https://studiotarget.kr 1. What is a Community Screening? - A community screening refers to a form of screening where multiple people watch a movie together at places such as churches, schools, mission groups, corporations, and public institutions. 2. Regarding the Use of IPTV, OTT, and VOD - Movies provided through IPTV, OTT, and online VOD are generally licensed for individual or home viewing only. - Therefore, even if you have properly purchased or paid for the service, a separate viewing permission may be required for community screenings where a large group of people watch together at churches, schools, or institutions. *Studio Target operates a community screening licensing system to protect copyright, support cultural mission work, and promote a healthy movie-viewing culture. [Target Audience for Community Screening Application] - Church worship services and cultural events - Youth group, student group, and Sunday school events - Retreats and mission conferences - Christian schools and educational institutions - Mission organization events - Special screenings for corporations and public institutions - Other non-profit and group screenings [Support Provided Upon Community Screening Application] - Official screening permission - Provision of the screening video file (the distribution method may vary depending on operational policies) - Provision of promotional posters and images - Cultural mission work built together Studio Target will do its best to ensure that "Band of Gods" is introduced to more churches and communities in the proper way. If you are planning a community screening, please contact us well in advance of your event schedule. Thank you. Studio Target Co., Ltd. Community Screening Inquiries - E-mail : contact@studiotarget.net / hs.son@studiotarget.net - Tel : 070-8657-3249 - Website : www.studiotarget.net (Inquire via the 'Contact Us' page on our website)]]> Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:12:20 +0000 Hunter Lee, Director of International Business and Sales at Studio Target (South Korea) Content consumption is changing at a rapid pace, and Asia is once again setting the trend. Hunter Lee, Director of International Business and Sales at Studio Target (South Korea), shared his vision on how micro-dramas and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are redefining production models, advertising, and market penetration strategies in key regions such as Latin America. For Lee, the concept of micro-dramas is not an entirely new phenomenon, but rather the natural evolution of premium content. “The industry has noticed that today’s audiences prefer to consume information more quickly. Our goal is to create series with the same intensity and appeal as a traditional high-quality drama, but delivered in much less time,” the executive explained. Studio Target, established as one of Asia’s leaders in creating these formats, is exploring new technological frontiers to optimize production timelines and budgets. Lee detailed three main approaches in the company’s production model: Traditional micro-drama: Maintains the classic production structure with real actors and locations, with development timelines ranging from nine months to more than a year. AI-assisted production: Combines real talent with virtual environments and cutting-edge technology. This model improves on-set safety, significantly reduces costs, and accelerates delivery times without sacrificing the premium quality of the content. 100% AI production: A complete disruption that reduces production costs to one-third or less. According to Lee, this efficiency is highly attractive to producers and writers because it allows them to test new genres in the market and reach massive audiences within a very short period of time. Regarding business models and monetization, Lee emphasized that Artificial Intelligence opens unprecedented opportunities for brand integration. Current technology makes it possible to modify product placement on the fly during post-production or distribution. As a result, the same micro-drama can feature a specific product depending on the territory in which it is being aired, adapting to local advertisers without altering the narrative. Latin America is a strategic territory for Studio Target. When asked about integrating its IPs into the region, Lee was unequivocal: the barrier to entry has already been broken. “We have already moved beyond the stage of figuring out how to introduce Korean content. Today, there is massive demand and a huge appetite in Latin America for our productions,” he stated. Following the tremendous success of long-form formats in the region — with global phenomena such as Squid Game — Studio Target’s new challenge is introducing the vertical short-form format. “This is the new way Asia consumes information and entertainment, and we firmly believe it is a format that audiences in Latin America will also enjoy and embrace enthusiastically.” Original Article: https://www.produ.com]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:19:27 +0000 1. Studio Target is the sole producer of the film "Choir of God". Person A, who provided services as a supervising producer during the film production process, claimed co-producer status and filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court seeking confirmation of co-producer status and settlement of shares. Person A also applied for a provisional attachment of claims worth 500 million KRW on a portion of theatrical box office revenues. Person A was scheduled to be paid a fair service fee and additional compensation corresponding to that role. Person A was also well aware of this fact. However, following the film's commercial success, Person A claimed co-producer status and demanded rights to the settlement and the work, leading to this legal dispute. We have secured sufficient supporting evidence and are actively responding through our legal counsel. 