October, traditionally regarded as a slower month for movie theaters in South Korea, is poised to offer an unexpectedly competitive slate of releases this year.
A series of highly anticipated commercial films are set to premiere, featuring star-studded casts and works recognized for their artistic merit at international film festivals.
These films will be rolled out one after another, with about a week separating each release.
Leading the Charge: ‘Laws of Love in the Big City’
Kicking off the month is Laws of Love in the Big City, which premieres on October 1, a temporary holiday in celebration of Armed Forces Day.
This film stars Kim Go-eun, who is riding high from her ten-million-viewer success with Phantom.
While it may appear on the surface to be a typical romance, Laws of Love in the Big City is actually a queer film based on the character Ja-hee from Park Sang-young’s novel of the same name.
The film follows Ja-hee (Kim Go-eun), a free-spirited individual, and Heung-soo (Noh Sang-hyun), who is skilled at hiding secrets.
Given its unique premise and Kim Go-eun’s rising star power, this film has been generating buzz even before its release.
Mid-October Drama: ‘Ordinary Family’
On October 16, Ordinary Family by director Hur Jin-ho is slated to hit theaters.
The film is based on The Dinner, a bestselling novel by Herman Koch, and tells the gripping tale of two middle-class couples who discover CCTV footage showing their children's involvement in a crime.
The ensemble cast includes Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-ae, Seol Kyung-gu, and Soo-hyun, lending significant gravitas to the production.
Ordinary Family has already been invited to 19 prestigious film festivals, including the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, further cementing its reputation as a film with strong artistic merit.
Closing Out the Month with Laughter: ‘Amazon Hwalmyeongsu’
On October 30, Amazon Hwalmyeongsu aims to wrap up the month on a lighter note.
The comedy, a genre that has been experiencing notable box office success in South Korea, follows a former national archery team member who crosses paths with a Korean-Bolivian interpreter and three Amazon warriors, all of whom possess extraordinary archery skills.
The film was written by Bae Se-young, known for box office hits like Extreme Job and Intimate Strangers, and reunites Ryu Seung-ryong and Jin Seon-kyu, who previously worked with Bae on Extreme Job.
Delayed October Releases Due to ‘Veteran 2’
This surge of October releases comes after a delay in new film debuts due to Veteran 2, one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, which was strategically scheduled for release during the Chuseok holiday period.
Many investors and distributors avoided clashing with such a major production, opting instead for later October premieres.
There is also speculation that the rise of films targeting niche markets stems from the lack of seasonal box office booms in the post-pandemic era.
The success of films like The Outlaws series, Phantom, and Spring in Seoul—which attracted millions of viewers in non-peak seasons—suggests that non-peak seasons are no longer a deterrent for film success.
As October approaches, the South Korean box office is set to heat up, offering an exciting and diverse array of films that are likely to captivate audiences despite the traditionally slower season.
With star power, artistic recognition, and a variety of genres on display, this month may defy the usual trends and deliver unexpected box office results.
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