[Movie 2012] Gwanghae, The Man Who Became King 광해:왕이된 남자 Masquerade

[rubie]

October 2, 2012
In-depth Coverage on Korean Film Industry
Source: Arirang via Hancinema.net
The spotlight of Asia's largest film festival will shine down on Busan Thursday for the start of the 10-day Busan International Film Festival.This year's event will focus on Asia with the aim of offering a window into the region's cinema landscape.
Korea's film industry has been booming.Box office hit "The Thieves" recently broke box office records to become the most-watched Korean film to date with more than 13 million tickets so far.And Kim Ki-duk's critically-acclaimed "Pieta" recently won the Golden Lion award for best film at the 69th Venice Film Festival.
But what are the challenges ahead for Korea's film industry[Reporter : ] On the surface, the industry's performance has been impressive, however, it faces a string of other challenges if it hopes to continue being competitive in the future.
Let's first take a look at some of the recent successes.
This has been a year of milestones for the nation's film industry.Choi Dong-hoon's "The Thieves", featuring some of Korea's biggest stars, has already attracted more than 13-million viewers to become the second highest grossing film in Korean film history. And it's fast-approaching the number one spot.The historic drama "Masquerade", which opened just three weeks ago, has attracted over six million viewers so far.Eight Korean movies have attracted more than than four million viewers each this year alone, including the romantic feature "Architecture 101" and the legal drama "Unbowed".Film critic Shim Young-seop says she is very pleased with the industry's performance so far.
[interview : Shim Young-seop, Film Critic & ProfessorDaegu Cyber University ] "Nowadays, I'm seeing more and more new and interesting plotlines, which has helped draw viewers as well.I believe the development of social networking services has also played a part.Users can share their thoughts about must-see movies through social networking services and films with a social message can now become box office hits, as witnessed in the success of films like 'Unbowed'".
According to the Korean Film Council, some 44 million people watched Korean films at theaters in the first half of the year,. which is a nearly 40 percent increase from the same period last year. Box office sales for both Korean and foreign films also increased by about 20 percent in the first half of the year, compared to the same period last year. Based on figures like these, the stock prices for the nation's movie theater chains and distributors have skyrocketed.
[interview : Han Ik-hee, Senior AnalystHyundai Securities] "The price of CGV stock has increased about 8 percent, compared to the beginning of the year,.. and distributor Mediplex has seen its stock prices increase some 40 percent".
Impressive. But there have been complaints that the film industry could use some reforms.
[Reporter : ] One of the main obstacles is that the market is monopolized by major firms.Currently, the top five Korean distributors account for over 96 percent of the nation's film market. There is also a monopoly on movie theater screens.The top three movie-theater chains -- CJ CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox -- represent more than 86 percent of the total number of screens in the nation, which is an increase of more than 25 percentage points from the 60 percent recorded in 2007.
Even some of our most accomplished filmmakers say the system stifles new voices.
[Reporter : ] Yes, that's true. Director Kim Ki-duk has also raised that issue many times, saying that although he's won a number of international film awards, he's had difficulty securing enough theaters to screen his films for audiences in Korea, as most screens are occupied by mainstream movies.That's why Kim has decided to pull his award-winning film "Pieta" from theaters across the nation tomorrow. He said his film has already attracted more than five-hundred-thousand viewers in Korea, so now he wants to give other films a chance to be seen.And you can imagine the difficulty that independent filmmakers have, if this is a problem for Kim Ki-duk. 
Ahn Jae-hoon has been making animation films for the past two decades.
Since opening his own studio about 12 years ago, he had devoted most of his time and energy into making an animation called "Green Days: Dinosaur and I", which finally opened last year. The film, a story about growing pains and first love was invited to over 10 different film festivals around the world last year. Domestically, the film was first slated to open on hundreds of screens. But right before its release date, the number of screens reduced to one-tenth the original figure,.. because bigger, commercial films were scheduled to open around the same time.
[interview : Ahn Jae-hoon, Director "Green Days: Dinosaur and I"] "It was such a shock and it hurt that my film didn't even get the opportunity to be seen by more people".
Fortunately for Ahn, independent movie theater owners and programmers saw the value of his animated film, and it was eventually shown on over 100 screens in Korea last year.Ahn hopes more small independent movie theaters take a similar route.
[interview : Ahn Jae-hoon, Director "Green Days: Dinosaur and I"] "I understand the value of big blockbuster films. However there are always some audiences who seek comfort and s olace from movies, beyond simple entertainment. And it could become a problem, if they can't find places to see small and artistic films. My hope is that commercial and artistic films, can coexist, and I wish there were at least a couple of independent movie theaters in nearby districts, close enough that people could get there after a 30 or 40 minute bus ride". 
The chairman of the Korean Film Council, Kim Eui-seok, agrees on the need to support the nation's independent films.
[interview : Kim Eui-suk, ChairmanKorean Film Council] "For the Korean films to develop further, we need more and more young independent filmmakers, and we need more policies to support them".
To that end, the Korean Film Council runs an independent movie theater, "Indie Plus", which shows the country's smaller, artistic films.
[Reporter : ] Commercial films with big budgets are important and of course people enjoy them, but if we have any hopes of having more of these creative, independent films in the nation, additional support measures are needed.
Thank you, Ji-won for that report.
[Reporter : Park Ji-won] Thanks for having me.
Reporter : jiwonpark@arirang.co.kr

