[E-Daily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] As the government begins distributing its second round of movie discount vouchers, “Hope”—this summer’s most anticipated film and the latest work from director Na Hong-jin—is emerging as a strong contender to benefit from the initiative.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) will distribute approximately 2.05 million second-round discount coupons, each worth 6,000 won off movie ticket prices, starting at 10:00 a.m. on the 8th.
With this distribution of discount coupons, forecasts suggest that the film “Hope,” set to open on the 15th, will benefit the most. As of 3:00 PM on the 6th, “Hope” is ranked first in advance ticket sales on the KOFIC’s integrated computer network. Even with nine days remaining before its release, it has already attracted 94,192 viewers, signaling a strong box office performance.
A representative from the distribution company stated, “Previously, ‘Gunchye’ saw a surge in advance ticket sales thanks to the distribution of movie discount coupons and drew over 200,000 viewers even on weekdays during its early release period,” adding, “‘Hope’ is expected to generate significant synergy, given the buzz surrounding its invitation to the Cannes International Film Festival and the fact that it is Director Na Hong-jin’s first new film in 10 years.”

“Hope” is the first feature film in 10 years from director Na Hong-jin, known for “The Chaser” and “The Yellow Sea,” following “The Wailing.” The story begins when Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min), the head of the Hopo Port branch office located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), hears reports from local youths about a tiger sighting. As the entire village goes on high alert, he is confronted with a reality that defies belief.
In particular, the film garnered significant attention from the production stage onward thanks to its star-studded cast spanning both domestic and international talent, including Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon, as well as Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender. Invited to the Competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, *Hope* received a standing ovation at the festival for its original 3D-rendered creature and its masterful direction as an overwhelming sci-fi thriller.
The second round of movie discount coupons being distributed can be used on the websites and apps of four multiplex chains: CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox, and CineQ. As with the first round distributed on May 13, two coupons per person will be automatically credited to each theater’s online member coupon folder, and users can apply the discount coupons from their folder at checkout.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has secured 27.1 billion won in supplementary budget funds to stabilize people’s livelihoods and revitalize the film industry, and is currently implementing a movie ticket discount program totaling 4.5 million coupons.