Commercial Releases in 2004

Spirit of Jeet Kune Do: Once Upon a Time in High School ["Maljuk-geori janhoksa"]   Written and directed by Yu Ha.  A high school student moves into a new neighborhood, and finds himself placed into a notoriously violent school. Soon he makes friends with the toughest boys in his class, and falls in love with a girl he meets on the bus.  Starring Kwon Sang-woo, Lee Jeong-jin, Han Ga-in, Kim In-kwon, Park Hyo-jun, Lee Jong-hyuk, Seo Dong-won.  Cinematography by Choi Hyun-ki.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  116 min.  January 16. (pictured right)

Ice Rain ["Bing-u"]   Directed by Kim Eun-sook.  Screenplay by Park Mi-young. Two mountain climbers embark on a dangerous expedition, without realizing that the two of them were in love with the same woman back in Seoul.  Starring Lee Sung-jae, Song Seung-heon, Kim Ha-neul.  Cinematography by Yoon Hong-shik.  Produced by Koo& Film.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  105 min.  January 16.

100 Days with Mr. Arrogant ["Nae sarang ssagaji"]   Written and directed by Shin Dong-yeop.  A high school girl accidentally scratches the car of an arrogant rich college student. Without money to compensate him, she is forced to sign a contract to become his personal slave for the next 100 days.  Starring Kim Jae-won, Ha Ji-won, Kim Tae-hyun, Han Min, Kim Chang-wan, Lee Eung-kyung.  Cinematography by Hwang Chul-hyun.  Produced by Poibos Co.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 12+.  95 min.  January 16.

Au Revoir, U.F.O. ["Annyeong! UFO"]   Directed by Kim Jin-min.  Screenplay by Kim Ji-hye, Lee Hae-young.  A bus driver makes the acquaintance of a blind woman who moves into his neighborhood, but he pretends to be someone other than who he really is.  Starring Lee Eun-ju, Lee Beom-soo, Bong Tae-gyu, Byun Hee-bong, Kim Eung-su, Kim Seon-hwa.  Cinematography by Lee Doo-man.  Produced by Uri Film.  Distributed by Tube Entertainment.  Rating: General.  105 min.  January 30.

Spy Girl ["Geunyeo-reul moreumyeon gancheop"]   Directed by Park Han-jun.  Screenplay by Ha Won-jun.  A group of students fall head over heels for a new employee at the neighborhood burger joint, and build a website devoted to her. Little do they realize she is a North Korean spy who is trying to keep a low profile.  Starring Kim Jung-hwa, Gong Yu, Nam Sang-mi, Baek Il-seop, Kim Ae-gyung, Jo Dal-hwan.  Cinematography by Shin Ok-hyun.  Produced by M3 Entertainment.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  100 min.  January 30.

Taegukgi ["Taegeukgi hwinallimyeo"]   Written and directed by Kang Je-gyu.  Two brothers who live with their mute mother are drafted against their will when the Korean War breaks out. The older brother hopes to secure his younger brother's release by winning a Medal of Honor, but as time passes he becomes lost in the heat of war.  Starring Jang Dong-gun, Won Bin, Lee Eun-ju, Jo Yoon-hee, Gong Hyung-jin, Lee Young-ran, with cameos by Choi Min-shik, Kim Soo-ro, Kim Hae-gon, etc.  Cinematography by Hong Kyung-pyo.  Produced by Kang JeGyu Films.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  140 min.  February 4. (pictured right)

A Smile ["Miso"]   Written and directed by Park Kyung-hee.  A photographer must face the realization that a disease is slowly robbing her of her vision.  Starring Choo Sang-mi, Song Il-gon, Jo Seong-ha, Jin Gyeong, Park Won-sang.  Cinematography by Im Jae-su.  Produced and distributed by Miso Films.  Rating: 15+.  98 min.  February 13.

Magic Police Galgari and Okdongja ["Mabeop-gyeongchal galgari-wa Ok Dong-ja"]   Directed by Lee Han-yeol.  Screenplay by Jo Jong-woo.  The daughter of the King of Heaven has sinned, so she is banished to earth to become a part of the crime fighting Magic Police.  Starring Park Jun-hyung, Jeong Jong-chul, Kim Shi-deok, Yang Jae-hee, Kim Seong-hee.  Cinematography by Jeong Jae-seung.  Produced by Toto Entertainment.  Distributed by Columbia Tristar Korea.  Rating: General.  85 min.  February 13.

Mokpo, Gangster's Paradise ["Mokpo-neun hanggu-da"]   Written and directed by Kim Ji-hoon.  A police detective goes undercover to expose a gang boss in the seaside town of Mokpo. As time passes, however, he begins to get friendly with his target.  A comedy starring Jo Jae-hyun, Cha Im-pyo, Song Seon-mi, Son Byung-ho, Kim Il-woo, Choi Deok-moon, Ki Joo-bong.  Cinematography by Choi Jin-woong.  Produced by Keyweck-shidae.  Distributed by Korea Pictures.  Rating: 15+.  110 min.  February 20.