2. Person A's failure to perform operational responsibilities has also been confirmed in a separate matter. As previously mentioned in separate reports, Person A explicitly informed us regarding the music used in the film, "Love is a Runaway" (사랑은 늘 도망가), stating that "clearance for use had been completed due to a personal acquaintance with the music copyright holder." However, we recently received a certified text from the music copyright holder stating that they had never permitted the use of the source music (the same attorney represents the composer and lyricist). Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the approval process for other CCM songs, which had not been resolved either, was carried out under Person A's individual name rather than the production company's name. We are actively proceeding to directly apologize to the music copyright holders and engage in formal consultations. We are also reviewing separate legal actions against Person A, who provided explanations that differ from the facts despite our possession of sufficient supporting evidence. 3. Person A cannot be recognized as a "video track producer" (audio-visual producer) under the Copyright Act. To be recognized as a "video track producer" under the Copyright Act, one must plan the overall film production and bear economic and legal responsibilities for various internal and external contracts. Person A was not an entity that bore responsibility in any aspect, such as procurement of production costs, attribution of profit and loss, or final decision-making, and therefore cannot be a "video track producer." As the party that bore all production responsibilities, we could not accept Person A's unfair demands. 4. Studio Target planned and supervised the entire film production process and bears all responsibilities. As the final decision-maker in pre-production (including directing, casting producers/actors, and contracting), production (such as filming in Mongolia), post-production (such as editing), and distribution/marketing, we planned the entire film production and bore economic and legal responsibilities for all internal and external contracts. The entity that attracted investment and took out loans for production expenses was also entirely Studio Target. Had "God's Band" failed at the box office, all resulting economic and legal responsibilities would have fallen entirely on Studio Target. 5. Studio Target holds all rights to the film "God's Band" as its sole video track producer. Our company holds all rights to the screening, distribution, and secondary utilization (in all forms, including OTT, IPTV, VOD, overseas rights, remakes, merchandise, dramas, and musical performances) of this film. Recently, there have been instances where inquiries were made regarding holding performances related to "God's Band." Any screening, distribution, or secondary utilization carried out without the prior written consent of our company violates the Copyright Act and related laws, and we will hold parties civilly and criminally liable. We sincerely hope that well-intentioned audiences, partners, and stakeholders will not suffer any damages. 6. We are firmly responding to biased reports that only reflect one-sided claims, as well as false reporting. Person A claimed to have been deeply involved in the overall production, from script planning to the completion stage, and made an unfair demand to be recognized as a co-producer. When we refused this demand because we could not recognize such status for Person A, who did not fulfill the role of a film producer, Person A filed the lawsuit. We possess sufficient supporting evidence and plan to respond based on it. Furthermore, we are already proceeding with mediation processes through the Press Arbitration Commission regarding some media reports that biasedly reflected only the claims of one party. We will firmly respond through all legal measures, including demands for correction and counter-arguments, as well as claims for damages, against reports based on unverified speculation and false facts. 7. We will do our best to promote other ongoing projects and businesses as scheduled, independent of this matter, so as not to cause unnecessary concern to our investors, partners, and audiences. Due to the nature of the ongoing matter, the specific factual relationships will be fully substantiated during the trial. Individual inquiries will be answered through our company's legal representative (Bori Law Firm, Attorney Yeon Lee: 02-6245-2400). 