The Shocking Truth About Korean Cinema's Latest Obsession That's Sweeping The Nation

Films released in Korea this year such as 'Pilot,' 'Handsome Guys,' 'Hear Me: Our Summer,' and 'Hidden Face' share a common trait — they are remakes of foreign films.

This trend has sparked a debate in the Korean film industry, with some hailing it as a bold move to breathe new life into classic stories, while others see it as a lack of originality.

One of the main reasons for this trend is the desire to tap into the global market. By remaking foreign films, Korean filmmakers can gain access to a broader audience and capitalize on the familiarity of the original story.

'Pilot,' for example, is a remake of the Japanese film 'Fly Me to Minami,' which was a huge success in Japan. The Korean version, starring superstars like Kim Tae-hee and Rain, is expected to draw in a large audience both domestically and internationally.

Another factor contributing to the trend is the financial aspect. Remaking a foreign film can be less costly than producing an entirely original script. By leveraging the existing story and concept, filmmakers can save on development costs and focus on the production and marketing aspects.

However, some critics argue that this trend is a sign of creative stagnation in the Korean film industry. With so many talented writers and directors in Korea, it's surprising that they would turn to remaking foreign films instead of coming up with their own original ideas.

One possible explanation is that the Korean film industry is still relatively young compared to the US or European markets. As a result, Korean filmmakers may be more inclined to follow trends and formulas that have proven successful elsewhere.

Despite the controversy, it's undeniable that these remakes have been successful at the box office. 'Handsome Guys,' a remake of the Spanish film 'Ocho apellidos vascos,' was a surprise hit in Korea, grossing over $10 million in its opening weekend.

Ultimately, whether this trend is a positive or negative development for the Korean film industry remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however — Korean filmmakers are taking bold steps to reach a wider audience and capitalize on global trends, and their efforts have the potential to pay off in a big way.