[rubie]

October 6, 2012
Source: innolife.netMasquerade Meeting the Fans at 17th BIFF

[rubie]

October 6, 2012
HanCinema's Box Office ReviewSeptember and the Aftermath of the Summer Hits
Source: Hancinema.net
HanCinema's Korean Box Office Review (2012.09)
It took ten long weeks at the weekend box office to see off Choi Dong-hoon's "The Thieves", a monumental run that earned the film a recording-breaking 13 million admissions during that time. August was indeed the month its sales caught fire, and the month of September was just a glory lap as it gracefully bows out of the limelight and into the history books.
In addition to the re-writing of the history books, September showed a wavering level of enthusiasm for some of this month's foreign inclusions. Although, "The Bourne Legacy" was able to enter the second weekend on top, snatching 29.3% of the ticket sales in the process. This was the first time a foreign film had held the weekend number one since "The Dark Knight Rises" some seven weeks earlier. In fact, the shelf life for foreign films was on average 2~3 weeks in the top ten. "The Bourne Legacy" was perhaps helped along by local papers headlines such as: "'Bourne Legacy' Puts Seoul in Hollywood Radar". The Japanese animation "Wold Children" by Mamoru Hosoda, and "Resident Evil: Retribution" also claim three weeks in the chart, but still not one of them was able to push past the million admissions mark. "Wolf Children" stuck around the six/seven position and has only managed 217,144. Similarly, "Resident Evil: Retribution" claimed 550,466 with "The Bourne Legacy" close to doubling those number as well. But despite a temperamental showing from the international inserts, Korean audiences got behind a few local productions to keep the balance of powers slightly in their favour.
In the aftermath of "The Thieves" reign of terror, many tried to plant themselves in its place. First it was Kim Hwi's "Neighbors" (2,432,877) followed the next weekend by Kim Hong-seon's "The Traffickers" (1,640,252). It wasn't until Choo Chang-min step up with "Masquerade" that order was restored. "Masquerade" contemptuously snuffed "The Bourne Legacy" at the top of pile, and doubled it's admissions count the following week; giving audiences a reason to come out in the numbers for another dose of cinematic melodrama set in a world gone by. Since then the film has stay as number one with no even the slightest regicidal concerns for the future. "Masquerade" stars Lee Byeong-Heon, Ryoo Seung-yong, and Han Hyo-joo and has thus far accumulated 5,234,402, making the forth highest grossing film of the year, just under "The Dark Knight Rises" (6,396,532) and "The Avengers" (7,074,867) and, of course, "The Thieves". (Masquerade is now #2)
August was very much a cooling down period for some of the summer's final hits. In addition to the one's already mentioned, Kim Joo-ho's "The Grand Heist" managed to climb to 4,908,685 admissions, ultimately placing itself just behind "Masquerade" as the fifth highest grossing film of the year. The local action comedy film "Spy" (840,427) found itself in esteemed company in the form of Kim Ki-duk's "Pieta" (570,942); both representing two local films that failed to capture the imagination of the movie-going public. Despite struggling at the box office, Kim Ki-duk's "Pieta" has already been praised at the Venice Film Festival, and currently stands as Korea's official entry in the 2012 Academy Awards "Best Foreign Language Film" section.