2026.05.18 (Monday) Studio Target Co., Ltd. (Seal Omitted)]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 10:32:41 +0000 MOSCOW — Studio Target (CEO Do-yeon Kim), a resident company of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) CKL Business Center, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for content distribution with Russia’s major media conglomerate, Media-Telecom, and leading OTT platform, KION, at the 'World Content Market Moscow (WCM Moscow).' WCM Moscow is an international B2B content market dedicated to promoting broadcasting and OTT content trade and collaboration, with a primary focus on the Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets. Under the agreement, the entities will pursue joint planning and production across various formats—including feature films, drama series, and short-form dramas—while collaborating on distribution networks throughout Russia and the CIS region. Leveraging this partnership, Studio Target plans to roll out new content tailored for the global market. The company stated that its recent production milestones underscore its expanding creative capabilities. Studio Target’s feature film, God’s Band, amassed a cumulative audience of 1.44 million viewers. Additionally, its short-form drama The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending, which premiered on the short-form platform ReelShort on March 20, clinched the No. 1 spot on the daily charts on its release day. "We are highly impressed by the creativity of Korean content and Studio Target's production capabilities," a representative from Media-Telecom remarked. KION also expressed high expectations, stating, "Through this collaboration, we aim to introduce a diverse array of content to global audiences, including the Russian market." "This partnership with prominent Russian media groups provides us with a robust avenue to expand our content production and distribution footprints," said CEO Do-yeon Kim. "We look forward to maintaining a close collaboration that reflects the unique characteristics of each market." Driven by distinctive planning capabilities and a systematic production infrastructure, Studio Target continues to secure diverse intellectual properties (IPs) and expand its network with global partners, steadily strengthening its presence in the international content market. Meanwhile, KOCCA continues to foster the growth of content startups through its CKL Business Center, offering office spaces, infrastructure, and production support facilities. By Ina Yoon, Etoday Original Article https://www.etoday.co.kr/news/view/2584645]]> Fri, 15 May 2026 14:21:15 +0000 Could you introduce Studio Target? Studio Target is a production house that covers a wide spectrum of visual content, including feature films, drama series, and vertical short-form content. We don't just stop at production; we oversee the entire process, including planning, production, distribution, and sales. We develop original stories in-house, bring them to life on screen, and distribute them through channels tailored to both domestic and international markets. Notably, we participated in planning and producing major commercial films such as Hitman 2 and God’s Band. We have also consistently driven the planning and production of webtoon-based drama series and vertical content. We would love to hear more about your flagship projects. Our film Hitman 2 achieved a monumental milestone, ranking among the Top 5 highest-grossing Korean films of 2025. Meanwhile, God’s Band—a box office sleeper hit that amassed 1.44 million viewers—holds a special place for us because we managed everything from its initial conception to its final production. This project fully leveraged the planning, financing, production, and distribution capabilities we’ve honed over more than 20 years in the field. It is incredibly meaningful to us, as it became a commercial success driven entirely by our responsibility and determination. Recently, we have also been aggressively expanding into new formats. For vertical dramas, we have focused on producing our own original concepts and are actively introducing them as original content on global platforms. Rather than letting a story be consumed as a single, standalone piece of content, we prefer to expand it into various formats. Therefore, we treat everything from initial planning to final production as one unified process. What sets us apart from conventional production companies is that we map out post-production utilization right from the scriptwriting stage. What is Studio Target's approach to content creation? Everything begins at the planning stage. Instead of producing content for the sake of production, we first analyze what kinds of stories resonate with today’s market. During development, we don't limit ourselves to a specific genre; rather, we evaluate whether a single source material can be expanded into multiple formats. In the production phase, we bring the content to life using methods optimized for each specific format—be it a movie, a drama series, or vertical content. Once production is complete, we directly engage in distribution and sales, deciding the release timing and strategy based on market trends and audience response. We never treat content as a one-off product; we always evaluate its long-term utility and monetization structure. Additionally, we are striving to integrate AI technology into our content creation workflow. Rather than just adopting technology for its own sake, we are focusing on how it can seamlessly merge with traditional production pipelines. We are continuously exploring new ways to bridge the gap between technology and creative content. What are your goals for the future? We have always deeply contemplated our role within the broader context of the content industry. Beyond merely making projects, we constantly ask ourselves how we can contribute to the industry's