  A gangster has been sent to college by his boss in order to become better educated, and he is then assigned as a student teacher to a local high school, teaching ethics. A sequel to the 2001 film My Boss, My Hero.  Starring Jung Jun-ho, Jung Woong-in, Jung Woon-taek, Kim Sang-joong, Han Hyo-joo, Choi Yun-young.  Cinematography by Lee Hu-gon.  Produced by Cinema Zenith.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  125 min.  January 19.

Holiday Holiday ["Hollidei"]   Directed by Yang Yoon-ho.  Screenplay by Kim Hui-jae.  A group of prisoners serving long sentences for petty crimes manage to break out of jail. Once outside, they get wrapped up in a hostage-taking incident. Loosely based on a real-life incident from 1980s Korea.  Starring Lee Sung-jae, Choi Min-soo, Jang Se-jin, Lee Eol, Jo An, Yeo Hyun-soo, Kim Dong-hyun, Moon Young-dong.  Cinematography by Shin Ok-hyun.  Produced by Hyunjin Cinema.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  120 min.  January 19.

Lost in Love ["Sarang-eul nohchida"]   Written and directed by Choo Chang-min.  A woman has romantic feelings for a long-time friend, but the two have trouble communicating. Meanwhile, another friend from her hometown starts to show an interest in her.  Starring Song Yoon-ah, Sol Kyung-gu, Lee Ki-woo, Lee Hwi-hyang, Jang Hang-seon, Choi Je-hwan, Kim Seung-wook.  Cinematography by Lee Ki-won.  Produced and distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  118 min.  January 26.


February

A Millionaire's First Love A Millionaire's First Love ["Baekmanjangja-ui cheot-sarang"]   Directed by Kim Tae-kyun.  Screenplay by Kim Eun-sook.  An arrogant high school student who stands to inherit a fortune discovers that in his grandfather's will there is a clause requiring him to graduate from a small high school in rural Kangwon Province.  Starring Hyun Bin, Lee Yeon-hee, Lee Han-sol, Jo Yong-jun, Ham Yu-seon, Jo Gyu-cheol, Jeong Wook, Kim Byeong-se.  Cinematography by Choi Chan-min.  Produced by Boram Entertainment.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  116 min.  February 9.

Vampire Cop, Ricky ["Heuphyeol-hyeongsa Na Do-yeol"]   Directed by Lee Si-myung.  Screenplay by Kim Se-gyeom, Jeon Soon-wook, Namgung Gyun.  A corrupt detective gets bitten by a mosquito which previously sucked on the blood of a Transylvanian vampire. Soon he discovers that in certain situations he becomes a half-vampire.  Starring Kim Soo-ro, Jo Yeo-jeong, Oh Gwang-rok, Son Byeong-ho, Cheon Ho-jin.  Cinematography by Jeon Dae-seong.  Produced by SM Film.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  110 min.  February 9.

Sunday Seoul ["Sseondei Seoul"]   Directed by Park Seong-hoon.  Screenplay by Park Seong-hoon, Park Ji-won, Baek Eun-jin, Kim Hee-yeon.  A "nonsensical" film made up of three episodes, each of a different genre. "The Werewolf" is about a harrassed high school student who suddenly starts to undergo changes in his body. "The Visitor" is about a woman who comes across a serial killer on the run. Last, "The Young Adventurer" is about a boy who goes on a journey and learns martial arts to avenge his father.  Starring Bong Tae-gyu, Lee Cheong-ah, Jeong So-nyeo, Kim Chu-ryeon, Park Seong-bin, Kim Soo-hyun, Jeon Jae-hyung, Yong Yi, Goh Eun-ah.  Cinematography by Kim Hoon-gwang.  Produced by Film Norry.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  95 min.  February 9.

Way to Go, Rose Way To Go, Rose ["Dallyeora jangmi"]   Written and directed by Kim Eungsu.  A couple who have been married for two years are feeling the excitement fade out of their marriage, and decide to visit a motel like they did when they first met. In the coming years their relationship will go through continuing changes.  Starring Choi Ban-ya, Kim Tae-hoon.  Cinematography by Choi Doo-young.  Produced by Kim Eunsu Film and JoWoo Films.  Distributed by Emotion Pictures.  Rating: 18+.  88 min.  February 10.

Oh! My God ["Guseju"]   Written and directed by Kim Jeong-woo.  A notorious playboy becomes the romantic target of a tough-talking prosecutor who aims to break him of his bad ways.  Starring Choi Seong-guk, Shin Yi, Baek Il-seop, Park Won-sook, Park Jun-gyu, Kim Soo-mi, Lee Won-jong.  Cinematography by Moon Yong-shik.  Produced by Ik Young Co. Ltd and CY Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by ShowEast.  Rating: 15+.  104 min.  February 16.

The Forgotten Child: Shin Sung-il is Lost ["Shin Seongil-ui haengbang-bulmyeong"]   Written and directed by Shin Jane.  A group of students at an isolated boarding school are taught that eating is sinful, and must be avoided whenever possible. Among them, an overweight boy named Shin Seong-il is the most devoted follower.  Starring Jo Hyun-sik, Yeh Su-jeong, Mun Seul-ye, Woo Jun-young.  Cinematography by Jeong Sang-hoon.  Produced by Shin Jane Land.  Distributed and sold internationally by Sponge.  Rating: 15+.  103 min.  February 16.

Forbidden Quest Forbidden Quest ["Eumran-seosaeng"]   Written and directed by Kim Dae-woo.  An aristocrat with connections to the royal court decides to try his hand at writing erotic novels for the masses, and is more successful than he ever expected.  Starring Han Suk-kyu, Lee Beom-soo, Kim Min-jeong, Oh Dal-soo, Kim Roi-ha, An Nae-sang, Woo Hyun, Kim Ki-hyun.  Cinematography by Kim Ji-yong.  Produced by Bidangil Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  139 min.  February 23.

The Customer is Always Right ["Sonnim-eun wangida"]   Written and directed by Oh Ki-hyun.  A somewhat naive barber with an attractive young wife is visited by a ruthless-looking man who tries to blackmail him.  Starring Myung Kay-nam, Seong Ji-roo, Seong Hyun-ah, Lee Seon-gyun, Oh Ki-min.  Cinematography by Jang Seong-baek.  Produced by JoWoo Films.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  104 min.  February 23.

One Shining Day ["Nun-bushin haru"]   Written and directed by Kim Sung-ho, Kim Jong-kwan, Min Dong-hyun.  An omnibus film consisting of three stories that deal indirectly with the relationship between Korea and Japan, commissioned on the 60th anniversary of Korea's liberation. Treasure Island: A Japanese woman and her friend come to Korea in search of a 'treasure' buried by her grandfather years earlier. Good-bye: High school student Jong-hwan commits fraud in order to earn money for a trip to visit his mother in Japan. The Beautiful Strangers: A Japanese journalist and an employee at the airport bookstore end up spending a night at Incheon International Airport.  Starring Lee So-yeon, Mori Yukie, Kim Dong-young, Han Bad, Jeong Dae-hoon, Shioda Sadaharu.  Produced and sold internationally by Indiestory.  Rating: 15+.  133 min.  February 23.


March

Daisy ["Deisi"]   Directed by Andrew Lau.  Screenplay by Kwak Jae-yong.  A young painter living in Amsterdam is delivered a pot of daisies each day by a hired killer who has fallen in love with her from afar. Soon, however, she meets a detective and begins to suspect that he is the one who has taken an interest in her.  Starring Jeon Ji-hyun, Jung Woo-sung, Lee Sung-jae, Cheon Ho-jin, David Chiang, Yu Soon-cheol, Dion Lam.  Cinematography by Andrew Lau, Man-Ching Ng.  Produced by iFilm.  Distributed by iLoveCinema.  Sold internationally by iHQ.  Rating: 15+.  110 min.  March 9.

