Korean English-language Press Update

Here’s an overview of the recent Korean press articles, in English, related to Korean cinema (the links are at the bottom).

The Dong-A Ilbo gives a positive review to Kim Ki-Duk (김기덕)’s Time (시간), a movie that “continues to ask viewers the real meaning of love, existence, and what kind of meaning our physical body has in relationship.” Time is scheduled to open on August 24, but director Kim seems to be quite bitter about the prospects for his movies doing well at the box office, going as far as to say “Local moviegoers may not see my next films in Korea any more.” Perhaps he should start making movies that wider audiences want to see? Hmmm…

Chosun Ilbo has a piece on Shin Ha-Gyun (신하균), in which we find out that he likes to jog along the Cheonggyecheon stream, but no one seems to recognized him when he does it! His upcoming film, No Mercy for the Rude (예의없는 것들) is also scheduled to open on August 24.

Saving the best for last, Paolo Bertolini does a nice job of identifying the reasons why Korean films are having hard time being selected for major film festivals these days, despite the strength and continuous growth of Korea's film industry. I think it’s simply the case of double-standards in festival programming. How else would you explain Da Vinci Code being the opening film at Cannes this year?

Time Review [The Dong-A Ilbo]

Film Director Kim Announces ‘His Funeral’ [The Korea Times]

A Serious Man for a Serious Job: Shin Ha-Gyun [Chosun Ilbo]

Korean Films Left Out of Global Power Games [the Korea Times]