# Release and reception of South Korean film Hope

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-and-reception-of-south-korean-film-hope
> Updated: 2026-09-10T20:15:19.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Director Na Hong-jin has released ‘Hope’, a science fiction action thriller described as the most expensive film in South Korean cinematic history, with a reported budget of approximately 100 billion won (roughly $74 million).

The film follows the residents of a remote village near the North Korean border as they face a violent onslaught from mysterious, otherworldly entities. It features an international cast including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender.

Following its competition at the Cannes Film Festival, the film has seen significant international commercial success. In North America, it debuted at number two at the box office, earning $1.1 million across approximately 1,500 screens and surpassing the Hollywood production ‘Spider-Man’ on its opening day. The film also expanded into the Indonesian market through major multiplexes.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Hope sci-fi film debuts at No. 2 in North American box office

South Korean sci-fi thriller Hope debuted at No. 2 in North America, earning $1.1 million and surpassing Spider-Man on its opening day. The high-budget film is also rolling out in Indonesia.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hope-sci-fi-film-debuts-at-no-2-in-north-american-box-office

### 2026-09-10: Hope film becomes most expensive production in South Korean history

Na Hong-jin’s ‘Hope’ is South Korea’s most expensive film to date, a high-budget sci-fi thriller about a remote village facing an extraterrestrial threat.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/na-hong-jin-returns-with-most-expensive-south-korean-film

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Cite as: Release and reception of South Korean film Hope. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-and-reception-of-south-korean-film-hope