Too Beautiful To Lie ["Geunyeo-reul midji-maseyo"]   Directed by Bae Hyung-joon.  Screenplay by Choi Hee-dae.  A young woman is released from jail, and gets involved in an incident with a man on a train. Going to the man's family home to set things right, she ends up caught up in a web of lies.  Starring Kim Ha-neul, Kang Dong-won, Song Jae-ho, Nam Sang-mi, Kim Ji-young, Nam Su-jeong, Im Ha-ryong.  Cinematography by Yoon Hong-shik.  Produced by Seasun Film.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 12+.  115 min.  February 20. (pictured left)

Desire ["Yongmang"]   Written and directed by Kim Eung-su.  A woman discovers that her husband is having an affair with another man. As time passes, she ends up getting involved with her husband's lover.   An HD-shot feature starring Soo Ah, Lee Dong-gyu, An Nae-sang, Jang So-yeon.  Cinematography by Park Ki-woong.  Produced by Myung Films and MBC Productions.  Distributed by Myung Films.  Rating: 18+.  85 min.  February 20.

Samaritan Girl ["Samaria"]   Written and directed by Kim Ki-duk.  A high school girl, assisted by her best friend, decides to enter into prostitution to finance a trip to Europe. After tragedy strikes, the friend is left to grapple with the consequences of the two girls' actions.  Starring Kwak Ji-min, Seo Min-jeong, Lee Eol.  Cinematography by Seon Sang-jae.  Produced by Kim Ki-duk Film.  Distributed by Show East.  Rating: 18+.  95 min.  March 5. (pictured right)

Mr. Handy ["Eodiseonga nugunga-e museunil-i saenggimyeon teulimeobsi natananda hongbanjang"]   Directed by Gang Seok-boem.  Screenplay by Gang Seok-beom, Sin Jeong-gu.  A dentist loses her job and decides to move to a small seaside town to open her own practice. While there she comes into conflict with the local do-it-all handyman.  Starring Eom Jeong-hwa, Kim Ju-hyeok, Kim Ga-yeon, Jang Dong-jik, Kim Jun-seong, Ki Ju-bong.  Cinematography by Jang Jun-yeong.  Produced by Zenith Entertainment.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 12+.  108 min.  March 12.

Who's Got the Tape? ["Eokkaedongmu"]   Directed by Jo Jin-gyu.  Screenplay by Kim Yeong-chan, Kim Sin-tae.  A bumbling detective and a rebellious musician are thrown together in a search for an incriminating videotape.  Starring Lee Seong-jin, Yu Dong-geun, Lee Mun-sik, Jo Mi-ryeong, Kim Mu-saeng, Choi ryeong.  Cinematography by Lee Ki-won.  Produced by CK Pictures.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  110 min.  March 12.

Repatriation ["Songhwan"]   Directed by Kim Dong-won.  A documentary about several pro-Communist long-term prisoners of conscience and their experiences after being released from prison.  Starring Jo Chang-son, Kim Seon-myeong, Kim Yeong-sik, Ryu Han-wook, Kim Seok-hyeong.  Cinematography by Kim Dong-won, Byun Young-joo, etc.  Produced by Purn Productions.  Distributed by Indiestory.  Rating: 12+.  148 min.  March 19.

Sweet Sixties ["Godoki momburim chil ttae"]   Written and directed by Lee Su-in.  A remote seaside village populated with older residents is turned upside down when a woman arrives from the city, setting off jealous rivalries.  Starring Ju Hyeon, Song Jae-ho, Yang Taek-jo, Kim Mu-sang, Park Yeong-kyu, Seonwoo Yong-nyeo.  Cinematography by Park Ki-woong.  Produced by Masulpiri.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  97 min.  March 19. (pictured left)

When I Turned Nine ["Ahobsal insaeng"]   Directed by Yun In-ho.  Screenplay by Lee Man-hui.  A nine-year old boy has his life turned upside down when an arrogant girl from Seoul moves to their village.  Starring Kim Seok, Jeong Seon-kyeong, Park Baek-ri, Lee Se-yeong, Ji Dae-han, An Nae-sang.  Cinematography by Jeon Jo-myeong.  Produced by Hwang Ki-sung Productions.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: general.  105 min.  March 26.

Father and Son: The Story of Mencius ["Maengbusamcheonjigyo"]   Written and directed by Kim Ji-yeong.  A father with a passion for education moves to the city so his son can enroll in a top school, but the transition is not as smooth as they expected.  Starring Jo Jae-hyeon, Son Chang-min, Lee Jun, So Yi-hyeon, Do Ki-seok, Son Hyeon-ju.  Cinematography by Kim Yeong-ho.  Produced by Corea Entertainment.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  117 min.  March 26.