Bewitching Attraction Bewitching Attraction ["Yeogyosu-ui eunmilhan maeryeok"]   Written and directed by Lee Ha.  A comic book artist is forced to confront a tragic incident from his past when he comes into contact with a beautiful but somewhat petty textiles professor.  Starring Moon So-ri, Ji Jin-hee, Park Won-sang, Yu Seung-mok, Kim Young-ho, Jeong Woo-hyuk, Shin Ju-ah.  Cinematography by Choi Ju-young.  Produced by Angel Underground and MK Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by MK Pictures.  Rating: 18+.  104 min.  March 16.

Romance ["Romangseu"]   Directed by Moon Seung-wook.  Screenplay by Moon Seung-wook, Ha Myeong-mi, Kim Hui-jae, Jang Hyun-sung. The beautiful, abused wife of a man with political ambitions tries to kill herself, but is saved by a police detective who has developed a fascination for her.  Starring Kim Ji-soo, Jo Jae-hyun, Eom Hyo-seop, Jang Hyun-sung, Ki Joo-bong, Yun Je-moon, An Kil-gang.  Cinematography by Kwon Hyuk-joon.  Produced by LJ Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  106 min.  March 16.

See You After School ["Banggwa-hu oksang"]   Written and directed by Lee Seok-hoon.  A high school student who is notorious for being socially inept transfers to a new school, where he accidentally challenges the toughest kid in the school to a fight.  Starring Bong Tae-gyu, Kim Tae-hyun, Jeong Gu-yeon, Ha Seok-jin, Jo Dal-hwan, Nam Yun-myeong.  Cinematography by Choi Jin-woong.  Produced by Cineon Entertainment and Sachoonki Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  103 min.  March 16.

Grain in Ear Grain in Ear ["Mangjong"]   Written and directed by Zhang Lu.  A woman of Korean ancestry living in China lives with her only son, making a living by selling kimchi without a license. Soon she meets three men, each of which betray her.  A Chinese-Korean co-production starring Liu Lian-ji, Jin Bo, Zhu Guang-xuan, Wang Tong-hui.  Cinematography by Liu Yong-hong.  Produced by Doo Entertainment and Shu Film Workshop.  Distributed by Dongsoong Art Centre.  Rating: 18+.  109 min.  March 23.

Almost Love ["Cheongchun-manhwa"]   Written and directed by Lee Han.  An aspiring stuntman and a woman who dreams of becoming an actress have been friends since childhood, but their friendship becomes complicated when each of them start dating someone else.  Starring Kwon Sang-woo, Kim Ha-neul, Lee Sang-woo, Jang Mi-in-ae, Park Ji-bin, Jeong Min-ah, Jeong Gyu-su.  Cinematography by Lee Jun-gyu.  Produced by Popcorn Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  116 min.  March 23.

Family Matters ["Modu-deul, goenchanhayo?"]   Written and directed by Nam Seon-ho.  A woman married for seven years struggles with a senile father and a husband who aspires to become a film director, but can't get himself to finish a screenplay.  Starring Kim Yu-seok, Kim Ho-jeong, Lee Soon-jae, Im Jeong-hyun, Park Young-shin, Kim Yo-jin, Yeo Woon-gye, Myung Kay-nam.  Cinematography by Jae Chang-gyu.  Produced by Masulpiri Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  104 min.  March 24.

The Magicians The Magicians ["Mabeopsa-deul"]   Written and directed by Song Il-gon.  The former members of a rock band called The Magicians gather together on the anniversary of the death of one of their members.  Starring Jeong Woong-in, Jang Hyeon-seong, Kang Gyeong-heon, Lee Seung-bi, Kim Hak-seon.  Cinematography by Park Young-jun.  Produced by Dreamcomes.  Sold internationally by MK International.  Rating: 15+.  96 min.  March 30.

The Legend of 7 Cutter ["Kariseuma talchulgi"]   Directed by Kwon Nam-gi.  A new transfer student suffers major problems since he shares the same name as a legendary fighter.  Starring Ahn Jae-mo, Yun Eun-hye, Lee Jeong, Jeong Jun-ha, Hyun Young, Park Seul-gi, Cheon Myeong-hun, Park Hyo-jun.  Cinematography by Lee Seok-gi.  Produced by Taichang Entertainment.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  100 min.  March 30.


April

My Scary Girl My Scary Girl ["Dalkom, salbeorhan yeonin"]   Written and directed by Son Jae-gon.  A 30-year old man lands a girlfriend for the first time in his life, and is feeling exhilerated, however the more he learns about her, the more he becomes alarmed.  Starring Park Yong-woo, Choi Gang-hee, Jo Eun-ji, Jeong Gyeong-ho, Lee Hee-do, Jo Young-gyu, Seon Woo-seon.  Cinematography by Ha Jae-young.  Produced by Sidus FNH, MBC Productions.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  110 min.  April 6.

The Peter Pan Formula ["Piteopaen-ui gongsik"]   Written and directed by Cho Chang-ho.  A high school boy with a talent for swimming is forced to grow up quickly when his single mother attempts suicide and ends up in a coma.  Starring On Ju-wan, Kim Ho-jeong, Ok Ji-young, Park Min-ji.  Cinematography by Kim Yong-cheol.  Produced by LJ Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  110 min.  April 13.

Now and Forever ["Yeonriji"]   Directed by Kim Seong-joong.  Screenplay by Kim Seong-joong and Lee Nam-jin.  A rich playboy has his outlook on life changed when he falls in love with a woman who has a terminal disease.  Starring Choi Ji-woo, Jo Han-seon, Choi Seong-gook, Seo Young-hee, Son Hyun-joo, Jin Hee-kyung, Kim Soo-mi.  Cinematography by Seok Hyeong-jing.  Produced by Taewon Entertainment.  Distributed by Showbox.  Sold internationally by iHQ.  Rating: 12+.  105 min.  April 13.

My Captain, Mr. Underground ["Mai kaeptin, Kim Dae-chul"]   Written and directed by Song Chang-su.  A tomb robber encounters two pesky kids while searching for an ancient treasure from the Shilla Dynasty.  Starring Jeong Jae-young, Jang Seo-hee, Lee Ki-young, Kim Soo-ho, Nam Ji-hyun, Lee Do-kyung.  Cinematography by Kim Jae-ho.  Produced by Zininsa Film.  Distributed by Studio 2.0.  Rating: 12+.  103 min.  April 20.

Blue Sky ["Changgong-euro..."]   Written and directed by Lee In-su.  In the 1920s, a Korean man studying in the U.S. to become a pilot tries to assemble a team to attack Japanese targets.  Starring Jeong Jun, Kim Bo-kyung, Kim Jeong-hak, Kang Sung-min, Shin Guk, Na Gyeong-bin.  Cinematography by Park Seung-ho.  Produced by Triumph Pictures.  Rating: 12+.  92 min.  April 21.

Bloody Tie Bloody Tie ["Sasaeng-gyeoldan"]   Directed by Choi Ho.  Screenplay by Choi Ho and Yoon Deok-won.  In Busan during the IMF crisis, a low-level drug pusher is pressured by a corrupt cop to help him catch a local drug lord.  Starring Ryoo Seung-beom, Hwang Jeong-min, Kim Hee-ra, Choo Ja-hyun, On Ju-wan, Lee Do-kyung.  Cinematography by Oh Hyun-jae.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by MK Pictures.  Rating: 18+.  117 min.  April 26.

Love Phobia ["Domabaem"]   Directed by Kang Ji-eun.  Screenplay by Hwang In-ho.  A couple who knew each other when they were younger are reunited, but the woman seems to keep avoiding a romantic relationship.  Starring Gang Hye-jung, Cho Seung-woo, Byun Ju-yeon, Park Geon-tae, Kang Shin-il, Jeong Jin-young, Park Shin-hye, Jeong Seong-hwa.  Cinematography by Kim Yong-heung.  Produced by Morning Pictures and Cineworld.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  117 min.  April 26.

Barefoot, Gibong ["Maenbal-ui Kibong-i"]   Directed by Kwon Su-gyeong.  Screenplay by Kwon Su-gyeong, Kwon Sun-won.  A man who suffered brain damage as a child and who has the emotional maturity of an 8-year old decides to run an amateur half-marathon, with the encouragement of the head of his village. Based on a true story.  Starring Shin Hyun-joon, Kim Soo-mi, Im Ha-ryong, Tak Jae-hoon, Kim Hyo-jin, Do Ji-won.  Cinematography by Kim Yong-cheol.  Produced by Taewon Entertainment and Gio Entertainment.  Distributed by Showbox.  Sold internationally by iHQ.  Rating: General.  100 min.  April 26.


