[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] Director Na Hong-jin’s new film “HOPE” has signaled a strong start at the box office, surpassing 600,000 advance tickets sold today, the day of its release.

According to the Integrated Movie Ticket Network on the 15th, as of 7:00 p.m. that day, the number of real-time advance ticket sales for “HOPE” stood at 600,3601. This marks the highest number of advance tickets sold among films released this year. The film also topped the advance ticket sales charts at all three major theater chains—MegaBox, CGV, and Lotte Cinema—signaling strong box office potential.
“Hope” is a science fiction feature film directed by Na Hong-jin—known for “The Chaser” and “The Yellow Sea”—marking his return to the genre 10 years after “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, 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, which spans both domestic and international talent, including actors 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 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.
Having topped the advance ticket sales charts 11 days before its release, “Hope” is considered one of the most anticipated films of the year. All eyes are on whether “Hope” can live up to the hype at the box office.