Na Hong-Jin’s Cannes Competition Title ‘Hope’ Has Strong Opening At Korean Box Office
Na Hong-Jin's science-fiction film "Hope", which premiered in competition at this year's Cannes Film Festival, has had a strong opening at the South Korean box office, surpassing 2 million admissions faster than any other film released so far in 2026. The result matters for its distributor, Plus M Entertainment, part of the JoongAng Group, which recently filed for bankruptcy protection, meaning much rides on the film's continued commercial success.
According to the Korean Film Council, "Hope" passed the 2 million ticket threshold during its five-day opening weekend, which began on 15 July and coincided with the Constitution Day holiday, aided by government discount coupons worth $3.90 off tickets. Reported as the most expensive Korean film ever made, it stars Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Jung Ho-yeon, Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, and would reportedly need around 20 million admissions to break even domestically, though it has also secured presales in roughly 200 overseas territories. The film has proved divisive, with 53% of Naver users rating it 9 or 10 while others criticised its lack of world-building, profanity and ambiguous ending, echoing the polarised reception of Na's 2016 hit "The Wailing".
In short
- Na Hong-Jin's Cannes title "Hope" tops 2 million Korean admissions fastest this year
- Film's success is crucial as distributor Plus M's parent faces bankruptcy
- Needs roughly 20 million tickets to break even domestically
Explained simply
Na Hong-Jin is a South Korean film director whose films have historically generated divided responses from audiences. Some viewers have championed his work, whilst others have criticised his storytelling choices.
His latest film, "Hope", is a science-fiction film that premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival. It was made by Plus M Entertainment, which is part of the JoongAng Group, a media company that recently filed for bankruptcy protection.
"Hope" is reported to be one of the most expensive Korean films ever made and features an international cast alongside leading South Korean actors. Like Na's previous films, it has received mixed responses from viewers, with some praising it highly and others criticising its ending.