The Odyssey 2026 surpassed 5 million cumulative admissions 13 days after its release and continues its unstoppable box office run, and attention is being drawn to an unusual "special connection with Korea" intertwined inside and outside the work.
#1. wearing an "arirang" tie and mukbang with salted bread…director Christopher Nolan's unusual love for Korea
The first protagonist of this connection is director Christopher Nolan, who gave extra fan service during his first visit to Korea. Nolan, who has drawn 36 million domestic viewers with films such as Interstellar and Oppenheimer, sent a handwritten letter to fans before his visit to express his thanks and personally toured various parts of Seoul to enjoy Korean culture.
He tasted salted bread at a cafe in Ikseon-dong and showed friendly behavior such as visiting Olive Young with his producer and wife Emma Thomas. In particular, Emma Thomas unexpectedly revealed the connection, saying, "My son's girlfriend is Korean American, so she recommended things they must do." At the red carpet event, Nolan appeared wearing a tie engraved with the lyrics of 'Arirang,' giving fans a deep emotional moment.
#2. scene-stealer performance…Korean American actor Will Yun Lee joined Odysseus on his journey
Korean American actor Will Yun Lee, who displayed a weighty presence in the film, is also a welcome viewing point. Familiar from films such as The Wolverine and the drama Good Doctor, he plays the soldier 'Ankhialos,' who sets out on the journey with Odysseus in The Odyssey 2026, and he shares scenes with Matt Damon.
Among viewers, praise continues for Will Yun Lee's charm and acting, such as "He definitely stands out among Odysseus' soldiers" and "He fits the role well and has great impact."
#3. married to a Korean American violinist…'Mr. Go' music director Ludwig Goransson
The final protagonist is Nolan's musical persona and music director Ludwig Goransson. He married Korean American violinist Serena Goransson in 2018 and is familiarly nicknamed "Mr. Go" among domestic fans. Serena Goransson is also a key partner who participates as a violinist in his major musical works.
Ludwig Goransson visited Korea with his family to hold his son's doljanchi and revealed photos of the whole family wearing hanbok, drawing attention. His connection, which has shared familiar Korean daily life through social media from experiencing the Bulguksa bell-ringing to mukbang of kalguksu, is receiving even warmer applause as it coincides with The Odyssey 2026's box office frenzy.<
[photo] Universal Pictures, Ludwig Goransson Instagram
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