[rubie]

October 6, 2012
Lee Byung Hun, the king's sweet fan service
by Ceridwen KpopFever.com

On October 6th, the Open Talk time for the movie ‘Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King‘ took place in Haeundae, Busan. ‘Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King’ is one of the films that were officially invited to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
The world star’s fan service was very special. This was the third Open Talk for Lee Byung Hun and he truly showed a storm of fan service. Lee Byung Hun exchanged beautiful smiles with the fans. He also answered some playful questions from the fans during the event. Taking selcas with fans were a given. He even picked up a very lucky young lady in his arms for one of the fan services that are sure to stand out.
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) takes place from October 4th through the 14th. There are some 80 Korean and International film stars at the BIFF including: Jang Dong Gun, Lee Byung Hun, Jung Woo Sung, Yoo Ji Tae, So Ji Sub, Han Ga In, Jun Ji Hyun, Kim Hyo Jin, Zhang Ziyi, Tang Wei, and Teresa Palmer.





Image & Source: various via Nate

[rubie]

[rubie]

October 6, 2012
After the Open Talk, the Gwanghae team celebrated the movie producer's birthday..
Won dong yeon(원동연) ‏@Shywdy
부산에서의 생일 배우들과 동료들이 깜작케익과 선물을 세상에서 가장 행복한 생일이었다 아내와 딸들이 흐뭇해할것같다 
Busan's birthday gift and a surprise cake from actors and colleagues was the happiest birthday in the world after his wife and daughters 

[rubie]

October 7, 2012
Day 25: Masquerade Exceeded 8.2 Million, The Top 2 Movies of 2012
Source: Nate ++
Masquerade, the historical film starring actor Lee Byung Hun has exceeded the 8 million audience admission mark on day 25 after being released in Korea on September 13. The film statistics through Korean Film Commission has finally accumulated the 8 million tickets taking over The Avengers to be the second top movie of 2012 alongside The Thieves.
Masquerade featuring Lee Byung Hun in his first ever historical role has been widely, warmly and positively received by audience of all ages, proving to be a truly enjoyable movie of the year.
광해, 왕이 된 남자 ‏@newking_2012
개봉 4주차에도 광해의 돌풍은 계속된다! 개봉 25일만에 <광해, 왕이 된 남자>가 800만을 돌파했답니다! 어벤져스를 넘어 2012년 개봉작 TOP2에 등극한 영화 광해를 함께 축하해주세요! 기분좋은 소식을 전하게 해주신 관객여러분! 감사합니다!
Continue to be released in Week 4, a blast of Gwanghae! Released for 25 days, Gwanghae has surpassed the 8 million mark! Now top 2 in 2012 taking over The Avengers. Lets celebrate with Gwanghae! Thank you to the audience sharing good movie! Thank you!

Source: KOFIC
The numbers have increased to 8.22 million since this screencap was made awhile ago..

