SHOWBOX has unveiled its new-year film lineup set to fill theaters in 2026.
On Jan. 2, SHOWBOX introduced the impressive slate of films it will present to audiences in 2026 through content produced in collaboration with the popular sketch-comedy channel Shortbox. The diverse genres and distinctive personalities of the films promise to pack this year's theaters, raising anticipation.
SHOWBOX's abundant new-year film lineup was wittily presented in Shortbox's hit series "Sseomsachin." The two characters who have driven the series' popularity with relatable performances, Jin-se (Jo Jin-se) and Sua (Seo Sua), watch the Koo Kyo-hwan and Mun Ka-young–starring romantic film 'If We' together in this video. Their banter, full of the flutter of "Sseomsachin," mentions SHOWBOX's 2026 film lineup, including "The Man Who Lives with the King," which is being eyed as a Lunar New Year holiday must-see, as well as "Gunchae," "Salmokji" and "Blizzard," piquing curiosity.
Notably, the "Sseomsachin" episode features strong cameo appearances by the two lead actors of "The Man Who Lives with the King," Yoo Hai Jin and Park Jihoon, catching attention. Their surprise appearances, which blend seamlessly into the "Sseomsachin" universe, elicit warm laughter. In the video, Yoo Hai Jin transforms into a supporting actor who loves movies and trades fast-paced lines with actor Lee Dong-yong, while Park Jihoon appears in the theater by chance in front of Sua, playing a mysterious man who unnerves Jin-se, raising intrigue.
The SHOWBOX new-year lineup revealed through Shortbox's "Sseomsachin" is expected to enrich the 2026 box office with a variety of distinctive films.
First, "The Man Who Lives with the King," scheduled to open on Feb. 4, is a film set in 1457 Cheongnyeongpo about a village head who volunteers for exile to revive his village and a young deposed former king living in exile. Acclaimed storyteller Jang Hang-jun directs, and Yoo Hai Jin, whose films have the highest cumulative domestic audience in Korea, plays the village head Um Heung-do of Gwangcheongol, while Park Jihoon, who proved his acting in the series "Weak Hero," plays the young former king Lee Hong-wi. Yoo Ji-tae plays Hangeomhae, the era's most powerful figure, and Jeon Mido plays the court lady Maehwa who attends Lee Hong-wi, with notable actors Park Ji-hwan, Lee Jun-hyuk and Ahn Jaehong joining in special appearances.
The film "Gunchae," director Yeon Sang-ho's new work that boasts a strong fandom not only domestically but also globally and marks top actress Jun Ji-hyun's return to the screen after 11 years, is also counted among the most talked-about films of 2026. "Gunchae" depicts the fight of isolated survivors inside a building sealed off by a mysterious infection as the infected evolve into unpredictable forms. The dazzling cast lineup, following Jun Ji-hyun, includes Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Changwook, Shin Hyun-been, Kim Shin-rock and Go Soo, which is another point of anticipation.
Meanwhile, the film "Salmokji" has generated intense interest among horror movie aficionados since production news broke. "Salmokji" is a horror film about a film crew that goes to a reservoir to update road-view footage after a mysterious shape is captured, and encounters something in the black, deep water. Actors Kim Hyeyoon and Lee Jong-won star, promising fresh chemistry, and first-time director Lee Sang Min directs.
Another highly anticipated SHOWBOX release in 2026, "Blizzard," is a psychological thriller about events at a remote train station buried by heavy snow. Veteran actor Kim Yun-seok, who has earned audiences' trust with his exceptional acting, and breakout actor Koo Kyo-hwan star and are expected to show a side never seen before. Directors Hong Ui-jung and Park Sun-woo helm the film.
Meanwhile, SHOWBOX is meeting new-year theatergoers with the Koo Kyo-hwan and Mun Ka-young–starring romantic film 'If We,' which opened on Dec. 31. 'If We' is a relatable romance about Eun-ho and Jeong-won, who loved passionately and, after 10 years, reunite by chance and unfold the traces of their memories. The film is receiving praise from critics and audiences for the two actors' passionate performances, its restrained, empathetic narrative, and director Kim Do-young's delicate direction. SHOWBOX plans to continue the box office momentum with "The Man Who Lives with the King," which opens on Feb. 4 ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.<
[Photo] SHOWBOX Corp.
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