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In the intertwining world of cinema, a fascinating trend has emerged, where the allure of Korean storytelling is captivating the hearts of Chinese moviegoers. With an increasing number of Korean films being remade for the Chinese market, this phenomenon underscores the universal appeal of Korea’s cinematic narratives and their potential to transcend cultural barriers.
At the forefront of this cultural exchange are the remakes of Korean blockbusters “Seven Days” and “Pawn,” which have achieved remarkable success in China, securing the first and third spots respectively in the box office rankings. This success is a testament to the compelling storytelling and innovative themes that Korean cinema brings to the global stage. According to the film distributor NEW, the historical thriller “The Owl,” starring Ryu JunYeol and Yoo HaeJin, set a new benchmark by fetching the highest-ever copyright fee for a Korean film remake sold to China. The strategic move to share a portion of the box office revenue for remakes represents a savvy approach to maximizing the intellectual property’s value.
“The Owl,” which premiered in November 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, captivated over 3.3 million viewers in Korea with its riveting narrative of a blind acupuncturist who witnesses the crown prince’s death and embarks on a nocturnal quest for truth. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the cooling of Sino-Korean relations, the export of Korean film intellectual property to China has remained robust. According to the Korean Film Council, the total value of Korean film remake rights sold to China in 2023 reached approximately $3.8 million, marking the highest figure since 2017.
The enthusiastic reception of these remakes by Chinese audiences highlights the global resonance of Korea’s storytelling prowess. Films such as the remakes of “Seven Days” (2007) and “Pawn” (2020), which climbed to the top of the box office upon their release, demonstrate the universal themes and emotional depth that Korean cinema expertly navigates. A production company executive with deep insights into the Chinese market observed that China greatly appreciates Korea’s innovative storytelling and unique subjects, particularly those that delve into historical themes. The executive further noted that remakes which undergo localization tend to receive more favorable responses, citing the remake of “I Love You” into “Wo Ai Ni” as an example of successfully adapting the original’s sentiment for the local audience.
As Korean cinema continues to captivate international audiences, the success of these remakes in China serves as a powerful reminder of the transcendent nature of storytelling. With more Korean films poised for remake and adaptation, the future holds immense potential for further cultural exchanges and collaborations that bridge the gap between Korea and China. As the global film industry watches closely, the enduring appeal of Korean cinema promises to usher in a new era of cinematic excellence and cross-cultural storytelling.
Source: https://www.kpopmap.com/korean-blockbusters-reign-supreme-in-chinas-box-office/