The Wolf Returns ["Majimak neukdae"]   Written and directed by Gu Ja-hong.  A detective fed up with the city gets himself transferred to a remote county where there is no crime. His co-worker grew up in the country, and is dying for a little excitement.  Starring Yang Dong-geun, Hwang Jeong-min, Jang Hang-seon, O Kwang-rok, Jo Hui-bong, Kim Hyeon-jeong.  Cinematography by Lee Mo-gae.  Produced by Genesis Pictures.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  97 min.  April 1.

My Little Bride ["Eorin sinbu"]   Directed by Kim Ho-jun.  Screenplay by Yu Sun-il.  A high school girl is forced to marry a college-age friend of the family due to an age old promise made by her grandfather.  Starring Kim Rae-won, Mun Geun-yeong, Kim Bo-kyeong, An Seon-yeong, Kim In-mun, Song Ki-yun.  Cinematography by Seo Jeong-min.  Produced by Culture Cap Media.  Distributed by Korea Pictures.  Rating: 12+.  115 min.  April 2. (pictured left)

Dance With the Wind ["Baramui jeonseol"]   Written and directed by Park Jeong-woo.  A jaded undercover detective is told she must extract a confession from a notorious swindler of women. As she gets to know him, however, she comes to believe that he is merely an avid ballroom dancer.  Starring Lee Seong-jae, Park Sol-mi, Kim Su-ro, Lee Kan-hui, Kim Byeong-chun, Mun Jeong-hui.  Cinematography by Jeon Dae-seong.  Produced by Film Mania.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  132 min.  April 9.

The Big Swindle ["Beomjoe-ui jaeguseong"]   Written and directed by Choi Dong-hun.  A group of veteran thieves decide to join forces to rob the Bank of Korea, but nobody in the group truly trusts each another.  Starring Park Sin-yang, Yeom Jeong-a, Baek Yun-sik, Lee Mun-sik, Park Won-sang, Kim Sang-ho.  Cinematography by Choi Yeong-hwan.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 18+.  116 min.  April 15. (pictured right)

Liar ["Ra-i-eo"] Written and directed by Kim Gyeong-hyeong.  A taxi driver who is married to two women at the same time -- without either knowing of the other -- finds it increasingly difficult to maintain his secret. Based on the play Run For Your Wife by Ray Cooney.  Starring Ju Jin-mo, Gong Hyeong-jin, Song Seon-mi, Seo Yeong-hui, Son Hyeon-ju, Im Hyeon-sik.  Cinematography by Kim Hyo-jin.  Produced by C & Film.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  114 min.  April 23.

Arahan ["Arahan jang-pung daejak-jeon"]   Written and directed by Ryu Seung-wan.  A nerdy young policeman comes across a group of crime-fighting tao masters, who urge him to unleash the hidden potential of his ch'i.  Starring Ryu Seung-beom, Yun Soy, Ahn Sung-ki, Jeong Du-hong, Yu Jun-sang, Kim Yeong-in.  Cinematography by Lee Jun-kyu.  Produced by Fun & Happiness.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 12+.  114 min.  April 30.

Woman is the Future of Man ["Yeojaneun namja-ui miraeda"]   Written and directed by Hong Sang-soo.  A film student returning from the U.S. meets up with his old friend, who works as a professor. On a whim, they decide to track down a woman who they both used to be in love with.  Starring Yu Ji-tae, Kim Tae-woo, Seong Hyeon-a.  Cinematography by Kim Hyeong-gu.  Produced by Miracin Korea, UniKorea.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  87 min.  May 5.

The President's Barber ["Hyojadong ibalsa"]   Written and directed by Im Chan-sang.  A barber who happens to live close to the Blue House is asked to become the president's official barber, thus gaining an inside view of Korea's turbulent history from 1961 - 1979.  Starring Song Gang-ho, Moon So-ri, Lee Jae-eung, Son Byeong-ho, Park Yong-su, Jo Yeong-jin.  Cinematography by Jo Yong-gyu.  Produced by Chungeorahm.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  116 min.  May 5. (pictured left)

Foolish Game ["Pulisi gae-im"]   Directed by Im Jin-pyeong.  Hyun-tae is a man who can seduce a woman with a single glance, but he is a failure in relationships. Hui-jae is a woman still hurt from the wounds of relationships past. They meet, but can they fall in love?  Starring Kim Tae-yeon, Lee Dong-kyu, Sa Hyun-jin, Park Jae-hyun, Gong Jeong-hwan, Ki Joo-bong.  Cinematography by Choi Yeong-min.  Produced by Boke Film.  Rating: 18+.  86 min.  May 11.