[rubie]

October 4, 2012
More Showtimes For “Masquerade” In California And Virginiahttp://24-7kpop.com/2012/10/04/more-showtimes-for-masquerade-in-california-and-virginia/
October 6, 2012
[uPTV]  Masquerade, Open Talk at 17th BIFF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnH3IHZkRog
Sendspace

[rubie]

October 8, 2012
'Masquerade' Rules Box Office After Scoring 8.2 million Ticket Sales
Reporter: Lee Hye Ji Editor: Monica Suk KSTAR10

"Masquerade" stars Ryoo Seung-ryong (left) and Lee Byung-hun (right) meet and greet with movie fans during the APAN Star Road event of the 17th Busan International Film Festival in Busan, South Korea on October 5, 2012. [Lee Jin-hyuk/ 10Asia]
Korean costume drama “Masquerade” has set a new record as the second biggest hit film in 2012 Korean box office, following the 10-million-admission scorer "The Thieves.”
The commoner-to-king story captured 849,659 moviegoers between October 5 and 7, topping the weekend box office for fourth weeks in a row, according to data polled by Korean Film Council [KOFIC] on Monday.
Beating out the former No. 2 hit film “Avengers,” Lee Byung-hun’s first historical pic raked in a total of 60 billion Korean Won [about 54 million U.S. Dollar] in just 25 days of its release and become the biggest hit project in both Lee and Ryoo Seung-ryong’s filmographies.
The record is highly credited since the faction drama has shown unprecedented moves during the industry's off-season.
Sitting at No. 2 is French blockbuster “Taken 2," which managed to score high numbers for second straight weeks with 271,538 admissions.
Korean comic horror “Ghost Sweepers” jumped up to the third place after attracting 264,857 people who paid for watching actors Kim Soo-ro, Lee Je-hoon and actress Kang Ye-won teaming up for a grand exorcism to drive away an evil spirit.
Following the No. 4 film “Brave,” the Pixar animation scoring 188,319 ticket sales last weekend, Kim Myung-min’s latest film “The Spy” rounded out the top five after attracting a mere number of 73,398 audiences.
Other films in the top ten include American comedy flick “Ted,” Japanese animation “Wolf Children,” Spanish animated feature “Tad: the Lost Explorer,” Canadian indie romance “Take This Waltz” and American action thriller “13.”
[CHART] Weekend Box Office: October 5-7
Reporter: Lee Hye Ji Editor: Monica Suk KSTAR10

South Korea's box office estimates for the weekend of October 5 to 7, 2012. [Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS)]

[rubie]

Source: KOFIC

[rubie]

October 7, 2012
Busan 2012: Korean Film Report Stirs Debate
by Soomee Park The Hollywood Reporter
A recent survey suggests corporate multiplex owners give preferential treatment to films released by affiliates.
A summary report of the Korean film industry submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly last week by the Korea Film Council contained rare surveys on the country’s film distribution system by local film professionals. In the report — part of the mandatory documents for an annual audit hearing held every fall — 86.6% of 492 film professionals said Korean multiplex theater owners are “unfair” in selecting films between their affiliates and other producers. The survey also said that theaters discriminated against films of other producers in allocating the number of screens and screening time. Up to 67.2% said local theaters are “unfair” in allocating screens. 
Chun Byung-hun, a lawmaker with the Democratic United Party, who initiated the survey, said the report is a telling sign of films that are playing in theaters now, citing that Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King, which opened on 689 screens last month, and sold 6 million tickets in just 20 days, was backed by CJ Entertainment, which also runs the country’s largest theater chain CGV. Spy, a film from Lotte Entertainment, which runs the second largest Lotte Cinema, had a smooth start by securing 533 screens.
“Even without discussing film quality, it’s hard to deny that the backing of major multiplex theaters was an absolute factor of the films’ success,” Chun said.
Lim Seong-kyu, a spokesman at Lotte Entertainment, declined to comment specifically on the government survey, but added that the company has been collaborating with film bodies like the Korea Film Council to achieve “shared growth” with local film professionals by strengthening copyright issues of screenwriters and properly insuring its production staffs. Elsewhere, CJ Entertainment operates “Movie Collage,” or special screenings of art house films. 
But in a country of less than 30 arthouse theaters, the survey result sums up the complaints film directors and producers have about theater owners. .  
“There are no rules to the market competition at the moment,” Korean art house director Kim Ki-duk told THR. “In many countries outside of Korea, theater owners are banned from producing or investing in a film for a good reason. When I went to a theater in France, they had 13 screens and they still played 13 different films, and The Dark Knight was only one of them.”
Pieta, Kim’s latest film, which won Golden Lion award in Venice, opened in 153 screens locally, and closed after 27 days.
“Pieta filled 46% of seats on average,” Kim said. “By the general market rule, theaters would have expanded screen numbers, but films [produced by affiliates of theaters] with less than 15% of seating were given more screens instead. This attitude of major distributors shows the market trend. Clearly, they don’t want to screen films like Pieta, because it challenges their system of filmmaking.”
Others like Jeon Chan-il, the programmer at Busan International Film Festival, however, disagree with that view.
“The problem about the monopoly in the film industry is not limited to Korea,” Jeon said. “I also think that despite such conditions, Korean cinema is still one of world’s most vibrant and diverse, and the country being the world’s 7th largest film market is a telling sign.” 