structural ecosystem. Because talent circulation is vital to the content industry, we strive to build an environment where new talent can enter the market and thrive. In line with this philosophy, we actively cast rookie directors and actors. For some of our projects, we deliberately focused production around lesser-known actors and creators, opening doors for fresh talent to break into the industry. In a way, we treat our production process itself as a gateway of opportunity. Looking ahead, we are exploring collaborations that extend beyond traditional entertainment into various other industries. By combining content with other sectors, we aim to pioneer innovative business models and expand the post-release utility of our properties. Content no longer ends as a single piece of work. I believe the core responsibility of a modern production house is to build a structure where a single intellectual property (IP) can expand across multiple formats and markets. Studio Target will continue to work tirelessly—not just for our own growth, but to meaningfully contribute to the advancement of the entire industry. By Jae-kyung Jung, News Economy Original Article: https://www.newseconomy.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=19991]]> Mon, 04 May 2026 14:31:21 +0000 My Characters Are in Love with Me Studio Target will present its latest slate of microdramas and new projects at World Content Market – Moscow 2026, positioning its content for international buyers and partners. The South Korean company focuses on developing so-called “Killer IPs” designed for global audiences. Its production model is built around an in-house Story Lab and R&D division, with an emphasis on producer-driven development and visually strong storytelling. Microdrama production remains a core area for Studio Target. The company has built a portfolio of nearly 70 original titles, reflecting the rapid growth of short-form vertical storytelling. Among its recent releases, Choir of God ranked number one in Korea in early 2026, marking a key commercial success for the studio. At the market, Studio Target will present several new microdrama projects, including «My Characters Are in Love with Me», a fantasy romance about a writer who finds herself inside her own novel and confronts the characters she created. The slate also features «I Slapped Queen», a revenge drama built around a long-term conflict and its consequences, as well as «Bloodbound: The Marked Pact», a supernatural romance. In addition to scripted content, the company is introducing the documentary «The King», dedicated to volleyball icon Kim Yeon-koung. Looking ahead, Studio Target plans to expand its production through a One Source Multi Use strategy, with a target of more than 70 major projects by 2028, aiming to strengthen both its cultural reach and commercial presence in the global market. Original Article: https://worldcontentmarket.com/2026/04/07/studio-target-to-present-microdrama-slate/]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:33:00 +0000 SEOUL — Studio Target, a rising content production house, has achieved a major milestone in the global entertainment market with its new short-form drama series, The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending. The ReelShort original series premiered on March 20. Immediately following its release, the drama debuted at No. 3 on the platform's chart before climbing to the No. 1 spot just a day later. It has successfully maintained its position within the Top 5 ever since. The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending is a role-reversal romance that follows Min Ye-rin (played by Ji-won Park), a conglomerate heiress who enters a reality dating show called Solo’s Choice to track down her arranged marriage partner and save her mother’s company. As Ye-rin and her counterpart, Choi Seong-jun (played by Jun-ho Cha), navigate conflicts and choices, they grow closer. The series heightens viewer engagement by weaving intense corporate succession rivalries and a gripping love triangle into the plot. The series features a stellar lineup of rising stars, including Jun-ho Cha, Ji-won Park, Si-hyun Park, Si-wan Jeong, Han-gyeol Shin, and Do-gyeong Lee. Lead actors Jun-ho Cha and Ji-won Park expressed their gratitude, stating, "The time we spent with the cast and crew during filming remains a precious memory, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love the show is receiving. Since a tremendous amount of hard work went into the preparation and filming, we hope audiences continue to love both the story and the characters." This latest success further validates Studio Target’s robust production capabilities in the short-form drama sector and is expected to significantly bolster the company's competitive edge in the global market. Leveraging its accumulated production expertise and in-house R&D, Studio Target has built a highly optimized narrative structure and production pipeline specifically tailored for short-form content. The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending showcases this synergy, combining fast-paced storytelling and high-stakes premises with a streamlined production process to deliver high-quality content. Looking ahead, Studio Target plans to introduce innovative short-form dramas integrated with advanced AI technology. By blending trendy subject matter with universal emotional themes that resonate with global audiences, the company aims to enhance its content competitiveness and expand strategic partnerships with various international platforms. "In the short-form drama market, the ultimate key to success is the power of a story that can completely captivate viewers within a very short window," said Do-yeon Kim, CEO of Studio Target. "We will continue to introduce highly competitive short-form content to the global market, backed by our unique planning capabilities and proven production expertise.