- Korean Film Theater Opens in Beijing Amidst Political Tension 목차
An exclusive Korean film theater has opened at the Korean Cultural Center in Beijing, China, despite the current tension between Korea and China over the Taiwanese issue. The opening ceremony of the KOFIC Korean Film Festival was held to mark the occasion, with the theater screening 15 Korean films, including "Hunt" by director Lee Jung-jae. The non-profit cinema run by the Korean government aims to satisfy the thirst for Korean films among Chinese film fans interested in Korean culture.
The opening ceremony was attended by several figures from the Chinese film industry, but no government officials were present. Chinese officials' absence seems to reflect the recent tension between the two governments, as China has strongly opposed President Yoon Seok-yeol's recent interview remarks, which emphasized "opposition to changing the Taiwan Strait status quo by force." Despite this, the event was considered a success, and it is hoped that through the eight-day Korean Film Festival, mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries will be further enhanced.
The Chinese film industry is heavily influenced by political issues, and it is unknown when Korean films will be screened normally in China. However, in December 2021, the 2020 film "Oh! Moon Hee" by director Jeong Se-gyo was released in mainland China, becoming the first Korean film to meet audiences in Chinese theaters in six years. Additionally, Director Hong Sang-soo's 2018 work "Riverside Hotel" was serviced on a Chinese OTT platform in November last year, raising hopes that the Korean ban on Chinese theaters could be lifted.