Low Life ["Haryuinsaeng"]   Written and directed by Im Kwon-taek.  A high school student named Tae-woong falls in love with a politician's daughter, and over the next 15 years he gets caught up in the life of politics, filmmaking and organized crime.  Starring Cho Seung-woo, Kim Min-seon, Lee Hae-yeong, Kim Hak-jun, Yu Ha-jun, Ki Jeong-soo, Ma Du-yeong.  Cinematography by Jeong Il-seong.  Produced by Taehung Pictures.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  105 min.  May 21.

Clementine ["Klementain"]   Directed by Kim Du-yeong.  Screenplay by Eun Hae-rim.  Seung-hyeon loses his world taekwondo championship and his wife on the same day. He tries to bounce back by living a simple life with his daughter, but then he catches the eye of a man who stages illegal fights.  Starring Lee Dong-jun, Steven Seagal, Kim Hye-ri, Eun Seo-woo.  Cinematography by Gu Gyo-hwan.  Produced by Pearl Star Pictures.  Distributed by Enter Mode.  Rating: 15+.  100 min.  May 21.

Windstruck ["Nae yeojachingureul sogaehamnida"]   Written and directed by Kwak Jae-yong.  A soft-spoken physics teacher gets mistakenly apprehended by an enthusiastic, somewhat out-of-control young cop. Despite their differences, the two fall in love.  Starring Jeon Ji-hyun, Jang Hyuk, Kim Tae-wook, Jeong Ho-bin, Oh Jeong-se, Kim Chang-won, Jeon Seong-ae.  Cinematography by Jeong Han-cheol.  Produced by iFilm.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 108+.  108 min.  June 3. (pictured right)

Face ["Pe-i-seu"]   Written and directed by Yu Sang-gon.  A serial killer is removing all the facial tissues of the victims with acid, and a specialist in facial reconstruction is called in to identify the bodies. The victims, however, turn out to be related to him in odd ways.  Starring Song Yoon-ah, Shin Hyun-june, Kim Seung-uk, An Seok-hwan, Jo Won-hui, Song Jae-ho, Han Ye-rin.  Cinematography by Choi Ji-yeol.  Produced by Taewon Entertainment.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  92 min.  June 11.

The Ghost ["Ryeong"]   Written and directed by Kim Tae-kyeong.  Ji-won has come to accept living with memory loss, but when she develops horrible nightmares that seem to have a connection with reality, she decides she must unlock the mystery of her vanished memories.  Starring Kim Ha-neul, Ryu Jin, Nam Sang-mi, Sin Yi, Lee Yun-ji, Bin, Jeon Hui-ju.  Cinematography by Mun Yong-sik.  Produced by Popcorn Film.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  98 min.  June 17.

Someone Special ["Aneun yeoja"]   Written and directed by Jang Jin.  A struggling baseball player is dumped by his girlfriend, and then told by his doctor that he only has two months to live. Meanwhile, a somewhat odd woman who works as a bartender has set her eye on him.  Starring Lee Na-yeong, Jeong Jae-yeong.  Cinematography by Park Yong-su.  Produced by Film It Suda.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  107 min.  June 25. (pictured left)

A Wacky Switch ["Naduya ganda"]   Directed by Jeong Yeon-won.  Screenplay by Park Kye-ok.  A failed writer named Dong-hwa is asked to ghost-write a novel for the head of a major gang.  Starring Jeong Jun-ho, Son Chang-min, Jeon Mi-seon, Jeong So-yeong, Seo Dong-su, Kwon Yong-un, Lee Jun-hyeok.  Cinematography by Hwang Seo-sik.  Produced by White Lee Entertainment.  Distributed by Lotte Cinema.  Rating: 15+.  105 min.  June 25.

My Mother the Mermaid ["Ineogongju"]   Written and directed by Park Heung-sik.  A woman goes to Jeju Island trying to find her vanished father, and is transported back in time to witness her parents' courtship. Starring Jeon Do-yeon, Park Hae-il, Go Du-sim, Kim Bu-seon, Lee Seon-gyun.  Cinematography by Choi Yeong-taek.  Produced by Now Film.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: General.  110 min.  June 30.

Hi Dharma 2: Showdown in Seoul ["Dalmaya, Seoul-gaja"]   Directed by Yuk Sang-hyo.  Screenplay by Choi Seok-hwan, Yuk Sang-hyo.  The sequel to Hi, Dharma sees the monks travel to Seoul to make a delivery on behalf of the recently deceased head monk. Arriving at a temple in Seoul, they find out that a group of gangsters are taking possession of the heavily indebted temple. Starring Jeong Jin-young, Shin Hyun-june, Lee Won-jong, Lee Moon-shik, Yu Hae-jin, Yang Jin-woo, Lee Hyeong-cheol, Han Hye-jin, etc.  Cinematography by Park Hee-ju.  Produced by Tiger Pictures.  Distributed by Cinema Service and Tiger Pictures.  International sales by KM Culture.  Rating: 15+.  98 min.  July 9. (pictured right)

Two Guys ["Tu gaijeu"]   Written and directed by Park Heon-soo.  A debt collector chases after a young guy with $15,000 worth of credit card debts, but when the two of them end up with a briefcase that contains something extremely valuable, they decide to work together. Starring Park Joong-hoon, Cha Tae-hyun, Han Eun-jeong, Jeong Hong-chae, Kim Gu-taek, Son Hyeon-ju.  Cinematography by Park Jae-hyeong.  Produced by Boram Pictures.  Distributed by Show East.  International sales by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 15+.  116 min.  July 9.