[rubie]

Photos from NewKing_2012 via twitter

[rubie]

October 8, 2012
Lee Byung Hun promises to dress up in costume if new film is successful
by MountainMadman Allkpop
The heartthrob actor Lee Byung Hun recently made a promise regarding the success of his up-and-coming film, ‘Gwanghae‘.
On the latest episode of ‘Entertainment Relay‘, the new lead of the upcoming movie promised to show his support if his new film broke 10 million viewers. “If it breaks the barrier when I’m abroad, I’ll dress up in period costume, film a video, and release it to the public,” he promised.
The host, Park Kyung Lim, replied, “If you do that abroad, you might get kicked out,” to which Lee Byung Hun replied back, “But I will still keep my promise.”

Lee Byung Hun, “will wear King Gwanghae make up overseas if movie attracts over 10 million moviegoers”
by Ceridwen KpopFever.com
Actor Lee Byung Hun made an unusual commitment.
On the October 7th installment of MBC’s ‘Section TV Entertainment Relay‘, all the excitement at the 17th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was delivered to the viewers. Actors Lee Byung Hun and Ryu Seung Ryong of the movie ‘Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King‘ had a meeting with the fans for a more intimate talk.
Lee Byung Hun promised, “If the movie ‘Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King’ attracts more than 10 million moviegoers, I will definitely proofshoot it. If the movie reaches more than 10 million moviegoers when I am overseas, I will wear the make up as King Gwanghae and make a video then reveal it.”
Park Kyung Rim, who had led the session joked, “If you wear make up like that overseas, you might get kicked out.” Lee Byung Hun answered, “Even so, I will definitely keep the promise.”

[rubie]

