Korean Film Industry Navigates a ‘pain Period’ Amidst Shifting Landscape, Industry Leaders Say
A period of meaningful upheaval and change is underway in the Korean film industry, with leaders describing the current state as a “pain period” even as they express optimism for a future driven by innovation and a willingness to abandon outdated formulas. The assessment comes from the ‘Deep Focus’ program launched by the Korean cinema and the nation’s sole festival dedicated to genre short films, the 21st Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The program encompassed both a ‘Creator Talk’ and an ‘Industry Talk,’ aiming to provide a thorough outlook on the present and future of Korean film.
During the ‘Creator Talk,’ directors Lee Jong-pil, Yoon Ga-eun, and jang Geon-jae, all contributors to the short omnibus ‘Times of the Theater,’ emphasized the unique creative freedom afforded by short film production. Director Lee Jong-pil articulated a desire to approach filmmaking as a passion project, stating, “I wanted to make a movie as a job, not a job.” Director Yoon ga-eun echoed this sentiment, noting the flexibility inherent in short-form projects. “There are things that can only be discovered at the filming site, and when working on a feature, it is not easy to change things that were previously planned,” she explained.”I filmed it as if it were a challenge, breaking away from the existing way of working.”
The discussion also touched upon the ongoing debate surrounding a potential “crisis in the theater.” Director Jang Geon-jae acknowledged the cyclical nature of such concerns, stating, “The theory of a crisis in the film industry has always existed when the media, industry, or market changes.” He continued, “Now, with changes in the order of distribution and platforms, a crisis of another aspect is emerging,” but emphasized the enduring commitment of creators. Director Yoon further championed the irreplaceable experience of communal moviegoing,asserting,”Only in the theater can you have an individual and communal experience…The experience of watching a movie in a theater will be invaluable even as time passes,and I believe audiences will continue to love this experience.”
The ‘Industry Talk,’ titled ‘What’s Next? Suggestions for a New Leap Forward in Korean Film,’ featured a panel including directors Seong-soo Kim and Jae-hyun Jang, alongside industry executives from CJ ENM, Hive Mediacorp, and Showbox. Director Jang Jae-hyun reiterated the “pain period” diagnosis, highlighting the significant shifts in scale and format impacting the industry. “It is indeed significant how we go through this pain period,” he stated. “We are at a crossroads that can either change negatively or positively.”
A consensus emerged among panelists regarding the essential restructuring of the Korean film industry. According to team leader lee Young-ju, “The overall constitution of the industry is changing. This is an important starting point as to weather the constitution will improve or whether it will fail to adapt to the changes and be left behind.” However, Director Lee Hyun-jeong offered a hopeful perspective, drawing parallels to past industry crises. “There was a crisis in Korean movies 10 years ago as well,” she recalled. “But then, didn’t we come to a time when movies became number one?”
Looking ahead, panelists signaled a willingness to move beyond traditional box office metrics and embrace riskier, more innovative projects. “There is no safe investment anymore,” Director Lee Hyun-jeong observed. “Conversely, regardless of the size, it is a market where we can invest more as long as it is attractive.” The industry, it appears, is preparing to “abandon the past box office formula and invest in works that can attract curiosity and have enough charm of their own.”
The 21st Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival will conclude today, October 20th, with a closing ceremony broadcast on Naver 1784. Further details are available on the festival’s official website.
