[Edaily Reporter Shin Ha-yeon ] CARRIESOFT Co., Ltd.(317530), a KOSDAQ-listed company that entered the film investment and distribution business this year, is expanding its content investment portfolio by participating in the investment for director Na Hong-jin’s new film, “HOPE.”

Episode Company announced on the 2nd that it has finalized its investment in the film “HOPE,” directed and written by Na Hong-jin. This marks the company’s first major project to materialize approximately one month after it announced its entry into the film investment and distribution business.

This investment is also significant in that it strengthens the investment structure of “Hope,” which is set to be released soon, and lends support to its release efforts. Industry observers note that by adding “Hope”—a film that has proven its appeal in the global market—to its investment lineup, Episode Company is injecting new vitality into the Korean film investment and distribution market.

“Hope” is the latest film by director Na Hong-jin, which was invited to the Competition section of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival. Set in Hopo Port in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the film tells the story of people confronting an unidentified entity. The cast includes Korean actors Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon, as well as international stars such as Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.

Since its world premiere, the film has received rave reviews from international media and critics, and is garnering significant attention in the global market, with pre-sales to over 200 countries and regions to date.

Episode Company plans to use this investment as an opportunity to significantly expand its film investment and distribution business. The company’s strategy is to continuously discover competitive content, regardless of genre or scale, to broaden its investment portfolio.

A company representative stated, “As a K-IP booster, we will continue to present works that breathe new life into the stagnant theater industry.”

Meanwhile, Episode Company is a global IP content company based on AI and new technologies, and is pursuing an “IP Booster” strategy centered on various content formats, including films, dramas, and animation.