October 7, 2012
Review: 'Masquerade' Channels Ivan Reitman's 'Dave' But With More Bloodshed and Period Costumes (South Korea)
By Rob Hunter on Film School Rejects
Dave is a comedy about an everyday guy (Kevin Kline) whose resemblance to the US president finds him tasked with playing the role of the leader of the free world while the real man recovers from an illness. He’s meant to be nothing more than a placeholder, but his discovery of class distinctions both tragic and comical instead leads him to use the position and power to do good deeds for the country and for the real president’s estranged wife.
It’s a wonderful film (and Ivan Reitman’s last great one too) that itself, like many other movies, owes a debt of sorts to Mark Twain’s classic The Prince and the Pauper. Twain’s literary influence extends well beyond North America’s borders to include direct adaptations like the 1968 Bollywood film Raja Aur Runk and thematic ones like this year’s South Korean box-office hit, Masquerade.
It’s 1616, and King Gwanghae (Lee Byung-hun) is facing internal threats during his 8th year of reign. Fearing for his life he orders his men to find him a double to be his public face. They find one in Ha-seon (also Lee Byung-hun), a comical performer, and it’s just in time too as Gwanghae quickly falls ill under suspicious circumstances. Ha-seon discovers the life of a king is a ridiculous one filled with executions, official decrees and royal bum-wipers, and he decides that maybe he can do more with his new role than simply act it out…
Ha-seon bumbles his way through the first few days of his pretend reign, but the more he comes to understand how the 1% live the less he understands why. The court is riddled with corruption, the region’s taxation laws are applied unfairly and the queen’s (Han Hyo-joo) brother has been imprisoned and tortured on false charges. Ha-seon’s carefree attitude soon gives way to a moral responsibility, but his time is running out as the real king is nearing recovery and members of the court are starting to catch on to the ruse.
Director Choo Chang-min and writer Hwang Jo-yoon take their narrative cue from Twain and Dave, but the story’s impetus actually comes from history. More accurately, it comes from a gap in history. The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are a series of records documenting Korea’s reigning dynasties from 1413 to 1865, and King Gwanghae’s section contains an interesting entry stating that “One must not record that which he wishes to hide.”
It’s followed by fifteen missing days.
This combination of inspiration and imagination results in a wonderfully entertaining look at the injustice of class distinctions that appeals and applies to the modern day quite well. It’s a fantasy of sorts in that we all want to see someone with heart and compassion attain a position of power to do real good, but the fun, wishful thinking comes with a strong sense of dramatic reality as well.
Key to the film’s success, in addition to the story itself and its sumptuous visuals, is Lee’s central dual performance. He brings the cruel and paranoid king to life as more than just a simple cookie-cutter bad guy, but it’s his portrayal of the comic Ha-seon that sells the film and makes it an affecting experience. His growth from hired performer to someone who truly cares about the people he’s reigning above is a gradual shift that Lee presents through his eyes and expressions as often as his words. Where once he was concerned solely for his own well being he now must choose possible sacrifice to save others. Viewers are more accustomed to seeing Lee in roles where he tackles obstacles with violence and action, but here neither of those are options. Unsurprisingly, he’s just as effective without them.
Just as good in smaller roles are Kim In-kwon as the captain of the guards who initially suspects a ruse before coming to respect Ha-seon and Ryoo Seung-yong as the king’s Chief Advisor who knows the truth but still finds his expectations exceeded by the actor’s unexpected kindness.
Masquerade has a gentle simplicity about it, as does Dave, in that viewers have a hopeful understanding as to what this accidental tourist in the world of the powerful and elite can actually accomplish. There are laughs to be found here, both crass and subtle, but it’s the film’s heart and awareness that will stick with viewers after the credits roll. Now go out and vote people.
The Upside: Lee Byung-hun delivers a lively and emotionally layered performance; strong sense of humor; beautiful cinematography
The Downside: All kidding aside, plot really does hew incredibly close to Dave; some unanswered questions at the end
On the Side: The film’s Korean title is simply Gwanghae, as the real king is well known even in modern day Korea.
Masquerade is currently playing in limited theatrical release

[rubie]

October 8, 2012
Lee Byung Hun's "Masquerade" Breaks 8 Million Viewers
Source: KpopStarz
Actor Lee Byung Hun has finally achieved the success of having a movie that drew 8,000,000 viewers.
"Masquerade" which stars Lee Byung Hun drew 8,220,667 viewers at this point. 
Lee Byung Hun debuted in 1991 and his most successful project was 2008's "The Good, the Bad and the Weird."
"Masquerade" is about Chosun's Prince Gwang Hae hires a lowly civilian to play him and pretend to be him because he feels that he will be poisoned. Lee Byung Hun plays two roles and he has been very well received. 
It is currently the #1 movie at the box office. 

