This summer's most anticipated film Hope (writer-director Na Hong-jin, produced by Forged Films, co-produced by Plus M Entertainment·Westworld Co., distributed by Plus M Entertainment) has finally surpassed a 70% advance ticketing rate, with presales topping 520,000 tickets.
Director Na Hong-jin's new film Hope (HOPE), which drew rave reviews from domestic and international media and critics, is setting a record as it nears a 70% total advance ticketing rate a day before its release.
The film Hope, proving explosive audience support by breaking 2026 presale records, recorded an advance ticketing rate close to 70% a day before release and exceeded 520,000 presales, signaling a powerful box-office surge. Amid strong new foreign releases, Hope has shown an overwhelming upward trend in advance ticketing and lit a green light for itself as a leading force at theaters this summer.
Premium formats that amplify the Hope cinematic experience — Dolby Cinema, IMAX, SCREENX and 4DX — are also selling out quickly. In particular, Dolby Cinema screenings were mastered by Na Hong-jin last weekend at a Los Angeles theater, and he expressed strong confidence, highly recommending the result.
Reactions from audiences who saw the film at advance screenings before release have also been enthusiastic. "I can't believe such a crazy film can come out of Korean cinema" (CGV_jin****), "the best action sequences of the year" (CGV_Lov****), "an insanely crazy movie" (WatchaPedia_KimDong****), "it grabs you by the collar and drags you along before you can resist" (WatchaPedia_D****), "an awe-inspiring cinematic experience that crushes you with overwhelming energy and speed, forcing you to hang on with all your strength" (CGV_neuneurok****) — these vivid audience reviews have heightened curiosity about the film. Having already set historic advance ticketing records before release, Hope is expected to captivate theaters this summer with its overwhelming cinematic experience.
Opening on the 15th, Hope begins with Branch Office chief Beom-seok of Hopo Port, located in the demilitarized zone, hearing from local youths that a tiger has appeared; as the whole village goes on alert, he confronts an unbelievable reality and the story starts. As proof of expectations for the film, it has been breaking this year's presale records and maintaining an overwhelming No. 1 in advance ticketing.
Meanwhile, Hwang Jung-min plays the arrogant but responsible Hopo Port branch office chief Beom-seok in Hope, Zo In-sung portrays village youth Seong-gi who passes time by hunting and fishing, and Jung Ho-yeon gives a passionate performance as Hopo Port police officer Seong-ae, who does her duty in any situation. In addition, the film drew attention before release with a dazzling cast that includes Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell and Cameron Britton.
Hope is a genre film featuring creatures and is reported to have the largest production budget in Korean film history. The total production cost is said to be 70 billion won, and when late-stage marketing and promotional expenses are added, some speculate the scale could reach up to 100 billion won.
[Photo] film poster, Korean Film Council (KOFIC) integrated computer network
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