How To Keep My Love ["Nae namja-ui romaenseu"]   Directed by Park Je-hyun.  Screenplay by Kim Seon-mi, Lee Seok-joon.  A woman who has been dating the same man for seven years anxiously waits for his marriage proposal, but when the nation's most famous actress suddenly takes a liking to him, their relationship is cast into doubt. Starring Kim Jung-eun, Kim Sang-kyung, Oh Seung-hyun, Lee Yu-jin, Park Dong-bin, Hwang Hyeon-in, Hwang Taek-ah.  Cinematography by Kim Yoon-su.  Produced by May Films.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  112 min.  July 16.

Romance Of Their Own ["Neukdae-ui yuhok"]   Written and directed by Kim Tae-kyun.  A high school girl moves to Seoul from a regional city, and suddenly finds herself being pulled between the two hottest guys in her neighborhood, who happen to be mortal enemies. Starring Jo Han-seon, Kang Dong-won, Lee Cheong-ah.  Cinematography by Jin Young-hwan.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 12+.  113 min.  July 23. (pictured left)

He Was Cool ["Geunom-eun meoshisseotta"]   Written and directed by Lee Hwan-kyung.  A high school girl incurs the wrath of the local tough guy by slandering him on the internet. After they meet in person, however, he decides to date her, despite her objections. Starring Song Seung-heon, Jeong Da-bin, Lee Ki-woo, Lee Min-hyuk, An Hae-su, Kim Young-hoon, Kim Ji-hye.  Cinematography by Lee Kang-min.  Produced by LT Pictures.  Distributed by Hapdong Films.  Sold internationally by Mirovision.  Rating: 15+.  113 min.  July 23.

Spin Kick ["Dollyeochagi"]   Directed by Nam Sang-guk.  Screenplay by Na Hyun, Nam Sang-guk.  A high school which used to be famous for its taekwondo team has fallen into disarray. To support the team, the principal decides to blackmail the school's biggest troublemakers into joining up. Starring Kim Dong-won, Hyun Bin, Jo An, Kim Tae-hyun, Park Ji-yeon, Mun Ji-yun, Lee Ki-woo, Jeon Jae-hyung.  Cinematography by Park Sang-hun.  Produced by Cine 2000.  Distributed and sold internationally by Cinema Service.  Rating: 12+.  108 min.  July 23.

Mateo ["Nareuneun doeiji - haejeok Mateo"]   Directed by Song Keun-sik.  Screenplay by Duane Capizzi, Alexx Van Dyne, David Slack.  On a planet in a distant galaxy, a group of pirate pigs take a princess hostage, but she soon leads them on a chase to regain a magic necklace. An animated film featuring the voices of Kang Soo-jin, Cho Jun-lin.  Produced and sold internationally by Dongwoo Animation.  Distributed by AIC Korea.  Rating: General.  80 min.  July 24.

Everybody Has Secrets ["Nuguna bimil-eun itta"]   Directed by Jang Hyun-soo.  Screenplay by Kim Young-chan, Kim Hui-jae.  The Korean remake of About Adam tells the story of a good-looking guy who causes romantic havoc among a family of three sisters. Starring Lee Byung-heon, Choo Sang-mi, Choi Ji-woo, Kim Hyo-jin, Sunwoo Yong-nyeo, Kim Hae-gon, Jeon Jae-hyung, Tak Jae-hoon.  Cinematography by Kim Young-chul.  Produced by Taewon Entertainment.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Rating: 18+.  105 min.  July 30. (pictured right)

The Doll Master ["Inhyeongsa"]   Written and directed by Jeong Yong-ki.  A diverse group of young people are invited to a remote workshop where ball-and-joint dolls are made. As time passes, they realize that there's something a little weird about the people who invited them. A horror film starring Im Eun-kyung, Kim Yu-mi, Ok Ji-young, Shim Hyung-tak, Cheon Ho-jin, Kim Bo-young, Lee Ga-young, Im Hyung-joon.  Cinematography by Jo Cheol-ho.  Produced by Filma Pictures.  Distributed by Lotte Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 15+.  90 min.  July 30.