May

Over the Border Over the Border ["Gukgyeong-ui namjjok"]   Directed by An Pan-seok.  Screenplay by An Pan-seok, Jeong Yu-gyeong.  A North Korean man finds himself living in Seoul due to an unexpected turn of events, while his fiancee has been left behind in Pyongyang.  Starring Cha Seung-won, Jo Yi-jin, Shim Hye-jin, Lee Ah-hyun, Yu Hae-jin, Song Jae-ho.  Cinematography by Park Yong-su.  Produced by Sidus FNH.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  109 min.  May 4.

Detective Odd ["Gong Pil-du"]   Written and directed by Gong Jeong-shik.  A cop named Pil-du is assumed by everyone to be dishonest, so he stages a three-day brawl to prove his innocence.  Starring Lee Moon-shik, Kim Yu-mi, Park Jeong-hak, Lee Gwang-ho, Yu Tae-woong, Choi Yeo-jin, Byun Hee-bong, Kim Gap-soo, Kim Soo-mi, Kim Soo-ro, Kim Roi-ha.  Cinematography by Seon Sang-jae.  Produced by Kidari Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  106 min.  May 11.

Family Ties ["Gajok-ui tansaeng"]   Directed by Kim Tae-yong.  Screenplay by Seong Ki-young and Kim Tae-yong.  Three separate groups of people experience upheaval and "restructuring" in their respective families.  Starring Moon So-ri, Eom Tae-woong, Goh Doo-shim, Gong Hyo-jin, Bong Tae-kyu, Jeong Yu-mi, Kim Hye-ok, Ryoo Seung-beom.  Cinematography by Jo Yong-gyu.  Produced by BlueStorm.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 15+.  113 min.  May 18.

The City of Violence The City of Violence ["Jjakpae"]   Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan.  Screenplay by Lee Won-jae, Ryoo Seung-wan, Kim Jeong-min.  A police detective returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of a close friend who was murdered, but he soon suspects that the official story of the man's death is not accurate.  Starring Jeong Doo-hong, Ryoo Seung-wan, Lee Beom-soo, Jeong Seok-yong, An Gil-gang, Kim Seo-hyung, Kim Byeong-ok, On Ju-wan.  Cinematography by Kim Young-cheol.  Produced by Weyu-negang.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  92 min.  May 25.

For Horowitz ["Horobicheu-reul wihayeo"]   Directed by Kwon Hyeong-jin.  Screenplay by Kim Min-sook, Kwon Hyeong-jin.  A single piano teacher is presented with a challenge in the form of a gifted, autistic young piano student.  Starring Eom Jung-hwa, Park Yong-woo, Shin Ui-jae, Choi Seon-ja, Yoon Ye-ri, Jeong In-gi, Kim Jeong-won.  Cinematography by Hwang Dong-guk.  Produced by Sidus FNH.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: General.  108 min.  May 25.

Mr. Wacky ["Saeng, nalseonsaeng"]   Directed by Kim Dong-wook.  Screenplay by Kim Kyu-won.  An irresponsible, unmotivated teacher lives only for the bell at the end of each day that signals class is over.  Starring Park Geon-hyung, Kim Hyo-jin, Moon Ji-yoon, Lee Kyun, Kang Eun-bi, Jeong Wook, Kim Myeong-guk, Song Young-tak, Jeong Woong-in, An Seok-hwan.  Cinematography by Hwang Cheol-hyun.  Produced by Film Z.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  97 min.  May 25.

A Bloody Aria ["Guta-yubalja-deul"]   Written and directed by Won Shin-yeon.  A music professor is driving back to Seoul with one of his female students, and stops his car by an isolated river. He tries to rape her, but she runs away and then a strange group of people begin to collect around the car.  Starring Han Suk-kyu, Lee Moon-shik, Oh Dal-soo, Cha Ye-ryeon, Kim Shi-hu, Lee Byung-joon, Jeong Gyeong-ho, Shin Hyun-tak.  Cinematography by Kim Dong-eun, Kim Byeong-jeong.  Produced by Corea Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Prime Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  115 min.  May 31.


June

Monopoly ["Monopolli"]   Written and directed by Lee Hang-bae.  A computer hacker employed by the government is approached by a smooth-talking man with a plan to swindle millions of dollars.  Starring Yang Dong-geun, Kim Seong-soo, Yun Ji-min, Han Dae-soo.  Cinematography by Kwon Young-cheol.  Produced by Hanmac Films.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  International sales by Mirovision.  Rating: 15+.  91 min.  June 1.

A Dirty Carnival A Dirty Carnival ["Biyeorhan geori"]   Written and directed by Yu Ha.  A mid-ranking gangster in Seoul is feeling financial pressures, but then an opportunity for advancement presents itself. At the same time, an old school friend hoping to shoot a movie about gangsters enlists him as an informal "advisor."   Starring Jo In-seong, Cheon Ho-jin, Namgung Min, Lee Bo-young, Yun Je-moon, Jin Gu, Park Hyo-joon, Heo Yi-jae.  Cinematography by Choi Hyeon-gi.  Produced by Sidus FNH.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  141 min.  June 15.

Les Formidables ["Gangjeok"]   Directed by Cho Min-ho.  Screenplay by Cho Min-ho and Son Jeong-woo.  A detective who is disgraced after the death of his colleague is taken hostage by a young man who was pressured into trying to kill a rival gangster. As time passes, the two start to trust each other more than their former colleagues.   Starring Park Joong-hoon, Cheon Jeong-myung, Yu In-young, Oh Soon-taek, Choi Chang-min, Kim Joong-ki, Kim Joon-bae.  Cinematography by Choi Young-hwan.  Produced and sold internationally by Mirovision.  Distributed by Show East.  Rating: 15+.  118 min.  June 22.

Silk Shoes ["Bidan-gudu"]   Directed by Yeo Kyun-dong.  Screenplay by Shim San and Yeo Kyun-dong.  A film director struggling with debts is contracted by a gangster to "take" his senile father to North Korea, through the use of fake sets and news broadcasts about reunification.   Starring Choi Deok-moon, Lee Seong-min, Min Jeong-ki, Kim Da-hye, Min Seong-wook.  Cinematography by Je Chang-gyu.  Produced and distributed by Ori Film Company.  Rating: 12+.  100 min.  June 22.

The Bad Utterances ["Yangachi eojo"]   Directed by Jo Beom-gu.  Screenplay by Park Su-jin.  Three friends from the northern half of Seoul move to the more affluent southern half, but experience many troubles there.  Starring Yeo Min-gu, Kim Jong-tae, Choi Seok-joon, Jeong Woo-hyuk, Yang Eun-yong, Jo Gyeong-hyun, Min Gyeong-wook.  Cinematography by Kim Dae-seon.  Produced by Indiestory.  Distributed and sold internationally by Chungeorahm.  Rating: 18+.  104 min.  June 24.

Aachi & Ssipak Aachi & Ssipak ["Achi-wa ssipak"]   Directed by Jo Beom-jin.  Screenplay by Jeong Hye-won.  In a sci-fi world where human feces is the world's premiere energy source and the government controls the populace with addictive popsicles, two young punks hit upon an unexpected way to strike it rich.  An animated film starring the voices of Ryoo Seung-beom, Im Chang-jung, Hyun Young, Shin Hae-chul, Lee Gyu-hwa, Seo Hye-jeong, Lee Gyeong-gyu, Oh In-yong.  Produced by J Team.  Distributed and sold internationally by Studio 2.0.  Rating: 18+.  90 min.  June 28.

Arang ["Arang"]   Directed by An Sang-hoon.  Screenplay by An Sang-hoon, Shin Yun-gyeong.  A pair of detectives attempt to solve a serial murder case that seems to be connected with a haunted website and an incident that happened to a young girl years earlier.  Starring Song Yuna, Lee Dong-wook, Lee Jong-soo, Choo So-young, Kim Ok-bin (cameo).  Cinematography by Jeong Gwang-seok.  Produced by The Dream & Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by Lotte Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  97 min.  June 28.


