At the 98th Academy Awards, K-content is expected to shine with 'K-pop Demon Hunters' representing K-dehun.
The 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast exclusively live on domestic cable TV OCN at 8 a.m. on the 16th (7 p.m. on the 15th local time in the United States).
This year at the Academy Awards, alongside "Cineus: Criminals," which is nominated in a record 16 institutional sector categories, "One Battle After Another," nominated in 13 institutional sector categories, and "Marty Supreme," "Sentimental Value" and other works that combine outstanding artistry and buzz have been named as candidates in major institutional sector categories, setting up fierce competition.
With a richer lineup than ever drawing global film fans' attention in a fierce Oscar race, K-content's performances are also attracting attention. The film "Bugonia," which is a candidate in four institutional sector categories including best picture, best actress, best adapted screenplay and best original score, is an English remake based on director Jang Joon-hwan's film "Save the Green Planet" and was a hot topic even before production began. CJ ENM, the investor-distributor of "Save the Green Planet," participated in the script, planning and production of the film, and it is a film that, following "Past Lives," pioneers a new journey for the Korean film industry to meet global audiences. In particular, "Bugonia" is especially meaningful as it is the first film based on a Korean film to be nominated for best adapted screenplay.
Also, the Netflix animated film that ignited the "K-dehun" craze worldwide last year, "K-pop Demon Hunters," is drawing attention with nominations for best animated feature and best original song. Not only the film but the songs featured in it, including "Golden" and "Soda Pop," sparked a global phenomenon. "K-pop Demon Hunters," which captivatingly depicts Korean culture and the K-pop industry and won the hearts of people worldwide, has generated expectations with news of a sequel in development thanks to its explosive popularity. At this year's Academy Awards, a special performance of "Golden" by Lee Jae, Audrey Nuna and Ray Ami, who appear as the girl group "HuntRix" in the film, is also scheduled, raising further interest. Following Lisa of Blackpink performing at the 97th Academy Awards as the first K-pop artist to appear on an Oscar celebration stage, this will be the first full K-pop performance, drawing attention.
Furthermore, past performances of K-content at the Academy Awards are once again drawing attention. At the 92nd Academy Awards, director Bong Joon-ho's film "Parasite" won four awards—best picture, best director, best original screenplay and international feature film—creating a worldwide sensation and becoming the first non-English-language film to win best picture. At the 93rd Academy Awards, actor Youn Yuh-jung of director Lee Isaac Chung's film "Minari" drew attention by winning best supporting actress. At the 96th Academy Awards, "Past Lives," directed by Celine Song and produced in part by CJ ENM and starring Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, drew major attention as a candidate for best picture and best original screenplay.
[Photo] OCN, provided by Netflix.
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