Bunshinsaba ["Bunshinsaba"]   Written and directed by Ahn Byung-ki.  An ostracised student decides to invoke a curse on her fellow classmates, but the forces that she unleashes are more powerful than she ever expected. Starring Kim Kyu-ri, Lee Se-eun, Lee Yu-ri, Choi Jeong-yun, Choi Seong-min.  Cinematography by Kim Dong-cheon.  Produced by A Post Pictures and Toilet Pictures.  Distributed by Buena Vista.  International sales by Mirovision.  Rating: 15+.  92 min.  August 5.

Love So Divine ["Shinbu-sueop"]   Directed by Heo In-mu.  Screenplay by Yun Eun-kyung, Heo In-mu.  A young man studying for the priesthood encounters trouble and temptation when the perky neice of his senior priest returns after studying in the U.S. Starring Kwon Sang-woo, Ha Ji-won, Kim In-kwon, Kim In-moon, Kim Seon-hwa, Jeon Hye-jin, Kim Il-woo.  Cinematography by Kim Jae-ho.  Produced by Kihweck-shidae.  Distributed and sold internationally by Korea Pictures.  Rating: 12+.  105 min.  August 6.

Hypnotized ["Eolgul-eomneun minyeo"]   Written and directed by Kim In-sik.  A woman with psychological troubles sees her relationship with her husband deteriorate, and at the same time develops a close relationship with her former psychiatrist. Starring Kim Hye-soo, Kim Tae-woo, Yun Chan, Han Jeong-su.  Cinematography by Kim Woo-hyung.  Produced by I Film.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment and I Love Cinema.  Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  104 min.  August 6. (pictured left)

Hammerboy ["Mangchi"]   Directed by An Tae-geun.  Screenplay by Kim Min-jo, An Cheol-woo, Choi Jeong-un, Lee Seo-gyeong. A boy who has grown up on a small island gets the chance for adventure when a princess lands on the island, chased by traitors. An animated film featuring the voices of Kim Seo-young, Bae Jeong-min, Choi Seok-pil, Kim Yong-jun.  Produced by Character Plan.  Distributed by Sponge.  Rating: General.  80 min.  August 6.

Fighter in the Wind ["Baram-ui paiteo"]   Written and directed by Yang Yun-ho.  Based on a comic book about the life of Oyama Matsutatsu (Choi Bae-dal), an ethnic Korean who lived in Japan and who developed a new style of martial arts. Starring Yang Dong-geun, Hirayama Aya, Kato Masaya, Jeong Tae-woo, Jeong Doo-hong.  Cinematography by Shin Ok-hyun.  Produced by I Vision Entertainment.  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  Rating: 12+.  120 min.  August 12.

To Catch a Virgin Ghost ["Sisilli 2km"]   Directed by Shin Jeong-won.  Screenplay by Lee Chang-shi, Hwang In-ho.  A gangster steals a bunch of diamonds and heads for the countryside. Meanwhile, his senior gang member chases after him, but finds more resistance than expected from the rural farmers. Starring Im Chang-jung, Kwon Oh-joong, Im Eun-kyung, Byun Hee-bong.  Cinematography by Oh Hyun-jae.  Produced by Hanmac Films.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  109 min.  August 13.

R-Point ["Arpointeu"]   Directed by Kong Su-chang.  Screenplay by Kong Su-chang, Pil Yeong-woo. A group of Korean soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War are stationed to a remote area called R-Point, where radio signals keep coming from a platoon thought long dead. Starring Gam Woo-sung, Son Byung-ho, Oh Tae-kyung.  Cinematography by Seok Hyung-jing.  Produced by C&Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  108 min.  August 20.

Three... Extremes ["Sseuri, Monseuteo"]   Directed by Park Chan-wook, Fruit Chan, Miike Takashi.  An omnibus film of three mid-length horror films from Asian directors, and a followup to the 2002 film Three. Consists of Park Chan-wook's Cut, Fruit Chan's Dumplings, and Miike Takashi's Box. Also referred to as Three... Monster.  Starring Lee Byung-heon, Kang Hye-jung, Im Won-hee, Miriam Yeung, Bai Ling, Tony Ka-fai Leung, Kyoko Hasegawa, Atsuro Watabe.  Cinematography by Jeong Jeong-hoon, Christopher Doyle, Kawamaki Koichi.  Produced by b.o.m. Film Productions.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  International sales by Fortissimo Films.  Rating: 18+.  126 min.  August 20. (pictured right)

Spider Forest ["Geomisup"]   Written and directed by Song Il-gon.  A man regains consciousness after being in a gruesome traffic accident, haunted by memories of a gruesome murder that happened in a nearby forest. Struggling to piece together what happened, he tries to make his way back to the forest. Starring Gam Woo-sung, Suh Jung, Kang Gyeong-heon, Jang Hyun-seong, Jo Seong-ha, Son Byung-ho, Jeong Seung-gil, Park Won-sang.  Cinematography by Kim Cheol-ju.  Produced by Oak Film.  Distributed by Chungeorahm. Sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  113 min.  September 3. (pictured left)

A Family ["Gajok"]   Written and directed by Lee Jeong-cheol.  A young woman is released from jail after serving a sentence for pickpocketing, but she still has issues to resolve with a local gang leader, and her relationship with her single father is precarious. Starring Joo Hyun, Soo Ae, Park Ji-bin, Park Hee-soon.  Cinematography by Choi Sang-mook.  Produced by Tube Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by Tube Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  94 min.  September 3.

