Slow and Steady

3 Million Viewers in 11 Days: The Zootopia Fever Returns Disney's ambitious film 'Zootopia 2' is heating up the box office, surpassing 3 million viewers in just 11 days since its release. This level of impact is not just a hit; it’s fair to call it a syndrome. Do you remember the original 'Zootopia' from 2016, which mobilized 4.7 million viewers in Korea and created a legend of chart-climbing success? It was a work that sparked an "N-th viewing" (repeat viewing) craze not only among children but also among adults, earning the title of a "life animation." That very masterpiece has returned with even greater firepower. Usually, when a predecessor is a massive success, it is customary for a sequel to be produced within 2 to 3 years to capitalize on the halo effect, but this work took nearly 10 years. The fact that audiences are still this enthusiastic despite the long gap proves that the power of this franchise remains valid. A 10-Year Gap, and Disn...

From the very first impression, the movie <The People Upstairs> delivers both intense bewilderment and a fresh shock to the audience. This is because the screen is filled with provocative themes and uninhibited dialogue that are rarely encountered in the Korean commercial film market. What are commonly referred to as "dirty jokes" or high-level sexual banter are not merely used as devices to induce laughter, but are utilized as a core means of conversation penetrating the entire film. The movie attempts a frontal breakthrough by blatantly and honestly revealing points that might feel uncomfortable or awkward given the conservative Korean sentiment. This bold direction becomes even more intriguing when coupled with the fact that actor Ha Jung-woo took the megaphone, allowing us to guess the unique color and cinematic ambition he wanted to showcase as a director. Looking at Director Ha Jung-woo’s filmography, the production process of this work itself is quite interesting...

In the vast ocean of content that is Netflix, a drama has been released quietly but is creating substantial ripples with its heavy impact. That drama is the Taiwanese series, The Resurrected. When Korean viewers think of Taiwanese dramas, it is easy to recall the romance genre or youth dramas dealing with fresh and nostalgic first love. This image is likely formed by the massive success of works like Someday or One Day. However, the potential of Taiwanese content does not stop at sweet romances. While it is true that the romance genre has a thick fandom, behind that facade, crime thrillers and social commentary genres that keenly penetrate the dark side of society also boast solid perfection. The Resurrected is a representative work showing the evolution of these Taiwanese genre pieces; while it may have less mass popularity, it is a masterpiece whose depth is by no means light. The further a genre is from mainstream interest, the higher the probability that those who seek it out are s...

The Monumental Work that Built the Netflix Empire While Netflix is now a ubiquitous platform familiar to everyone worldwide, Stranger Things was the catalyst that propelled its growth before it reached its current overwhelming status. Competing for the top spot in all-time viewing hours among Netflix Originals, it has established itself not merely as a popular drama, but as a cultural phenomenon. The shock and freshness delivered when Season 1 was first released captivated viewers around the globe instantly. Since then, leading up to Season 5, every new season release has triggered explosive reactions, often to the point of crashing servers. It is no exaggeration to say that this series is the history of Netflix, and now, it leaves only its spectacular finale remaining. The Perfect Harmony of an Eerie Title and 80s Nostalgia When audiences first encountered the English title "Stranger Things" or its translated equivalents, it was difficult to gauge exactly what genre this wor...