'Gokseong' director Na Hong-jin's new work of 100,000 'Hope' exceeded 600,000 advance ticket reservations on its opening day, raising expectations for its box office performance.
Domestic and international media and critics heaped praise on director Na Hong-jin's new film 'Hope' (HOPE), which opened today (15th), and it recorded 600,000 advance reservations, continuing to hold the top spot in advance reservation rate.
'Hope' (director-screenwriter Na Hong-jin, produced by Forged Films, co-produced by Plus M Entertainment·Westworld Co., distributed by Plus M Entertainment) is a work that tells the story that begins when Beom-seok, the head of the Hopohang Branch Office located in the demilitarized zone, hears from local youths that a tiger has appeared, the entire village is put on alert, and he encounters an unbelievable reality.
From 11 days before release it reached the top spot in advance reservation rate, becoming the fastest among 2026 releases to reach number one, and breaking this year's record for highest advance reservations while setting new daily reservation records, the film 'Hope' recorded 603,601 advance reservations as of 7 a.m. on its opening day, Wednesday, July 15. 'Hope,' which took first place by a large margin even among strong new foreign releases, maintained the top advance reservation rate across the three major theater chains—Megabox, CGV and Lotte Cinema—signaling the start of full-scale box office success. This is a reservation figure that even 'The King's Warden,' which drew a cumulative audience of 16 million, did not achieve, making its future box office performance intriguing.
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Meanwhile, audiences who previewed 'Hope' before release praised the intense cinematic experience that can only be experienced in theaters. "Director Na Hong-jin has brought something crazy again" (CGV_nureongi****), "the pacing was insane and the picture quality is so good" (Megabox_dp****), "an action feast shot this well" (CGV_yun****), "I loved the filming of 'Hope' so much; seeing such beautiful cinematography on this wide screen is truly moving" (X_to****), "my nose is blocked and I'm stunned. I watched with my mouth open, shouting wow" (WatchaPedia_jay****), and other consecutive recommendation reviews from audiences are further increasing interest in the film. Following this year's highest advance reservations for a Korean film and topping the overall advance reservation rate on opening day, 'Hope' is expected to deliver intense thrills this summer at theaters as it unfolds with unpredictable rhythm and tempo.
'Hope' reportedly had a production budget of more than 70 billion won, making it the largest production budget in Korean film history. It was officially invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival this year and received much praise. In addition to Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon, the film also stars Hollywood actors Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton.<
[photo] 'Hope' poster, Korean Film Council (KOFIC) integrated box office system
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