[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] This Chuseok, movie theaters attracted audiences with a wider variety of film genres than ever before. With each film differing in genre, rating, and runtime, the audience base is clearly divided; choices are expected to vary by age group and preference, ranging from families with young children to adults and solo moviegoers.

◇“The Intern” and “Assassin(s)” are family-friendly… “Tazza” and “Possible Love” are rated R
Among the films hitting theaters this Chuseok, “The Intern” is the one that appeals to the widest range of age groups. “The Intern” is a Korean remake of the 2015 film of the same name starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, with Choi Min-sik and Han So-hee in the lead roles. Depicting “office life” that transcends generations and job titles, it is considered a film that resonates across generations and offers light-hearted entertainment this Chuseok.
*The Assassin(s)*, which surpassed 1 million viewers in just four days after its release, tells the story of an investigation into the suspicions and masterminds behind the First Lady assassination attempt on August 15, 1974, an event that shocked South Korea. The film stars Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho. As the story is based on real events, it is drawing interest from audiences who prefer period dramas and crime genres.
“Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub,” starring actors Byun Yo-han and Noh Jae-won, is a crime film centered on gambling and revenge. Rated “No Minors Allowed” and aimed at adult audiences, it recorded 76,526 advance tickets sold as of the 21st—two days before its release—setting a new record for the highest advance ticket sales at this stage among all “No Minors Allowed” films. As the final installment in the 20-year-long “Tazza” series that introduces a new universe, all eyes are on whether it will appeal to both existing fans and new audiences.
Director Lee Chang-dong’s *Possible Love*, which won the Silver Lion (Grand Jury Prize) at the Venice International Film Festival, also targets adult audiences. With its “No Minors Allowed” rating and long runtime, it is likely to attract adult viewers or those with a strong interest in the film itself. The fact that it will be available in theaters for only about two weeks before its November release on Netflix is another factor drawing audiences.

◇If you’re bringing children, the rating is a factor… Animated films are also an option
Although Chuseok is a holiday when families visit theaters together, age ratings are a key factor in this year’s lineup of Korean films. Of the three Korean films opening on the 23rd, only *Assassins* is rated for ages 12 and up, while *Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub* and *Possible Love* are rated “No Admission for Minors.” This means that half of the major Korean films targeting the Chuseok holiday season cannot be viewed with minor children.
Amid this situation, G-rated animated films offer a new alternative. “Octonauts: Above & Beyond – Thrilling Nature Adventure” (Octonauts) targets young audiences with the adventures of the Octonauts and their crew as they travel across continents and encounter various natural phenomena. According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network, as of the 25th, “Octonauts: Above & Beyond—A Thrilling Adventure in the Wild” had drawn 3,231 viewers and secured the 10th spot at the box office.
DreamWorks’ new original fantasy adventure, “Forgotten Island,” has also been released. Conveying a message of friendship that transcends generations, “Forgotten Island” received rave reviews from international critics, recording a 100% Rotten Tomatoes Fresh rating as of the 23rd.
A familiar Marvel blockbuster has also returned to theaters. “Avengers: Endgame,” the highest-grossing foreign film in Korean box office history, is back in theaters for the first time in seven years. “Avengers: Endgame Encore” stands out with a new format called “Infinity Vision,” the first-ever exclusive screening of footage from “Avengers: Doomsday” (set for release this December), and screenings in four special formats (IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, and Dolby Cinema).
Ultimately, this year’s Chuseok movie market is expected to see a clear divergence in options depending on audience preferences and age groups. Film critic Yoon Seong-eun said, “As the selection of movies has expanded during the Chuseok holiday, audiences have more opportunities to choose films that suit their tastes,” adding, “This diversity itself can breathe new life into the movie market and serve as a catalyst to draw audiences back to theaters.”