Korean films adjust release dates to avoid clash with 'Squid Game' Season 2

With an estimated production budget of $21 million, "Harbin," starring Hyun Bin and Park Jung-min under the direction of Woo Min-ho, has emerged as one of the most anticipated films of the year. Courtesy of CJ ENM

December is traditionally a peak season for theaters, with both domestic and international films released for the Christmas holidays. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the usual distinction between peak and off-peak periods, this year marks a return to normalcy.

Four major Korean films — "One Win," "The Firefighters," "About Family" and "Harbin" — are set to be released next month. Notably, three of them are aiming to avoid late December, timing their releases for early or the middle of December to steer clear of Netflix's hit series "Squid Game" Season 2 which will be released on Dec. 26.

CJ ENM announced Monday that "Harbin," a historical drama starring Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min and Jo Woo-jin, directed by Woo Min-ho (Inside Men), will hit theaters on Dec. 25. The film, with an estimated budget of 28 billion won ($21 million), centers on the story of heroic independence activist Ahn Jung-geun.

While a late-December release was always planned, the announcement was delayed, due to debates over its proximity to "Squid Game" Season 2.

"There were concerns that releasing it just a day before 'Squid Game' Season 2 could overshadow the film," said an official from a distribution company.

"About Family" is a comedy that follows the chaos that ensues when a child unexpectedly enters a household once thought to have lost its lineage after the only son left. Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

Similarly, "The Firefighters," originally slated for late December, has moved its release date up to Dec. 4. Directed by Kwak Kyung-taek ("Friend"), the film is based on the tragic 2001 Hongje-dong arson case, in which six firefighters lost their lives.

The film completed production in 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and actor Kwak Do-won's DUI scandal.

"One Win," starring Song Kang-ho, Park Jeong-min and Jang Yoon-ju, is also set to premiere on Dec. 4. The film focuses on the journey of a women’s volleyball coach aiming for her team's first victory. Directed by Shin Yeon-shik, it reunites Song Kang-ho with Shin ahead of their upcoming Disney+ series, "Uncle Samsik."

On Dec. 11, "About Family," a comedy by director Yang Woo-seok ("The Attorney"), featuring Kim Yun-seok and Lee Seung-gi, will hit theaters.

A production team official for "About Family" said that its release date also considered the "overwhelming buzz" expected around "Squid Game" Season 2.

"The Firefighters" is based on the 2001 Hongje-dong arson incident. Courtesy of By Four M Studio

Balancing competition, creativity

The enormous anticipation for "Squid Game" Season 2 has made it impossible for other content creators to ignore. The first season of "Squid Game" (2021) became Netflix's most-watched series, with over 1.41 billion viewing hours, sparking a global phenomenon.

With director Hwang and lead actor Lee Jung-jae returning, the sequel is expected to draw keen global attention once again.

Netflix strategically chose Dec. 26 to release Squid Game Season 2, timing it with the extended holiday breaks in multiple countries.

"We wanted to launch the drama at a time when viewers can enjoy it most comfortably," a Netflix official said.

As Korean films grapple with the dominance of OTT platforms like Netflix, the timing of Squid Game Season 2 has pushed many filmmakers to adapt their strategies.

While December remains a competitive month, the adjustments highlight the balancing act between theater releases and the growing influence of streaming content in shaping audience attention.

"One Win" tells the story of a women’s volleyball coach striving for a single victory, starring Song Kang-ho, right, and Park Jeong-min. Courtesy of Michigan Venture Capital

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.