South Korea's Chuseok box office is heating up this year with films spanning a wide range of subjects and genres. Moviegoers have a broader set of choices, from a mystery thriller about the shooting of a first lady to a drama offering comfort and empathy across generations, a high-stakes gambling action film, and a fantasy action piece blending superpowers with coming-of-age storytelling.
"The Intern," the first to open on the 16th, depicts coexistence across generations between a senior intern played by Choi Min-sik and a young chief executive played by Han So-hee. The film touches on younger viewers' yearning for an older figure who offers genuine comfort and encouragement rather than condescension, as well as the emotions of middle-aged and older people seeking a new sense of usefulness. Film critic Yoon Sung-eun said the film is well suited not only for fans of the original but for families and all generations to watch together. Rated for ages 12 and over.
"Assassins" pairs the delicate sensibility of director Hur Jin-ho, known for "Christmas in August" and "One Fine Spring Day," with a historical mystery thriller. The film follows the persistent and meticulous cooperation of detectives and reporters digging for the truth about the shooting of a first lady on Aug. 15, 1974. Some say the tension that builds as the film traces a historical event recalls "12.12: The Day." The film sets itself apart as a mystery infused with Hur's signature elegant sentiment. The performances of lead actors Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho, along with a star-studded roster of special appearances including Oh Jung-se, Park Hoon, Jung Woo-sung, Shin Hyun-been, Oh Dal-su and Bae Sung-woo, are also worth watching. The meticulous period detail — realistic recreations of 1970s streets, houses, cars, offices and props — gives viewers the sense of being transported to the era. Pop culture critic Jung Duk-hyun predicted the film will have the greatest advantage among this season's releases, citing Yoo Hae-jin's popularity, the universal emotions surrounding an incident that recalls former first lady Yuk Young-soo, and its broad generational appeal. Opens on the 23rd. Rated for ages 12 and over.
"Tazza," the series that began in 2006, closes out with "Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub," which puts poker at its center. The gambling arena expands to global stages including Vietnam and Japan, and the friendship and betrayal between Jang Tae-young, played by Byun Yo-han, and a friend with a similar name, Park Tae-young, played by Noh Jae-won, sit at the heart of the story. The film is drawing attention as a popcorn movie aimed at male viewers in their 20s and 30s, portraying the tension and thrills particular to gambling and the friendship and betrayal among men at a brisk pace. Pop culture critic Kim Heon-sik said the film's box office prospects rest on being a sequel to a commercial hit and on its strong entertainment value. Opens on the 23rd. Restricted to adults.
"A Possible Love," the Netflix film by director Lee Chang-dong that won the Grand Jury Prize, or Silver Lion, at this year's Venice International Film Festival, will also open in select theaters. Inspired by mass layoffs at a large company, the film follows Ye-ji, a documentary director played by Jo Yeo-jeong who has a wealthy husband played by Jo In-sung, as she meets a laid-off worker, Ho-seok, played by Sul Kyung-gu, and his wife, Mi-ok, played by Jeon Do-yeon. Characters from different classes confront the lives and desires of others, raising questions about the meaning of love and existence. Opens on the 23rd. Restricted to adults.
"Resurrection Man: The Red," based on the webtoon of the same name, raises expectations with Koo Kyo-hwan, popular for works such as "Gunche" and "If We," in the lead role. He plays Seok-hwan, a job seeker who comes back to life 72 hours after dying. The premise of superpowers and human experimentation feels familiar, but the film distinguishes itself by depicting a job seeker's daily life and dreams, along with friendship and family affection, in a light and warm manner. Koo in particular brings a sense of reality to the fantastical premise, deploying Seok-hwan's quirkiness and humor at just the right moments. Kang Ki-young, playing Yeong-ha, the protagonist's good-natured friend, adds energy through his easy chemistry with Koo. Director Baek Jong-yul's direction, which cuts rapidly between flashy action and comedy to deliver 4DX-level action fantasy in a 2D film, has also been called impressive. Seok-hwan's closing scene in office attire is endearing enough to prompt viewers to cheer, "Seok-hwan, congratulations on your first day." The scene, capturing the excitement and lightness of a first day at work, is seen as a message of encouragement for ordinary young people dreaming of their own first day on the job. Opens on the 30th. Rated for ages 15 and over.
