[E-Daily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] Director Na Hong-jin’s new film “HOPE” has taken the top spot in advance ticket sales just two days before its release, proving itself to be this summer’s most anticipated film.

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network on the 13th, “HOPE” had recorded 378,350 advance ticket sales as of 9 a.m.
“HOPE” is the first feature film in 10 years from director Na Hong-jin—known for “The Chaser” and “The Yellow Sea”—since “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.
The film also drew attention for its star-studded cast, featuring both domestic and international actors, including Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, and Jung Ho-yeon, as well as Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender.
"Hope" was invited to the main competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation in recognition of its direction as a sci-fi thriller. With its U.S. release confirmed for September 9, expectations for its global box office success are growing.