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14 clusters · 48 sources · 78 days · First seen · Last updated

Na Hong-jin’s ‘Hope’ breaks records and splits audiences

Overview

Na Hong-jin’s sci-fi action thriller “Hope” has maintained a record-setting run in South Korea following its wide release on 15 July 2026. The film, which follows a police chief and hunter confronting a mysterious creature near the DMZ, reached 3 million viewers in just 11 days, making it the fastest domestic release of the year. It is the most expensive Korean production to date, with a budget exceeding 500 billion won, and requires approximately 7 million viewers to reach profitability.

Audience reaction remains polarized. While CGV ratings sit at 83% and Naver users average 7.3/10, 56% of viewers award the film a top score of 9–10, while 21% give it a 1–2 rating. Renowned director Bong Joon-ho praised the film as “a daring, mad-filled cinematic storm.”

Internationally, the film has gained momentum following its invitation to the 79th Cannes Film Festival and a Best Action Film award at the 25th New York Asian Film Festival. In the United States, distributor Neon has confirmed a wide theatrical release for 9 September 2026, opening in 1,500 theaters. This marks Neon’s largest domestic release for a Korean-language film since “Parasite”.

New details regarding the production reveal that the alien creatures are portrayed by actors Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Taylor Russell. Na Hong-jin, whose previous work includes “The Wailing”, described the project as a decade-long endeavor influenced by filmmakers such as the Coen Brothers and David Fincher. Critical reception in the U.S. remains mixed, with some praising the suspense and action while others criticize the CGI and the 2-hour and 40-minute runtime. Na has indicated that a sequel script is already written should the film prove successful.

Entities

Na Hong-jin · Hoyeon · NEON · Hwang Jung-min · Alicia Vikander

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Na Hong-jin’s monster epic ‘Hope’ debuts with intense action

    Na Hong-jin’s South Korean monster epic ‘Hope’ is drawing attention for its high-octane action and intense depiction of an alien invasion near the DMZ, despite mixed reviews regarding its CGI and runtime.

  2. 10 days ago

    [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Neon to release Korean monster film ‘Hope’ in 1,500 U.S. theaters

    Neon will release Na Hong-jin’s Korean monster epic ‘Hope’ in 1,500 U.S. theaters on Sept. 9, marking its widest release for a Korean film since ‘Parasite’.

  3. 22 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Neon announces early premium screenings for Na Hong-jin film Hope

    Neon will host exclusive early-access premium format screenings of Na Hong-jin’s sci-fi thriller “Hope” on September 7 at 175 locations across the U.S., ahead of its official September 9 release.

  4. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    South Korean film ‘Hope’ sparks polarizing debate while shattering box‑office records

    ‘Hope’ broke South Korean box‑office records, drawing over 3 million viewers in 11 days, but audience scores split sharply, prompting criticism of reviewers and a comment from the culture minister urging people

  5. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Na Hong-Jin's Film “Hope” Debuts at San Diego Comic-Con

    Na Hong‑Jin unveiled footage of his alien‑action horror film “Hope” at San Diego Comic‑Con, starring Hoyeon and Hwang Jung‑min; the ten‑year project releases Sept 9, 2026.

  6. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope' reaches 3 million viewers in South Korea

    Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' hit 3 million viewers in 11 days, topping South Korea’s box office with 2.6 million admissions by day 9.

  7. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 6 sources
    Na Hong-jin Wins Daniel A. Craft Award at NY Asian Film Festival

    Na Hong‑jin won the Daniel A. Craft Award for Best Action Film at the 25th New York Asian Film Festival, honoring his film HOPE and its North‑American premiere.

  8. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    South Korean sci‑fi film 'Hope' tops 2 million viewers in five days

    Na Hong‑jin’s sci‑fi thriller ‘Hope’ reached 2 million South Korean viewers in five days, setting the fastest 2023 box‑office record and fueling anticipation for upcoming summer releases.

  9. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Bong Joon‑ho praises Na Hong‑jin's action thriller ‘Hope’

    Bong Joon‑ho praised Na Hong‑jin’s new action thriller ‘Hope’, calling it a daring, mad‑filled cinematic storm, while the film’s blend of creature effects and classic action has sold pre‑rights to 200+ regions.

  10. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope' shatters Korean pre‑sale records with over 600,000 tickets

    Na Hong‑jin’s sci‑fi thriller ‘Hope’ recorded over 600,000 pre‑sales, a record for a Korean original film, with a 68% booking rate and a budget exceeding 500 billion won, sparking competition with upcoming box‑

  11. 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 6 sources
    Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope' shatters South Korea pre‑sale record

    Na Hong‑jin's sci‑fi thriller ‘Hope’ logged 381,000 advance tickets (61% pre‑sale) ahead of its July 15 release, setting a 2026 Korean record and bolstering a financially troubled distributor.

  12. 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Neon releases trailer for sci‑fi horror film “Hope”

    Neon unveiled the trailer for “Hope,” Na Hong‑Jin’s sci‑fi horror film set in a South Korean village, starring Hwang Jung‑min and Jung Ho‑yeon, with a September 9 release after its New York Asian Film Festival

  13. 3 months ago

    [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Na Hong-jin's sci‑fi thriller 'Hope' set for Italy release on Nov 5

    Na Hong‑jin's sci‑fi thriller ‘Hope’, starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, opens in Italy on 5 Nov 2023 via Mubi, featuring a fire‑ravaged mountain town and a hunt for a mysterious creature.

  14. 3 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    South Korean sci‑fi thriller ‘Hope’ enters Cannes competition and secures US release

    Na Hong‑jin’s sci‑fi thriller “Hope”, starring Hwang Jung‑Min, Zo In‑Sung and Jung Ho‑Yeon, will compete at Cannes and opens in the US on Sept 9 (Korea on July 15).

Sources

avenuedelhorreur.fr · biz.heraldcorp.com · blog.nfb.ca · ca.sports.yahoo.com · citygalleria.hr · corrierenerd.it · dailybest.it · dallas.culturemap.com · ekr.chosunonline.com · es.ign.com · fangirlish.com · hani.co.kr · horrornewsnetwork.net · in.mashable.com · indiewire.com · iskrakielce.pl · koreaherald.com · leon.jp · lucidadvice.com · m.hani.co.kr · m.imaeil.com · moviedigger.it · movieside.de · mrwillwong.com · news.donga.com · news.heraldcorp.com · newyorker.com · niacouncil.org · noteverticali.it · nzcricketmuseum.co.nz · portadaestrela.com · sakaimanabu.com · screenanarchy.com · seoul.co.kr · silverscreenriot.com · slashfilm.com · soompi.com · sports.donga.com · stv.seoul.co.kr · tenasia.hankyung.com · tharrosnews.gr · thefilmstage.com · therogersrevue.com · thewrap.com · variety.com · viewmag.co.nz · vimooz.com · washingtoncitypaper.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history