“ By Ju-yeon Jang, Ilgan Sports (jang3@edaily.co.kr) Original Article:https://isplus.com/article/view/isp202604100084]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:34:40 +0000 SEOUL — Studio Target, a resident company of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) CKL Business Center, has officially unveiled its new global short-form drama lineup. Following the March release of its ReelShort original series, The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending, the production house plans to sequentially roll out two more titles within April. The first, My Characters Are In Love With Me, details the unexpected romance of a lifelong single who becomes entangled with fictional characters from a novel. The second, I Slapped the Queen, weaves a gripping narrative of conflict and thrilling revenge rooted in a broken friendship. Both highly anticipated, unique titles have already finalized distribution and licensing rights agreements across multiple international markets—including Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, India, and Taiwan—ahead of their global premieres. The series showcase a strong on-screen chemistry among a lineup of perfectly cast rising stars, including Han-gyeol Shin, Ji-soo Jeong, Jeong-wan Han, and Seung-ho Cheon, along with Hyeong-gyu Lee and Tae-woo Kang. By combining a proven production team with a versatile portfolio spanning romance, fantasy, and revenge thrillers, Studio Target aims to aggressively expand the competitive edge of K-short-form content. Studio Target's track record underscores its global momentum. Its previously produced short-form drama, My Husband Killed Me, successfully entered ReelShort’s Asia Top 10 chart, while I Wish My Husband Would Get Struck by Lightning peaked at No. 2 on the platform. Driven by these consecutive successes across both domestic and international platforms, Studio Target has established itself as a premier short-form creator, receiving a steady influx of collaboration proposals from partners worldwide. The upcoming titles, My Characters Are In Love With Me and I Slapped the Queen, boast enhanced production quality by blending classic genre elements optimized for short-form video with Studio Target’s proprietary narrative structures and production systems honed through internal R&D. By anchoring fast-paced storytelling and high-stakes premises onto a solid script and streamlined production workflow, the studio delivers an immersive viewing experience that sets its works apart from conventional short-form content. Leveraging this operational expertise, the company is pioneering a new business model that bridges short-form dramas with e-commerce, targeting both brands and consumer audiences simultaneously. This new initiative is being advanced in close partnership with global enterprises. Notably, I Slapped the Queen will feature a tie-in with an actual chocolate brand, launching a real-world product synchronized with the show. Through this approach, Studio Target aims to seamlessly connect entertainment with consumer experiences, establishing innovative revenue streams and further sharpening its global competitiveness. "In today's media landscape, the ultimate competitive edge lies in the core power of the content itself," said Do-yeon Kim, CEO of Studio Target. "Focusing on this essence, Studio Target is developing differentiated short-form dramas that break away from conventional formats, driven by robust script development and the discovery of unique subject matters." Kim added, "With a sharp focus on the global market, we plan to consistently roll out diversity-driven 'K-Next' short-form dramas that merge cross-cultural themes with high-velocity storytelling. To support this vision, Studio Target is actively expanding joint planning, production, and distribution partnerships with international platforms and creators, establishing a strategic production pipeline designed for global scalability from the ground up." Meanwhile, KOCCA continues to nurture the growth of content startups like Studio Target through its CKL Business Center, providing office spaces, technical infrastructure, and comprehensive production support. By Hyun-woo Baek, The CEN News (press@mhns.co.kr) Original Article: https://target.muv.kr/admin/contents/form?board_code=b20230327bb044106e9f4b]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:40:36 +0000 SEOUL — Studio Target, the production house behind the feature film God’s Band, has launched a full-scale expansion into the global short-form entertainment market. The company announced on February 24 that it will premiere its original short-form drama series, The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending, on the global platform ReelShort next month. The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending is a role-reversal romance following Ye-rin, a conglomerate heiress who joins a reality dating show called Solo’s Choice to track down her arranged