Don't Tell Papa ["Dontelpapa"]   Directed by Lee Sang-hoon.  Screenplay by Jang Sa-hyun.  A father who leads a wild, depraved lifestyle doesn't really know how to raise his 9-year old son. Starring Jeong Woong-in, Yu Seung-ho, Chae Min-seo, Lee Young-ja, Lee Eung-kyung, Im Ho.  Cinematography by Kim Jae-ho.  Produced by Kihweck-shidae.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  102 min.  September 3.

Thomas Ahn Joong Keun ["Doma An Jeong-geun"]   Written and directed by Seo Se-won.  Based on a real-life historical incident in 1909 when a Korean patriot named Ahn Jeong-geun assassinated Ito Hirobumi, the first resident general sent by Japan to oversee Korea. Starring Yoo Oh-sung, Yun Ju-sang, Jeong Seong-mo, Ko Doo-shim.  Cinematography by An Chang-bok, An Seong-gyun.  Produced and distributed by Source One Production.  Rating: General.  87 min.  September 10.

Mr. Gam's Victory ["Shupeoseuta Gam Sa-yong"]   Written and directed by Kim Jong-hyun.  In the early 1980s, in the year when Korean professional baseball is launched, a factory worker signs up on the Sammi Superstars in the hope of realizing his dream to become a star. Starring Lee Beom-soo, Yun Jin-seo, Ryu Seung-su, Lee Hyuk-jae, Gong Yu, Jang Hang-seon, Kim Su-mi.  Cinematography by Kim Young-ho.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: General.  113 min.  September 17.

Ghost House ["Guishini sanda"]   Directed by Kim Sang-jin.  Screenplay by Jang Jae-young, Jang Hang-jun.  A man buys the house of his dreams for an unexpectedly low price, but he soon learns that the place is haunted by an attractive but determined young ghost. Starring Cha Seung-won, Jang Seo-hee, Jang Hang-seon, Son Tae-young.  Cinematography by Lee Ki-won.  Produced, distributed and sold internationally by Cinema Service.  Rating: 12+.  119 min.  September 17. (pictured right)

Springtime ["Kkot-pineun bomi omyeon"]   Directed by Ryu Jang-ha.  Screenplay by Yun Jae-geun, Lee Eun-kyung, Jeongheo Deok-jae, Ryu Jang-ha.  A frustrated trumpet player who lives with his single mother finally swallows his pride and takes a position as a music teacher in a rural town. Starring Choi Min-shik, Kim Ho-jeong, Jang Shin-young, Yun Yeo-jung.  Cinematography by Lee Mo-gae.  Produced by Siz Entertainment.  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  Rating: 12+.  128 min.  September 24.

My Brother ["Urihyeong"]   Written and directed by Ahn Kwon-tae.  A tough young high school student who excels at fighting has trouble getting along with his older brother, a studious type with a cleft palate. He also has a hard time relating to his single mother, who seems to prefer the elder son Starring Won Bin, Shin Ha-kyun, Kim Hae-sook, Lee Bo-young, Kim Tae-wook, Jo Jin-woong, Kim Jong-man, Jeong Ho-bin.  Cinematography by Hwang Ki-seok.  Produced by Zininsa Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  112 min.  October 8.

3-Iron ["Binjip"]   Written and directed by Kim Ki-duk.  A man who breaks into and lives in empty homes while their owners are away comes across a woman who is beaten by her husband, and the two decide to run off together. Starring Jae Hui, Lee Seung-yeon.  Cinematography by Jang Seong-baek.  Produced by Kim Ki-duk Films.  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 15+.  88 min.  October 15. (pictured left)

Some ["Sseom"]   Directed by Chang Yoon-hyun.  Screenplay by Kim Eun-shil.  A young detective struggles to uncover the perpetrators behind a drug scam that has implicated his partner, while a traffic reporter who is having strange premonitions gets wrapped up in the investigation. Starring Goh Soo, Song Ji-hyo, Kang Sung-jin.  Cinematography by Kim Seong-bok.  Produced by C&Film.  Distributed and sold internationally by Cinema Service.  Rating: 15+.  118 min.  October 22.