July

APT ["Apateu"]   Directed by Ahn Byung-ki.  Screenplay by Ahn Byung-ki, Lee So-young, Jo Mu-sang.  A woman named Se-jin notices that all of the lights in the apartment across from hers all flicker at 9:56pm, yet none of the residents seem to notice. At the same time, a string of hideous deaths begin to occur.  Starring Ko So-young, Kang Sung-jin, Jang Hee-jin, Park Ha-seon, Yu Min.  Cinematography by Yun Myeong-sik.  Produced by Toilet Pictures and Ahn's World Productions.  Distributed by Showbox.  International sales by Mirovision.  Rating: 18+.  90 min.  July 6.

Hanbando Hanbando ["Hanbando"]   Directed by Kang Woo-suk.  Screenplay by Kim Hui-jae, Lee Hyo-cheol.  In the near future, North and South Korea are taking steps towards unification, beginning with the opening of a railroad line across the peninsula. Suddenly, however, Japan claims the right to run the railroad, based on documents signed during the colonial era, and asserts it is willing to go to war to get its way. As the Korean president ponders what to do, a historian claims that the documents cited by Japan are actually forged, and proposes a way to prove this.  Starring Jo Jae-hyun, Cha In-pyo, Ahn Sung-ki, Kang Shin-il, Moon Sung-keun, Kim Sang-joong, Kang Su-yeon, Baek Il-seop.  Cinematography by Choi Young-taek.  Produced by KnJ Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  147 min.  July 13.

Don't Look Back ["Nae cheongchun-ege goham"]   Written and directed by Kim Young-nam.  Three separate stories show people dealing with sudden upheavals in life. A 21-year old dancer is confused and angry when her estranged father returns. A 25-year old telephone mechanic eavesdrops on a woman and falls in love with her. A 30-year old married man returns on vacation from military service and detects a change in his wife.  Starring Kim Tae-woo, Kim Hye-na, Lee Sang-woo, Baek Jeong-rim, Lee Han, Yang Eun-yong.  Cinematography by Lee Chang-jae.  Produced by Emotion Pictures and NHK Enterprise 21.  Distributed and sold internationally by Emotion Pictures.  Rating: 18+.  126 min.  July 13.

February 29 ["Iwol isipgu-il"]   Written and directed by Jeong Jong-hoon.  A woman who works for a highway as a toll collector comes face to face with a legend about an incident in the past that has spawned a series of murders every February 29. Part of the All of a Sudden series of horror films shot on HD.  Starring Park Eun-hye, Im Ho, Lee Dae-woo, Lee Myung-jin, Im Hyun-kyung, Kim Jae-man, Son Jong-beom.  Cinematography by Kim Hoon-kwang.  Produced by A-POST Pictures and CJ Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  91 min.  July 20.

The Host The Host ["Goemul"]   Directed by Bong Joon-ho.  Screenplay by Bong Joon-ho, Ha Jun-won, Baek Cheol-hyun.  A large mutant creature emerges out of the Han River and massacres a large crowd of civilians. As the government struggles to deal with the crisis, an ordinary working-class family tries to rescue their daughter from the monster.  Starring Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Bae Doona, Park Hae-il, Ko Ah-sung, Lee Jae-woong, Lee Dong-ho, Yoon Jae-moon, Kim Roi-ha, Park No-shik, Im Phil-sung, Paul Lazar, Oh Dal-soo (voice of creature).  Cinematography by Kim Hyeong-gu.  Produced by Chungeorahm.  Distributed by Showbox.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 12+.  119 min.  July 27.

Hidden Floor ["Ne beonjje cheung"]   Written and directed by Kwon Il-soon.  A woman and her young daughter move into the fifth floor of a newly built officetel, and a series of strange events occur involving the other residents, and even her daughter. Part of the All of a Sudden series of horror films shot on HD.  Starring Kim Seo-hyung, Kim Yu-jeong, Jo Young-jin, Lee Hwang-ui, Oh Jong-hoon, Jo Yeon-ho, Kim Ju-hu, Jeon Hyun-tae.  Produced by A-POST Pictures and CJ Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  92 min.  July 27.


August

Roommates Roommates ["D-day"]   Written and directed by Kim Eun-kyung.  At a boarding house for female students studying to re-take their college entrance exams, one student begins to see images from a fire that happened in the past. Part of the All of a Sudden series of horror films shot on HD.  Starring Lee Eun-seong, Yu Joo-hee, Kim Rina, Heo Jin-yong, Yun Da-kyung, Choi Min-geum.  Produced by A-POST Pictures and CJ Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  90 min.  August 3.

Fly, Daddy, Fly ["Peullai, daedi"]   Written and directed by Choi Jong-tae.  A middle-aged businessman learns that his daughter has been assaulted by a rich, high-school age boxing champion. When his efforts to take revenge on the boy fail, the man meets another high school student with a talent for fighting who agrees to train him in boxing.  Starring Lee Moon-sik, Lee Joon-ki, Palpin Hyun-jun, Kim So-eun, Kim Ji-hoon, Lee Yeon-soo, Kim Dong-seok, An Ne-sang.  Cinematography by Choi Ju-young.  Produced by Dyne Films.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  112 min.  August 3.

To Sir, With Love ["Seuseung-ui eunhye"]   Directed by Im Dae-woong.  Screenplay by Park Se-yeol.  A group of men and women gather at the home of their former elementary school teacher, who had abused them in the past. Soon, the guests at the house start to disappear.  Starring Oh Mi-hee, Seo Young-hee, Lee Ji-hyun, Yeo Hyun-soo, Park Hyo-jun, Lee Dong-gyu, Jang Seong-won, Yu Seol-ah, Kim Eung-su.  Cinematography by Kim Yoon-su.  Produced by U Zone Films and Fineworks.  Distributed and sold internationally by Show East.  Rating: 18+.  93 min.  August 3.

Dasepo Naughty Girls Dasepo Naughty Girls ["Dasepo sonyeo"]   Directed by E J-yong.  Screenplay by Choi Jin-sung.  At a wildly permissive high school where free sex is the norm, a poor young girl who sells herself for money falls in love with a rich transfer student who grew up in Switzerland.  Starring Kim Ok-bin, Lee Kyun, Park Jin-woo, Kim Byul, Park Hye-won, Eun Seong, Lee Yong-ju, Lee Won-jong.  Cinematography by Jeong Jeong-hoon.  Produced by Ahn's World Productions.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 15+.  103 min.  August 10.

Lump of Sugar ["Gakseoltang"]   Directed by Lee Hwan-kyung.  Screenplay by Lee Hwan-kyung, Kim Young-seok, Lee Hoon-min.  A young woman grows up on a horse farm and dreams of becoming a jockey, just like her late mother. Meanwhile her father, worried that she will meet the same fate as her mother, sells off her favorite horse.  Starring Im Soo-jung, Park Eun-su, Yu Oh-sung, Kim Yu-jeong, Choi Hak-rak, Oh Tae-kyung.  Cinematography by Baek Dong-hyun.  Produced by Sidus FNH.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: General.  124 min.  August 10.

Cinderella ["Sinderella"]   Directed by Bong Man-dae.  Screenplay by Son Gwang-su.  A young woman is thrown into confusion when her friends suffer horrible deaths after undergoing plastic surgery from her mother. At the same time, she begins to realize that her family past is not what she thought it was.  Starring Do Ji-won, Shin Se-kyung, Yu Da-in, An Gyu-ryeon, An Ah-young, Jeon So-min, Da Eun-hye.  Cinematography by Kim Hyun-tae.  Produced by Mini Film, K&Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  94 min.  August 17.

Dark Forest ["Jugeum-ui sup"]   Written and directed by Kim Jeong-min.  A group of friends go camping in a restricted area, but soon they are attacked by zombies.  Starring Lee Jong-hyuk, So Yi-hyun, Kim Young-jun, Choi Seong-min, Lee Yeh-won, Park Choong-seon.  Cinematography by Kim Hun-kwang.  Produced by A-POST Pictures and CJ Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  90 min.  August 17.