marriage partner and save her mother’s company. Co-developed and produced in partnership with KT Studio Genie, the series features a stellar lineup of rising stars, including Jun-ho Cha, Ji-won Park, Si-hyun Park, Si-wan Jeong, Han-gyeol Shin, and Do-gyeong Lee. Studio Target has successfully transplanted its robust directing and planning capabilities—proven through major commercial films like Hitman 2 and God’s Band—into the short-form arena, demonstrating a versatile production capacity that transcends genres and formats. In fact, its short-form series My Husband Killed Me, launched on Shortcha and ReelShort, successfully entered ReelShort’s Asia Top 10 chart, while I Wish My Husband Would Get Struck by Lightning peaked at No. 2. Industry experts hail Studio Target’s trajectory as a textbook example of a "hybrid production system." Analysts note that by infusing traditional short-form grammar with cinematic scale and depth, the company delivers a fresh experience for viewers while securing deep trust as a premium production partner for global platforms. This achievement is not a mere format expansion, but rather the result of precisely integrating verified filmmaking expertise into short-form storytelling. It clearly demonstrates that Studio Target’s proprietary short-form planning and production infrastructure is yielding substantial real-world success. "In today's media landscape, the ultimate competitive edge lies in the core power of the content itself," said Do-yeon Kim, CEO of Studio Target. "Focusing on this essence, Studio Target is developing differentiated short-form dramas driven by robust script development and the discovery of unique subject matters." Kim added, "With a sharp focus on the global market, we plan to consistently roll out diversity-driven 'K-Next' short-form dramas that merge cross-cultural themes with high-velocity storytelling. To support this vision, we are actively expanding joint planning, production, and distribution partnerships with international platforms and creators, establishing a strategic production pipeline designed for global scalability from the ground up." "Starting with The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending, we will sequentially unveil content that balances experimental creativity with mainstream appeal. By delivering works that never compromise on quality or originality, we will cement our position as a trusted, leading short-form drama brand in the global market," Kim concluded. In addition to The Billionaire Heiress’s Romantic Ending, Studio Target plans to sequentially roll out a diverse pipeline of short-form projects worldwide. These include My Characters Are In Love With Me, which tells the story of a lifelong single falling for fictional princes from a novel, and I Slapped the Queen, a gripping narrative of friendship and thrilling revenge. By Ju-yeon Jang, Ilgan Sports (jang3@edaily.co.kr) Original Article: https://isplus.com/article/view/isp202602240048]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:56:11 +0000 SEOUL — Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI/Hope Friend, Chairman Chang-nam Choi), an international relief and development NGO, hosted a special screening of the film God’s Band on February 9 at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul. In 1994, KFHI became the first private organization in South Korea to launch aid initiatives for North Korea. For over 30 years, it has consistently provided support to residents inside and outside North Korea, as well as to North Korean defectors settling in South Korea. As an extension of KFHI's North Korean assistance projects, this screening was organized to deepen social understanding of the lives of North Korean residents and to foster widespread empathy for defectors within South Korean society. The special screening, joined by the director and lead cast members of God’s Band, drew approximately 200 attendees, including sponsors of KFHI’s North Korean projects and citizens interested in agendas surrounding North Korea and defectors. The screening was followed by a talk concert featuring North Korean defectors. Defector panels, including seminary student Yu-na Jeong, shared personal narratives linking the film's storyline to their own lived experiences, offering audiences a rare glimpse into daily life and faith in North Korea. "We hope this special screening serves as an opportunity to perceive North Korea not through the lens of ideology or geopolitical issues, but through the actual lives and stories of the people living within it," said Chairman Chang-nam Choi. "KFHI remains deeply committed to providing ongoing support for the holistic restoration of each and every individual.“ By Hyun-sung Lee, Kookmin Ilbo (sage@kmib.co.kr) https://www.