The film ‘HOPE’ will begin a simultaneous theatrical and VOD release on Wednesday, October 21, distributor Plus M Entertainment announced on October 15, according to Newsen.
“Starting Wednesday, October 21, the theatrical day-and-date VOD service will launch via IPTV, cable TV, online, and mobile platforms,” the distributor said.
The service covers IPTV providers KT, SK Broadband and LG U+, cable TV (Studio Choice), Skylife, Apple TV, Wavve, Coupang Play, TVING, Watcha and web hard platforms. Pre-order events begin on select platforms on Friday, October 16.
In a rare move for a Korean film, the VOD release will offer 4K resolution alongside 2K HD. The confirmed schedule covers paid VOD only; a release date for subscription-based OTT services has not been decided and is still being coordinated.
Directed by Na Hong-jin and led by Hwang Jung-min and Zo In-sung, ‘HOPE’ follows Beom-seok, the head of a remote branch office in the DMZ town of Hopohang, as reports of a tiger sighting throw the village into high alert. The film competed in the Competition section at Cannes and has drawn 4.59 million moviegoers since its July 21 domestic release.
With the theatrical run still ongoing, the VOD launch gives viewers who missed it in cinemas a second chance — and repeat viewers a sharper one.