Fly High ["Saranghanikka goenchanha"]   Directed by Kwak Ji-kyun.  Screenplay by Kim Eun-sook, Kwak Ji-kyun.  After two years of being apart, a young couple decide to throw themselves into love even though the woman has a terminal illness.  Starring Ji Hyun-woo, Im Jeong-eun, Jeong Han-yong, Jeong Ae-ri, Kang Rae-yeon, Joo Ho, Park Kyung-ho, Dok Go Young-jae.  Cinematography by Dan Hyuk-tae.  Produced by Yubidaim C&Film, Kinema-gongan.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  111 min.  August 17.

Time Time ["Sigan"]   Written and directed by Kim Ki-duk.  A woman senses that her relationship with her boyfriend is deteriorating, and she decides to make herself unrecognizable to him through plastic surgery.  Starring Seong Hyun-ah, Ha Jeong-woo, Park Ji-yeon, Kim Seong-min.  Cinematography by Seong Jong-mu.  Produced by Kim Ki-duk Film.  Distributed by Sponge.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 18+.  98 min.  August 24.

No Mercy For the Rude ["Yeui-eomneun geotdeul"]   Written and directed by Park Cheol-hui.  An assassin with a speech impediment who refuses to kill nice people has his life turned on its head when a woman tries to move in with him.  Starring Shin Ha-kyun, Yoon Ji-hye, Kim Min-jun, Park Gil-soo, Lee Han-wi, Park Choong-seon, Kang San, Kim Byeong-wook, Kim Eung-su, Seon Woo.  Cinematography by Oh Seung-hwan.  Produced by Tube Pictures.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by The Core Studio.  Rating: 18+.  113 min.  August 24.

Ice Bar ["Aiseu-keki"]   Directed by Yeo In-kwang.  Screenplay by Yeon Mi-jeong.  A boy from a regional city finds out that, contrary to what his mother told him, his father is alive and living in Seoul. In order to buy a train ticket to Seoul, he gets a part-time job selling ice bars.  Starring Shin Ae-ra, Park Ji-bin, Jin Gu, Jang Jun-young, Lee Jae-ryong, Yang Ju-ho, Kim Jin-ah, Lee Byung-hyeon.  Cinematography by Hwang Ki-seok.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by MK Pictures.  Rating: General.  95 min.  August 24.

Holy Daddy ["Wontak-ui cheonsa"]   Written and directed by Kwon Seong-guk.  A prisoner dies on the day before he is to be released from jail. Regretting that he couldn't be a better father to his son, he begs the angel who has come to escort him to heaven for a little more time together with his son.  Starring Lee Min-woo, Ha Dong-hun, Im Ha-ryong, Kim Sang-joong, Kim Bo-yeon, An Gil-gang, Jeon Chang-geol Son Jeong-min, Lee Han-wi.  Cinematography by Jang Jun-young.  Produced by Cinema Zenith.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  105 min.  August 24.

Woman on the Beach Woman on the Beach ["Haebyeon-ui yeoin"]   Written and directed by Hong Sang-soo.  A film director goes to a beachside resort with a friend and his girlfriend, but soon romantic tensions flare up among the three. Later, the director meets a new woman who reminds him of his friend's girlfriend.  Starring Kim Seung-woo, Ko Hyun-jung, Kim Tae-woo, Song Seon-mi, Moon Sung-keun (voice), Lee Ki-woo, Oh Tae-kyung, Choi Ban-ya.  Cinematography by Kim Hyeong-gu.  Produced by BOM Film Productions and Jeonwonsa.  Distributed and sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 15+.  127 min.  August 31.

Like a Virgin ["Cheonhajangsa madonna"]   Written and directed by Lee Hae-young and Lee Hae-joon.  A sensitive high school boy living in Busan likes to dress up in women's clothing and has a crush on his Japanese teacher. One day he decides to take up Korean traditional wrestling, known as "ssireum".  Starring Ryu Deok-hwan, Baek Yoon-shik, Lee Eon, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Moon Se-yun, Kim Yong-hoon, Yun Won-seok, Kim Yu-seok, Lee Sang-ah, Oh Yoon-hong.  Cinematography by Jo Young-gyu.  Produced by Sidus FNH and Banjjakbanjjak.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  116 min.  August 31.


September

Between Love and Hate Between Love And Hate ["Yeonae, geu chameulsu-eomneun gabyeoum"]   Written and directed by Kim Hae-gon.  A man who is engaged to be married falls in love with a woman who works at a hostess bar, and finds himself torn between the two women.  Starring Kim Seung-woo, Jang Jin-young, Tak Jae-hoon, Oh Dal-soo, Sunwoo Yong-nyeo, Nam Seong-jin, Kim Jun-hee, Kim Sang-ho.   Cinematography by Choi Ji-yeol.   Produced by Good Player.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  International sales by CJ Entertainment.   Rating: 18+.   125 min.   September 7.

Between ["Sa-i-e-seo"]   Directed by Lee Chang-jae.  A documentary about shamans in modern-day Korea and the various experiences and hardships they face.  Starring Lee Hae-kyung, Son Myung-hee, Kim Dong-bin, Hwang In-hee.  Cinematography by Seok-un Choi.  Produced by Docu Korea, Film Messenger.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  International sales by Film Messenger.   Rating: 15+.  98 min.  September 7.

Three Fellas ["Ddukbang jeonseol"]   Directed by Jo Beom-goo.  Screenplay by Park Su-jin.  Three former high school friends deal with changes in life when one of them becomes a gangster and serves time in jail. At the same time, their hometown in transforming due to development and the arrival of organized crime.  Starring Park Geon-hyeong, Lee Cheon-hee, MC mong, Oh Dal-su, Yu Ji-tae.  Cinematography by Joo Seong-rim.  Produced by Sidus FNH.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 18+.  94 min.  September 7.

Maundy Thursday Maundy Thursday ["Urideul-ui haengbok-han shigan"]   Directed by Song Hae-sung.  Screenplay by Jang Min-seok, Park Eun-young.  A young man is sentenced to death for his role in the murder of three people. Meanwhile, encouraged by a nun, a former pop star starts to visit him in jail, and gradually becomes close to him.  Starring Kang Dong-won, Lee Na-young, Yoon Yeo-jung, Kang Shin-il, Kim Ji-young, Jeong Young-sook, Jang Hyun-sung, Choi Myeong-su.  Produced by LJ Film, Sangsang Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Prime Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  120 min.  September 14.

Puzzle ["Dunoiyuhui peurojekteu, peojeul"]   Written and directed by Kim Tae-kyung.  A group of crooks are summoned together by an unknown master planner to carry out a bank robbery, but then it goes fatefully wrong.  Starring Joo Jin-mo, Moon Sung-keun, Hong Seok-cheon, Park Jun-seok, Kim Hyun-seong.  Produced by Noon Entertainment.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  91 min.  September 14.

Marrying The Mafia 3: Family Hustle ["Gamun-ui buhwal"]   Directed by Jung Yong-gi.  Screenplay by Kim Young-chan.  The Baegopa gang decides to go straight and launches a line of kimchi products based on the matriarch's famous recipe. However a jealous rival seeks to steal the secret recipe and bring down the group.  Starring Shin Hyeon-joon, Im Hyeong-joon, Kim Su-mi, Kong Hyeong-jin, Kim Won-hee, Tak Jae-hoon, Shin Yi, Kim Yong-geon.  Cinematography by Moon Yong-sik.  Produced by Taewon Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  108min.  September 21.

Moodori ["Mudori"]   Directed by Lee Hyeong-seon.  Screenplay by Choi Jong-gu.  A secluded village in Kangwon Province that is populated only by ten old men is notorious for bringing death to all who enter. However, word about the village leaks out onto a suicide website, and soon people who wish to kill themselves are coming from all over the country.  Starring Seo Young-hee, Park In-hwan, Choi Ju-bong, Seo Hee-seung, Lee Hee-do, Jeong Gyeong-ho, Oh Jeong-se.  Cinematography by Choi Soon-gi.  Produced by MBC Production, Sidus FNH.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  100min.  September 21.

