Blockbuster revival amid shifting markets and models

South Korea's film industry is navigating post-pandemic turbulence as historical epic 'The King's Warden' surpasses 13 million admissions, delivering a rare box office boost in a market still recovering from pre-COVID highs of over 200 million annual tickets. Coverage highlights worries that certain genres, especially theatrical romance, are faltering while new works like meta-comedy 'Method Acting,' youth dramas, and crime films explore fresh directions. At the same time, new distribution companies, restoration and sales of classic Korean and Hong Kong titles, overseas festival screenings, and regional deals for films like 'Bluefish' point to a reconfiguration of how Korean films are financed and exported, even as tax scrutiny of agencies and Park Chan-wook's Cannes jury role underscore both pressure and prestige for the sector.