[rubie]

October 8, 2012
The duumvirate of the BIFFStars of Masquerade and Dangerous Liaisons  by Ji Yong-jin KOBIZ
Actors Lee Byung-hun, Ryu Seung-ryong and Jang Kwang as well as the director Choo Chang-min of Masquerade, which collected 8.2 million viewers in 25 days since the release, heated up the city of Busan on October 6th. The outdoor fountain square of Centum City at Shinsegae department store was packed with people waiting for the director and actors of Masquerade 5 hours before the Cinema Talk Concert was held. Later in the evening of the same day, they attended at the Open Talk that took place at the outdoor stage of BIFF Village to have a pleasant and frank conversation with the audience. To the question asking about the motivation that made him act in his first historical film, Lee answered, “I had never thought historical drama or film are not my type until I read the scenario of Masquerade, which I found very interesting.” Dangerous Liaisons, directed by Hur Jin-ho and starring Jang Dong-gun, Zhang Ziyi and Cecilia Cheung, was another news maker. Having already been officially invited to the 65th Cannes International Film Festival and the 37th Toronto International Film, this film also came to Busan. The press conference for Dangerous Liaisons attracted press members from all over the world on October 5th. “Dangerous Liaisons is based on a novel from the 18th century. It describes the psychology of people in love very well such that I thought whoever reads the book would have more possibilities to succeed in relationship with the partner.” Hur said, “I had to suppress the old style I had to make this film, so it was a very new challenge.” Jang said, “I met Cecilia Cheung before when I acted in The Promise 7 or 8 years ago. She looked like a cute girl then to me, but this time, she has grown up so much and her mature acting skill was directly projected in the film” He also commented on Zhang saying, “She endeavored in every single scene, which made me want to learn her attitude to live up to the pride as an actress.”

[rubie]

Thanks to the highlight at PlanetBH0712
The Masquerade Movie Poster, Now Showing in Atlanta 
Source: Naver l  Masquerade2012

[rubie]

October 8, 2012
Will 'Masquerade' Continue Its Trend And Hit 10 Million Tickets? Only 25 Days After Its Premiere, 8 Million Tickets Sold!
By KDramaStars Staff Writer
Lee Byung Hun's movie, 'Masquerade', is cruising towards 10 million tickets.
On the 7th, CJ Entertainment, the distributing investor, announced, "Earlier this morning, about 100,000 more people watched 'Masquerade' and the movie topped 8 million tickets. According to the Korean Film Council's Movie Theater Tickets Integrated Network, 'Masquerade' had sold about 7,909,778 tickets by October 6. It was 25 days after the movie premiered on September 13th. In one week, 2.8 million tickets were sold in the past week.  The good reviews spread by word of mouth so it seems like the movie will easily surpass the 10 million mark. Of all the movies this year, besides 'Thieves', which became the most watched Korean movie of all time, 'Masquerade' is the second movie to hit the 8 million mark.
'Masquerade' is a fictional movie about Gwanghaegun putting Gwanghae-Hasun on the throne to protect his own life and how Gwanghae-Hasun's survives in the palace. Besides Lee Byung Hun, Ryu Seung Ryong, Han Hyu Joo, Kim In Kwon, Jang Kwang, and Shim Eun Kyung are also in the film.

[rubie]

Latest Yearly BoxOffice for 2012
Source: KOFIC

[rubie]

October 8, 2012
Lee Byung Hun Shows Off His Signature Smile at 'Masquerade' Talk Session
CJ E&M enewsWorld Hea Jung Min Translation Credit: Esther Oh
Along with Ryu Seung Ryong, Lee Byung Hun smiled for the press at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) open talk session for his latest film, Masquerade, on October 6.
Masquerade, which was released on September 13, is about how the low-class Ha Sun pretends to be the king Gwanghae when the king comes under danger of being poisoned. It will aim to talk about what happened in the 15 days not recorded in history.

Lee Byung Hun says hello to BIFF fans and the press

He knows how to work the angles

Fans can′t get enough of Lee Byung Hun and Ryu Seung Ryong

The actors show their appreciation for fans

Does Lee Byung Hun ever age?