War of Flowers Tazza: The High Rollers ["Tajja"]   Directed by Choi Dong-hoon.  Screenplay by Huh Young-man.  An impulsive young man gets caught up in the world of seotta, a form of gambling using cards. After taking an apprenticeship under an older card master, he gets drawn into the society of high-stakes gambling.  Starring Cho Seung-woo, Kim Hye-soo, Baek Yoon-shik, Yoo Hae-jin, Kim Yoon-seok, Lee Su-gyeong, Kim Jeong-ran, Kim Gyeong-ik.  Cinematography by Choi Young-hwan.  Produced by Sidus FNH.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  139 min.  September 27.

Radio Star ["Radio Seuta"]   Directed by Lee Jun-ik.  Screenplay by Choi Seok-hwan.  Plagued by debt and run-ins with the law, an aging former rock star is sent off to a regional town with his loyal manager to work as a radio disc jockey.  Starring Ahn Sung-ki, Park Joong-hoon, Ha Yeo-woon, Choi Jeong-yun, Jeong Gyu-su, Jeong Seok-yong, No Brain, Yoon Ju-sang, Lee Il-seop.  Cinematography by Na Seung-yong.  Produced by Achim Pictures.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  International sales by CJ Entertainment.   Rating: 12+.  112 min.  September 27.

The Fox Family ["Gumiho gajok"]   Directed by Lee Hyeong-gon.  Screenplay by Jun Hyun-jin, Park Eun-ah.  A family of nine-tailed foxes, which can take human form but which can only become human once every 1000 years by eating a human liver, decide to start a circus show in the hopes of attracting some gullible humans.  A musical starring Ju Hyeon, Park Joon-gyu, Ha Jeong-woo, Park Shi-yeon, Ko Ju-yeon, Park Cheol-min, Sunwoo Yong-nyeo, Woo Hyun.  Cinematography by Choi Jin-woong.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by MK Pictures.  Rating: 15+.  102 min.  September 27.

Mission Sex Control ["Jal sarabose"]   Directed by An Jin-woo.  Screenplay by An Jin-woo, Lee Hyun-soo.  In the 1970s, a pair of social workers are dispatched to the countryside in an effort to bring down the booming birthrate.  Starring Lee Beom-soo, Kim Jeong-eun, Byun Hee-bong, Jeon Mi-seon, An Nae-sang, Woo Hyun, Jo Hui-bong, Lee Dal-hyung.  Cinematography by Kim Yoon-su.  Produced by Good Player.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 12+.  120 min.  September 28.

Sundays in August Sundays In August ["8wol-ui ilyoil-deul"]   Directed by Lee Jin-woo.  Screenplay by Choi Kyeong-hee, Lee Jin-woo, Song Hye-jin.  A man is devastated when his wife goes into a coma after a car accident. Later he discovers a book in the car with a message from another man, and he sets off to try to find out who it is. At the same time, he becomes involved with the doctor in charge of his wife.  Starring Yang Eun-yong, Im Hyeong-guk, Oh Jeong-se, Jeong Woo-hyuk.  Cinematography by Park Hong-ryul.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by Indiestory.  Rating: 15+.  105 min.  September 29.


October

Righteous Ties Righteous Ties ["Georukhan gyebo"]   Written and directed by Jang Jin.  A gangster who is a legend for his fighting abilities goes to jail after committing assault, but while he is behind bars, his former comrades betray him.   Starring Jeong Jae-young, Jung Jun-ho, Yu Seung-ryong, Min Ji-hwan, Shin Gu, Lee Yong-yi, Yoon Yu-seon, Joo Jin-mo, Lee Moon-su.   Cinematography by Choi Sang-ho.   Produced by K&J Entertainment and Film It Suda.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.   126 min.   October 19.

Gangster High ["Pongryeok-sseokeul"]   Written and directed by Park Ki-hyung.  A group of high school boys form a soccer club called "The Tigers", but soon they become better known for their fighting abilities.   Starring Jeong Gyeong-ho, Lee Tae-seong, Jang Hee-jin, Yeon Jae-wook, Kim Hye-seong, Lee Haeng-seok, Jo Jin-woong, Go Gyu-pil, Mun Jae-won.   Cinematography by Kim Eung-taek.   Produced by Taewon Entertainment and Dada Pictures.  Distributed by Showbox.  Sold internationally by iHQ.  Rating: 18+.   100 min.   October 19.

Traces of Love Traces of Love ["Gaeullo"]   Directed by Kim Dae-seung.  Screenplay by Jang Min-seok.  A prospective law student and a TV producer are in love, and engaged to be married when tragedy strikes. Several years later, the law student (now a prosecutor) is given a journal from his former fiancee, which details the path they are to take on their honeymoon.  Starring Yu Ji-tae, Kim Ji-soo, Eom Ji-won, Choi Jong-won, Bang Eun-mi, Im Jong-yoon, Park Cheol-min.   Cinematography by Lee Mo-gae.   Produced by Ahn's World Productions.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 15+.   108 min.   October 25.

Hearty Paws ["Maeumi"]   Directed by Oh Dal-gyun and Park Eun-hyung.  Screenplay by Shin Dong-ik.  An 11-year old boy and his 6-year old sister live alone, hoping that their mother will return. One day the boy steals a puppy and gives it to his sister as a birthday present.  Starring Yu Seung-ho, Kim Hyang-ki, Dalyi.   Cinematography by Kim Seon-ryeong.   Produced by Fine Works, SBS Production.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: General.   97 min.   October 25.


November

Road Road ["Gil"]   Written and directed by Bae Chang-ho.  A blacksmith living in 1970s Korea is confronted with his tragic past when he comes across a young woman on the road.  Starring Bae Chang-ho, Kang Gi-hwa, Seol Won-jeong, Kwon Beom-taek, Baek Hak-gi, Kim Hak-jae.   Cinematography by Lee Kyu-min.   Produced by Lee San Production.  Distributed by Sponge.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 12+.   95 min.   November 2.

Educating Kidnappers ["Janhokhan chulgeun"]   Directed by Kim Tae-yun.  Screenplay by Ki Seung-tae.  Two men desperate for money decide to kidnap a woman and hold her for ransom, but the young woman's father turns out to be much more than they bargain for.  Starring Kim Soo-ro, Lee Seon-gyun, Ko Eun-ah, Oh Gwang-rok, Kim Byeong-ok, Oh Man-seok, Ko Seo-hee.   Cinematography by Lee Jun-gyu.   Produced by Gate Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.   108 min.   November 2.

Love Me Not ["Sarang-ttawin piryo-eopseo"]   Written and directed by Lee Cheol-ha.  A man who makes a living by swindling rich women finds himself needing to raise close to $3 million in a month, so he decides to pose as the long-lost brother of a rich, blind heiress.  Starring Kim Ju-hyuk, Moon Geun-young, Jin Gu, Do Ji-won, Lee Gi-young, Seo Hyun-jin, Jo Sang-geon.   Cinematography by Gang Chang-bae.   Produced by Sidus FNH, Pan Communications.  Distributed by Showbox.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 15+.   119 min.   November 9.

Cruel Winter Blues Cruel Winter Blues ["Yeolhyeol-nama"]   Written and directed by Lee Jeong-beom.  A gang member is sent to a rural town in the hopes of tracking down the member of a rival gang. While he is waiting for the rival to appear, he becomes acquainted with the man's mother.  Starring Sol Kyung-gu, Jo Han-seon, Na Moon-hee, Yun Jae-mun, Oh Yong, Yu Seung-ryong, Shim Yi-yeong, Joo Jin-mo, Jo Hui-bong.   Cinematography by Kim Dong-cheon.   Produced by Sidus FNH.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment and Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.   118 min.   November 9.

Host & Guest ["Bangmunja"]   Written and directed by Shin Dong-il.  A cynical, atheist college lecturer is rescued from a dangerous situation by a young missionary, after which these two seeminly conflicting personalities start to spend time together.  Starring Kim Jae-rok, Kang Ji-hwan.   Cinematography by Park Joo-han.   Produced by LJ Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.   92 min.   November 15.

