Bong Joon-ho's new film 'Mickey 17' has become the first movie to be released in China in 8 years since the ban on Korean cultural content.
According to local media reports on the 7th, 'Mickey 17' was showcased in Chinese theaters under the title 'Bianhao (編號) 17' on that day.
Ahead of its release, a special screening was held in Beijing on the 2nd, and there were also advance screenings in seven major cities across China.
'Mickey 17' is classified as a Hollywood film, distributed by Warner Brothers. However, some analysts suggest that given it is a work by Korean director Bong Joon-ho, this could signal a easing of the so-called 'Hallyu ban' (限韓令) that has been in place since 2016.
In fact, on the 7th of last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted during a conversation with National Assembly Speaker Wu Yansheng that "cultural exchange is a very attractive aspect of bilateral relations, and we must prevent issues from arising. We are open to good cultural exchanges and hope that exchanges between various sectors of China and Korea will be improved."
Meanwhile, 'Mickey 17' (written and directed by Bong Joon-ho, produced by Plan B Entertainment, distributed by Warner Brothers Korea) features expendables sent on dangerous missions. The story unfolds as Mickey (portrayed by Robert Pattinson), who is printed anew each time he dies, faces his 17th death crisis, and the new Mickey 18 (also portrayed by Robert Pattinson) is printed, leading to unpredictable outcomes. It is based on the science fiction novel 'Mickey 7' by American author Edward Ashton, adapted and directed by Bong Joon-ho.
On the 28th of last month, it had its global premiere in South Korea, and today (the 7th), it was released in North America, including China.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]