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0029375811&code=61221111&cp=nv]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:56:59 +0000 SEOUL — The film God’s Band, starring actor Park Si-hoo, has officially surpassed the coveted milestone of 1 million cumulative viewers, cementing its status as a legendary box office sleeper hit. According to the Korean Film Council’s (KOFIC) integrated ticket licensing network, God’s Band achieved the monumental feat of crossing 1 million cumulative admissions on June 4. The film, which premiered on December 31 last year, initially launched with a relatively small number of screens. However, propelled by passionate audience support, it systematically climbed from No. 5 to No. 1 on the box office charts, eventually hitting the 1-million mark. Along the way, it also set a remarkable record by leading weekend seat-occupancy rates for four consecutive weeks post-release. Despite the severe disadvantage in screen allocations, high satisfaction scores among actual moviegoers triggered organic word-of-mouth recommendations. This created a powerful virtuous cycle, leading to audience-led demands for expanded screenings and a dramatic reversal in reservation rates. The film ultimately won over hearts with its sincere narrative and raw, heartwarming sense of humanism. In particular, the "sing-along screenings," where audiences broke out into collective choruses in theaters, transformed the film from a mere cinematic view into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. This interactive experience served as a major catalyst in accelerating the film past the 1-million viewer threshold. By Sung-hyun Kim, YTN Star (jamkim@ytn.co.kr) https://studiotarget.net/1767241180/?q=YToxOntzOjEyOiJrZXl3b3JkX3R5cGUiO3M6MzoiYWxsIjt9&bmode=view&idx=169866897&t=board]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:57:43 +0000 SEOUL — God’s Band, a human music drama starring Park Si-hoo and Jeong Jin-woon, is defying theater expectations and demonstrating the sheer power of an underdog film. Fueled by organic word-of-mouth, the film overcame low initial expectations at the time of its release to ultimately complete a legendary "sleeper hit success story" by capturing the top spot at the box office. Premiering on December 31 last year, God’s Band dethroned the long-reigning blockbuster If It’s Us to claim No. 1 on the box office charts during the weekend of June 1, marking its fifth week in theaters. It is an astonishing feat achieved by systematically reversing its modest opening-week debut at No. 5, especially while fending off an aggressive influx of newly released foreign titles such as How to Train Your Boss and The Housemaid. According to the Korean Film Council’s (KOFIC) integrated ticket licensing network, the film's cumulative audience score reached 934,377 viewers as of June 1. Having comfortably surpassed its break-even point of 700,000 admissions early on, the project is now on the verge of crossing the milestone of 1 million viewers. Even more noteworthy than the raw audience numbers is the seat-occupancy rate, which is widely considered the most accurate barometer of a film’s real-world traction. Upon its initial release, the screen allocation granted to God’s Band was merely one-tenth of the size given to massive contemporary foreign blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2. Despite this structural disadvantage, the film consistently ranked No. 1 in seat-occupancy rates starting from its second week. Ultimately, the dense and loyal support from moviegoers who actively sought out a well-crafted story paved the way for this "rebellion of a small film." At the core of this dramatic box office reversal lies a novel premise combined with universal humanism. The unique setting—where a North Korean state security officer organizes a "fake church choir" to earn foreign currency—takes a potentially heavy subject and unpacks it with an engaging, lighthearted touch. Critics and audiences note that the character arc, where individuals initially practicing hymns purely for survival gradually harmonize and connect with the music itself, delivers a raw yet deeply authentic emotional resonance. In particular, the narrative's seamless blend of spiritual messaging and broader themes of humanity ignited widespread word-of-mouth recommendations. This triggered a massive wave of group viewings driven primarily by churches and religious organizations nationwide, serving as the definitive catalyst for the film's box office momentum. This robust influx of group bookings, which successfully packed cinema seats even during weekday afternoon hours, provided a vital lifeline that allowed the film to retain its presence in theaters. Furthermore, the sincere and tireless promotional efforts of the lead actors played a pivotal role in winning over audiences. Even in its fifth week of release, members of the cast, including Jeong Jin-woon, continue to hold unannounced "guerrilla" stage appearances, building a warm and personal connection directly with moviegoers in theaters. By Seung-mi Lee, Sports Donga (smlee@donga.com) https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20260203/133285602/1]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:59:28 +0000 SEOUL — A small spark lit by actress Choi Ji-woo has moved the public and reached the steps of the National Assembly. The "Miracle Screenings" for the film Sugar are quietly yet powerfully expanding beyond the cultural sphere, integrating into both the corporate and political sectors. The team behind Sugar (directed by Shin-choon Choi) announced on February 2 that the relay screening campaign, initiated by actress Choi Ji-woo and supported by Soh-yeong No (Director of Art Center Nabi), concluded successfully thanks to warm public enthusiasm. Concurrently, they unveiled the upcoming schedule to keep this "Miracle Relay" alive. This ongoing campaign holds a distinct significance as individuals are contributing voluntarily, driven by the film’s genuine message rather than flash promotional events. On February 3, the warmth of the film heads to