How the Lack of Love Affects Two Men ["Aejeong gyeolpibl du namja-ege michineun yeonghyang"]   Directed by Kim Seong-hoon.  Screenplay by Lee Hwang-rim.  A single father and his son both become obsessed with a young woman who comes to rent a room from them, and a no-holds-barred competition ensues.  Starring Baek Yoon-shik, Bong Tae-gyu, Lee Hye-young, An Gil-gang, Woo Hyun, Jeong Woo.   Cinematography by Park Sang-hoon.   Produced by Tomorrow Entertainment and iLoveCinema.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by iHQ.  Rating: 15+.   110 min.   November 16.

No Regrets No Regrets ["Huhoehaji anha"]   Written and directed by Leesong Hee-il.  A male escort starts to become involved with one of his wealthy clients.  Starring Lee Young-hun, Lee Han, Jo Hyun-cheol, Kim Dong-wook, Jeong Seung-gil, Lee Seung-won, Hwang Chun-ha, Kim Jeong-hwa.   Cinematography by Yun Ji-woon.   Produced by Generation Blue Films.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Fortissimo Films.  Rating: 18+.   114 min.   November 16.

Hot for Teacher ["Nuga geunyeo-wa jasseulkka?"]   Written and directed by Kim Yu-seong.  A young, sexy student teacher comes to an all-boys high school, but soon the dean of students begins to suspect that some hanky-panky may be going on.  Starring Kim Sa-rang, Ha Seok-jin, Park Jun-gyu, Ha Dong-hoon, Lee Hyuk-jae, Park Cheol-min, Yu Chae-young.   Cinematography by Choi Ji-yeol.   Produced by Taewon Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.   109 min.   November 16.

Sunflower ["Haebaragi"]   Written and directed by Kang Seok-beom.  A young guy who is notorious for using his fists is released from jail, and determines to live a quiet life with the owner of a small restaurant.  Starring Kim Rae-won, Kim Hye-sook, Heo Yi-jae, Kim Byeong-ok, Kim Jeong-tae, Han Jeong-su, Ji Dae-han.   Cinematography by Kim Woo-jae.   Produced by IVision Entertainment.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.   117 min.   November 23.

Midnight Ballad for Ghost Theater Midnight Ballad for Ghost Theater ["Samgeori geukjang"]   Written and directed by Jeon Gye-su.  A young woman goes out in search of her missing grandmother, and comes across a decrepit old theater populated by an eccentric group of ghosts.  A musical starring Cheon Ho-jin, Kim Kkot-bi, Park Jun-myeon, Han Ae-ri, Park Young-su, Jo Hee-bong, Park Hwi-soon.   Cinematography by Kim Young-min.   Produced by LJ Film.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.   120 min.   November 23.

If You Were Me 3 ["Se beonjjae shiseon"]   Directed by Jeong Yoon-chul ("Muhammad, the Hermit King"), Kim Hyun-pil ("The Girl Disappeared"), Lee Mi-yeon ("GaP"), Noh Dong-seok ("A Rough Life"), Kim Gok and Kim Sun ("Bomb! Bomb! Bomb!"), Hong Ki-seon ("What Shall I Do?").  The third episode in the omnibus films focused on the issue of discrimination, and financed by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. Contains six short films, all of which explore some aspect of discrimination.  Starring Chayan Kolsak, Hwang Seon-hwa, Kim Yo-han, Kim Tae-woo, Jeon Hye-jin, Yu Seong-hoon, Kim Jae-min, Jeong Jin-young.  Produced by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.  Distributed by Jinjin Film Company.  Sold internationally by Indiestory.  Rating: 12+.  106 min.  November 23.

Ad Lib Night ["Aju teukbyeorhan sonnim"]   Written and directed by Lee Yoon-ki.  A young woman reluctantly agrees to travel out to a suburban home and pretend to be the daughter of a man on his deathbed.  Starring Han Hyo-joo, Kim Young-min, Kim Joong-gi, Choi Il-hwa, Ki Joo-bong, Kim Hye-ok, Bae Jong-ok (voice).   Cinematography by Choi Sang-ho.   Produced by KBS Sky.  Distributed by Sponge.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 12+.   98 min.   November 30.

Once in a Summer Once in a Summer ["Geu hae yeoreum"]   Directed by Jo Geun-sik.  Screenplay by Kim Eun-hee, Jo Geun-shik. A group of university students go out to the countryside to perform volunteer work. While there, a man named Seok-young begins to develop feelings for a woman named Jeong-in who works in the town library.  Starring Lee Byung-hun, Soo Ae, Oh Dal-soo, Lee Se-eun, Yu Hae-jin, Jeong Seok-yong, Lee Hye-eun, Na Gi-soo.   Cinematography by Lee Hyung-deok.   Produced and sold internationally by KM Culture.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.   121 min.   November 30.

Solace ["Sarang-hal tte iyagihaneun geotdeul"]   Written and directed by Byun Seung-wook. A pharmacist living in Seoul has not much of a romantic life, partly due to the time he spends looking after his mentally ill older brother. One day a fashion designer who produces fake brand clothing moves into his neighborhood.  Starring Han Suk-kyu, Kim Ji-soo, Lee Han-wi, Jeong Hye-seon, Kim Seong-nyeo.   Cinematography by Lee In-won.   Produced by Object Films.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.   114 min.   November 30.


December

Seducing Mr. Perfect ["Mr. Robin kkosigi"]   Directed by Kim Sang-woo.  Screenplay by Kim Seon-mi.  A woman working in a large business firm starts off on the wrong foot with her new boss, a Korean-American man who has been transferred in from the U.S. headquarters.  Starring Uhm Jung-hwa, Daniel Henney, Holly Karroll Clark, Kim Ki-hyun, Oh Mi-yeon, Baek Do-bin.   Cinematography by Kwon Hyuk-joon.   Produced by Sidus FNH.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 12+.   107 min.   December 7.

I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK ["Ssaibogeu-jiman gwoenchanha"]   Directed by Park Chan-wook.  Screenplay by Jeong Seo-kyung, Park Chan-wook.  A young woman living in a mental institution believes that she is a cyborg.  Starring Im Soo-jung, Jeong Ji-hoon (aka "Rain"), Oh Dal-soo, Lee Young-mi, Park Jun-myeon, Kim Choon-ki, Lee Yong-nyeo, Kim Joo-hui.   Cinematography by Jeong Jeong-hoon.   Produced by Moho Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.   105 min.   December 7.

The World of Silence ["Joyonghan sesang"]   Directed by Jo Ui-seok.  Screenplay by Jeong Jae-ho, Jeong Ui-mok.  A man with an uncommon ability to read people becomes wrapped up in a serial murder case in which young girls are being drugged and murdered.  Starring Kim Sang-kyung, Park Yong-woo, Han Bo-bae, Lee Jong-soo, Jeong Il-woo, Jeong Kyu-soo.   Cinematography by Choi Sang-mook.   Produced by LJ Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Prime Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.   107 min.   December 14.

200 Pounds Beauty ["Minyeo-neun goerowo"]   Written and directed by Kim Yong-hwa.  A vastly overweight woman who works as a "ghost singer" for a famous pop star is in love. One day, she decides to resort to drastic surgery in order to make herself thin and attractive.  Starring Kim Ah-joong, Joo Jin-mo, Kim Hyun-sook, Lee Han-wi, Seo Yoon, Seong Dong-il, Park No-shik, Im Hyun-shik.   Cinematography by Park Hyun-cheol.   Produced by REALise and KM Culture.  Distributed by Showbox.  Sold internationally by KM Culture.  Rating: 12+.   120 min.   December 14.

The Restless The Restless ["Jungcheon"]   Directed by Jo Dong-oh.  Screenplay by Jo Dong-oh and Choi Hui-dae.  A warrior famous for his fighting abilities finds himself in a middle world between heaven and earth, where deceased souls cast off their old memories over the course of 49 days.  Starring Jung Woo-sung, Kim Tae-hui, Heo Jun-ho, So Yi-hyun, Park Sang-wook, Kim Gwang-il, Yu Ha-jun.   Cinematography by Kim Young-ho.   Produced by Nabi Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.   102 min.   December 20.

