CJ Entertainment continues to tap the niche film market for Korean movies, or K-movies, in North America with U.S. and Canada box office releases of top K-movies in South Korea. Thanks to them, many fans were able to watch such movies like "The Battleship Island" and "The King" in theaters way before they came to streaming services of Korean content.
Speaking of streaming services, U.S. streaming sites like Netflix are recognizing the popularity of Korean content in general and have made moves to incorporate it into their service too. JTBC K-drama "Man to Man" was the first K-drama made exclusive to Netflix.
"Train to Busan," one of the most popular K-movies of 2016, is one of the most watched movies on Netflix too.
Nevertheless, CJ Entertainment will continue to release new K-movies at the North American box office as long as there is a call for them. Right now, K-movie fans are anticipating the period drama movie "The Fortress." CJ Entertainment has heard the desire of fans and it will be the next K-movie to get a U.S. and Canada box office release.
When will the new K-movie release?
CJ Entertainment made the announcement that "The Fortress" will get a U.S. and Canada box office release on Friday, October 20, 2017. It will air in over 30 cities across the United States and Canada. Following the premiere, the K-movie will be the main feature of Korean Film Days at the Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles.
It was also revealed that the K-movie will open in London at the London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) later this year too.
One of the reasons why "The Fortress" is highly anticipated is because it is directed by Hwang Dong Hyuk. He is responsible for directing the internationally popular "Miss Granny," a popular comedic K-movie in which a lady in her her 60s finds herself waking up in her 20-year-old self.
It made over $55 million in the Korean box office alone and has been remade in other countries including China and Japan.
As for the other reason, it stars Lee Byung Hun. He is one of the few South Korean actors to break into the U.S. film industry with roles in "Magnificent Seven" and "Terminator: Genisys."
A story about the Chinese Qing Dynasty invasion of Korea
In 1636, the Chinese Qing Dynasty sends their military consisting of 150,000 troops to invade Korea.
Unable to handle the ruthlessness of the Chinese, the Korean court leaves the capital behind to seek safety in the Namhan Fortress. The Qing army, led by General Yong Gol Dae, are able to surround the fortress but are unable to penetrate its defenses. In an attempt to make a truce, Gold Dae will stand down if the Korean court sends out the Crown Prince as a hostage.
The King now has a dilemma on his hands. He can stand his ground and have his people suffer from the increasing cold and hunger. Or he can surrender to the enemy in humiliating fashion. What will he choose?