Busan. The third "Sugar Miracle Screening," taking place at CGV Seomyeon in Busan, is being personally sponsored by lead actors Jin-woong Min and Dong-ha Go. To extend the film’s moving message to regional audiences outside Seoul, the two actors privately rented a theater to welcome moviegoers and sustain the momentum of the Miracle Relay. A prominent new supporter has also joined the cause. Actress Ho-jung Yu deeply resonated with the campaign’s purpose and confirmed her participation in the relay. Yu plans to rent out a cinema under her own name to invite audiences, presenting a prime example of a "benevolent relay" passed along among fellow colleagues. Corporate and political sectors have also responded to the actors' goodwill. Kakao Healthcare, a digital healthcare enterprise, will host Miracle Screenings on February 5 and 9 to foster awareness and empathy for Type 1 diabetes within corporate culture. Particularly noteworthy is the screening scheduled for February 8 at CGV Apgujeong. Sponsored by the Korean Type 1 Diabetes Association, this specific event was made possible through a meaningful contribution by National Assembly Member Mi-hwa Seo of the Democratic Party of Korea. The association explained, "Representative Seo donated screening sponsorship funds to our association with the hope that the core message of Sugar reaches a broader segment of the public." This momentum will culminate at the legislature. On February 11, a special screening and seminar for Sugar will be held at the National Assembly. Hosted by digital healthcare firm Soldoc, the event will welcome Type 1 diabetes patients and their families, alongside bipartisan lawmakers and officials from related government agencies, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Following the screening, a panel discussion will address regulatory and institutional policy improvements for Type 1 diabetes, raising expectations that Sugar will serve as a catalyst for practical social change rather than just a cinematic experience. "The screenings that began with the sincerity of actress Choi Ji-woo and Director No are now creating a warm ripple effect across the entertainment industry, corporate boardrooms, and the National Assembly," the production house stated. "We continue to receive inquiries regarding sponsorships from various entities. We ask for your continued interest so this miraculous relay can carry on." Delivering warm consolation beyond the silver screen, Sugar—the first moving true-story film of 2026—is currently screening in theaters to critical acclaim. By Mi-hwa Kim, Star News https://www.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0029375811&code=61221111&cp=nv]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:58:31 +0000 SEOUL — The film God’s Band (directed by Hyeong-hyeop Kim) has claimed the top spot at the box office for the first time in its fifth week of release, carving out an unprecedented "sleeper hit success story" in the Korean film industry. According to the Korean Film Council’s (KOFIC) integrated ticket licensing network on June 2, God’s Band drew 65,754 viewers on June 1 alone, climbing to No. 1 on the daily box office charts. This brings its cumulative audience score to 934,386 viewers. This remarkable upward trajectory allowed the film to surpass the blockbuster romance If It’s Us (which drew 63,912 viewers), a title that had firmly held the No. 1 spot, while successfully fending off a wave of newly released films. After debuting at No. 5 in its opening week, God’s Band systematically climbed the ranks before finally securing the peak position. The ascent of God’s Band to the top spot is being compared to a "David and Goliath" battle. At the time of its release, the film launched with limited screen allocations—up to one-tenth of the size of its major competitors—but managed to turn the tables solely through the power of its narrative and organic word-of-mouth recommendations. Demonstrating strong staying power by leading seat-occupancy rates since its second week, God’s Band achieved this miraculous box office milestone fueled by audience-led demands for expanded screenings, a wave of repeat viewings, and a string of sold-out sing-along screenings. Rather than relying on a star-studded cast or massive marketing budgets, the film moved audiences with its heartfelt story of a North Korean state security officer who forms a fake choir, combined with a raw yet heartwarming sense of humanism. Along with capturing the No. 1 spot, God’s Band has entered the countdown to crossing the coveted milestone of 1 million cumulative viewers. Given its current explosive momentum, the film is widely expected to surpass the 1-million mark within days. "This miraculous number-one finish was driven entirely by our audience," a representative from the production house shared in an emotional statement. "Beyond simple box office success, we hope this project stands as a testament that a good story will always resonate. We will continue to share this journey with our viewers until we hit the 1-million milestone." By achieving a box office triumph that many deemed impossible, God’s Band has emerged as one of the standout cinematic highlights of 2026 and is currently screening in theaters nationwide. By Bo-young Kim, E-Daily Star In https://www.edaily.co.kr/News/Read?newsId=02171366645346584&mediaCodeNo=257&OutLnkChk=Y]]> Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:00:34 +0000