Old Miss Diary ["Oldeumiseu daieori geukjang-pan"]   Directed by Kim Seok-yoon.  Screenplay by Park Hae-young, Kim Ji-seon, Lee Yong-geun, Kim Su-jin.  Choi Mi-ja is 32 and shows no signs of wanting to get married, which has her family worried. Then she meets a good-looking producer at the broadcasting company where she works.  Starring Yeh Ji-won, Ji Hyun-woo, Kim Young-ok, Seo Seung-hyun, Kim Hye-ok, Im Hyun-sik, Woo Hyun.   Cinematography by Jeong Jin-ho.   Produced by Generation Blue Pictures and Sidus FNH.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.   108 min.   December 20.

My Wife is a Gangster 3 ["Jopok manura 3"]   Directed by Jo Jin-gyu.  Screenplay by Kim Ui-chan, Jeong Ui-mok, Gye Yun-shik.  The daughter of a Hong Kong triad boss is sent to Korea to lie low during a dangerous turf war. In Korea, she is looked after by a motley crew of low-ranking gangsters.  Starring Shu Qi, Lee Beom-soo, Hyun Young, Oh Ji-ho, Jo Hui-bong, Lung Ti, Lee Ki-yong, Ken Lo.   Cinematography by Baek Dong-hyun.   Produced by Hyunjin Cinema.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.   114 min.   December 28.


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



Box-Office Admission Results

Release date Film Title Nationwide* Seoul* Screens
Jan 5 The Art of Fighting 1,313,727 398,888 54
Jan 5 On the Road, Two 479 479 3
Jan 12 Running Wild 1,016,152 314,482 87
Jan 13 If You Were Me 2 12,621 9,987 4
Jan 19 My Boss, My Teacher 6,105,431 1,502,821 93
Jan 19 Holiday 1,458,896 372,051 42
Jan 26 Lost in Love 529,138 183,270 44
Feb 9 A Millionaire's First Love 639,596 150,105 53
Feb 9 Vampire Cop, Ricky 1,858,668 426,269 54
Feb 9 Sunday Seoul 46,239 9,356 19
Feb 10 Way To Go, Rose 881 630 1
Feb 16 Oh! My God 1,858,668 426,269 54
Feb 16 The Forgotten Child: Shin Sung-il is Lost 1,508 1,136 1
Feb 23 Forbidden Quest 2,576,022 868,692 84
Feb 23 The Customer is Always Right 172,693 57,910 43
Feb 23 One Shining Day 1,630 1,363 1
Mar 9 Daisy 1,023,096 309,926 90
Mar 16 Bewitching Attraction 691,735 222,785 64
Mar 16 Romance 424,514 106,261 47
Mar 16 See You After School 891,417 233,167 44
Mar 23 Grain in Ear 2,871 2,138 2
Mar 23 Almost Love 2,066,354 507,416 86
Mar 24 Family Matters 4,703 3,258 8
Mar 30 The Magicians 6,300 4,632 2
Mar 30 The Legend of 7 Cutter 102,742 17,623 30
Apr 6 My Scary Girl 2,286,745 766,007 60
Apr 13 The Peter Pan Formula 2,536 1,741 2
Apr 13 Now and Forever 136,088 34,656 43
Apr 20 My Captain, Mr. Underground 122,098 28,692 41
Apr 21 Blue Sky 25 25 2
Apr 26 Bloody Tie 2,104,716 635,987 78
Apr 26 Love Phobia 397,913 144,847 71
Apr 26 Barefoot, Gibong 2,347,311 524,357 71
May 4 Over the Border 252,457 82,402 59
May 11 Detective Odd 191,061 34,717 39
May 18 Family Ties 221,925 75,078 38
May 25 The City of Violence 1,196,520 328,733 50
May 25 For Horowitz 544,656 102,665 55
May 25 Mr. Wacky 264,525 55,106 39
May 31 A Bloody Aria 164,606 49,795 32
June 1 Monopoly 394,935 109,699 28
June 15 A Dirty Carnival 2,047,808 633,783 82
June 22 Les Formidables 361,155 103,669 60
June 22 The Pumpkin 1,651 1,517 1
June 22 Silk Shoes 759 702 1
June 24 Bad Utterances 255 255 1
June 28 Aachi & Ssipak 107,154 44,406 31
June 28 Arang 1,122,399 264,909 46
July 6 APT 644,893 188,211 58
July 13 Hanbando 3,880,808 1,077,033 126
July 13 Don't Look Back 13,124 10,372 3
July 20 February 29 56,958 28,210 11
July 27 The Host 13,019,740 3,571,254 167
July 27 Hidden Floor 31,654 16,480 7
Aug 3 Roommates 19,488 7,430 3
Aug 3 Fly, Daddy, Fly 510,604 146,143 61
Aug 3 To Sir, With Love 629,452 169,582 36
Aug 10 Dasepo Naughty Girls 561,803 140,754 50
Aug 10 Lump of Sugar 1,446,820 430,896 65
Aug 17 Cinderella 659,122 153,480 45
Aug 17 Dark Forest 3,241 1,651 2
Aug 17 Fly High 254,887 69,987 42
Aug 24 Time 28,414 20,191 6
Aug 24 No Mercy for the Rude 904,802 278,757 52
Aug 24 Ice Bar 516,492 118,858 47
Aug 24 Holy Daddy 508,285 83,549 48
Aug 31 Woman on the Beach 225,388 75,997 40
Aug 31 Like a Virgin 678,930 248,096 48
Aug 31 Brainwave 502 502 1
Sep 7 Between Love and Hate 668,104 228,954 55
Sep 7 Between 24,595 24,081 4
Sep 7 Three Fellas 418,445 101,088 46
Sep 14 Maundy Thursday 3,132,320 980,772 118
Sep 14 Puzzle 270,779 97,196 49
Sep 21 Marrying the Mafia 3: Family Hustle 3,464,516 779,445 114
Sep 21 Moodori 70,969 18,942 34
Sep 27 Tazza: The High Rollers 6,847,777 2,091,058 147
Sep 27 Radio Star 1,879,501 691,408 72
Sep 27 The Fox Family 202,990 58,904 40
Sep 28 Mission Sex Control 275,739 54,953 42
Sep 29 Sundays in August 1,856 1,475 2
Oct 19 Righteous Ties 1,744,677 423,584 94
Oct 19 Gangster High 29,110 9,851 29
Oct 25 Traces of Love 707,820 217,517 69
Oct 25 Hearty Paws 1,042,166 215,452 66
Nov 2 Road 1,856 1,245 1
Nov 2 Educating Kidnappers 429,546 97,148 59
Nov 9 Love Me Not 548,998 164,857 75
Nov 9 Cruel Winter Blues 570,059 140,711 58
Nov 15 Host & Guest 3,201 3,201 1
Nov 16 How the Lack of Love Affects Two Men 593,277 158,515 51
Nov 16 No Regrets 43,265* 30,713* 5
Nov 16 Hot for Teacher 434,877 95,478 49
Nov 23 Sunflower 1,543,429 368,329 64
Nov 23 Midnight Ballad for Ghost Theater 17,216 7,230 13
Nov 23 If You Were Me 3 3,811 2,428 4
Nov 30 Ad Lib Night 1,956 1,293 4
Nov 30 Once in a Summer 336,065 107,774 55
Nov 30 Solace 216,876 76,998 46
Dec 7 Seducing Mr. Perfect 730,443 218,194 69
Dec 7 I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK 739,481* 245,444* 72
Dec 14 200 Pounds Beauty 6,619,498* 1,934,910* 93
Dec 14 The World of Silence 178,434 51,233 37
Dec 14 Bisang 39,072* 13,549* 4
Dec 20 The Restless 1,531,220* 402,138* 87
Dec 20 Old Miss Diary 856,090* 252,327* 39
Dec 28 My Wife is a Gangster 3 1,690,465* 339,549* 71


* Includes admissions from 2007.  Screen totals are for Seoul only.


Figures for Seoul are taken from the KOFIC box office information system, while nationwide admissions
are based on distributor estimates. Nationwide figures are provided quarterly.



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Darcy Paquet / Koreanfilm.org