S Diary ["S Daieori"]   Directed by Kwon Jong-kwan.  Screenplay by Park Seon-kyung, Kwon Jong-kwan.  A woman who is jilted by yet another man decides to find out if her former boyfriends really loved her... and if not, to get her revenge. Starring Kim Seon-ah, Kim Su-ro, Gong Yu, Lee Hyun-woo, Na Moon-hee.  Cinematography by Kim Hoon-gwang, Im Chan.  Produced by I Film.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment, I Love Cinema.  Rating: 15+.  106 min.  October 22.

The Scarlet Letter ["Juhong-geulssi"]   Directed by Daniel H. Byun.  Screenplay by Daniel H. Byun, Kang Hyun-ju.  A police detective has a pregnant wife and a mistress on the side, but as time passes he starts to lose control of his carefully-balanced life. Starring Han Suk-kyu, Lee Eun-joo, Seong Hyun-ah, Eom Ji-won.  Cinematography by Choi Hyeon-gi.  Produced by LJ Film.  Distributed by Showbox.  Rating: 18+.  117 min.  October 28.

A Moment to Remember ["Nae meori sog-ui jiugae"]   Written and directed by John H. Lee (Lee Jae-han).  The daughter of a rich businessman gets jilted by her married boyfriend, but soon thereafter falls in love with a poor but talented construction worker who dreams of becoming an architect. Based on a Japanese TV drama. Starring Son Yeh-jin, Jung Woo-sung.  Cinematography by Lee Joon-gyu.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  117 min.  November 5.

Lovely Rivals ["Yeoseonsaeng vs yeojeja"]   Directed by Jang Kyu-sung.  Screenplay by Lee Won-je, Jang Kyu-sung.  A new, handsome young teacher stirs up a fierce rivalry between the school's most notorious teacher and a precocious transfer student. Starring Yeom Jeong-ah, Lee Se-young, Lee Ji-hoon.  Cinematography by Lee Doo-man.  Produced by Fun & Happiness.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Sold internationally by Cineclick Asia.  Rating: 15+.  104 min.  November 17.

So Cute ["Guiyeowo"]   Written and directed by Kim Soo-hyun.  A male shaman with three grown sons, each out of a different mother, lives in a decrepit old apartment that is targeted for demolition. When one of the sons brings home a woman to live with them, the dynamics of the household become rather charged. Starring Jang Sun-woo, Yeh Ji-won, Jeong Jae-young, Kim Seok-hoon, Seon Woo.  Cinematography by Kim Cheol-ju.  Produced by Tube Pictures.  Distributed by Tube Entertainment.  Rating: 18+.  116 min.  November 26. (pictured right)

Phantom Master: Dark Hero from the Ruined Empire ["Shin-amhaengeosa"]   Directed by Shimura Joji, An Tae-geun.  Screenplay by Yun In-wan, Yang Gyeong-il.  Mun-su, an emissary of the king, continues to roam around fighting evil even though the empire is in shambles. After being saved in the desert by Mong-ryong, he rushes to save Mong-ryong's girlfriend Chunhyang who is being held by a corrupt official. A Korean/Japanese animated film featuring the voices of Ji Seong, Ku Ja-hyeong, Bae Jeong-mi, Jeon Kwang-ju.  Produced by Character Plan.  Distributed by Cinema Service.  Sold internationally by Sojitz Corporation.  Rating: 15+.  86 min.  November 26.

DMZ ["DMZ, Bimujangjidae"]   Written and directed by Lee Kyu-hyung.  Set in 1978, when a new army recruit finishes his training and is put in charge of filming various units under the Troop Information and Education Section. Starring Park Geon-hyeong, Kim Jeong-hoon, Lee Jae-eun.  Cinematography by Lee Ki-tae.  Produced by Lee Kyu-hyung Cinema.  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  Rating: 18+.  100 min.  November 26.

Flying Boys ["Balle-gyoseupso"]   Directed by Byun Young-joo.  Screenplay by Shin Hye-eun.  Min-jae is in his last year of high school, and he has a crush on his neighbor Su-jin. Unexpectedly, he becomes acquainted with her in a local ballet class. Starring Yun Gye-sang, Kim Min-jeong.  Cinematography by Seong Seung-taek.  Produced by Fun & Happiness.  Distributed by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  109 min.  December 3.

My Generation ["Mai jeneoreisheon"]   Written and directed by Noh Dong-seok.  Jae-gyeong gets a job but then loses it on her first day of work. Meanwhile her boyfriend Byeong-seok struggles with debt and a job he doesn't like, shooting wedding videos. Starring Kim Byeong-seok, Yu Jae-gyeong, Choi Seong-jin, Kim Yo-han.  Cinematography by Lee Seon-young.  Produced by nds5317.  Distributed by ArtPlus Cinema Network.  Rating: 15+.  85 min.  December 3.

Shit Up! ["Kkabuljima"]   Directed by Oh Ji-myeong.  Screenplay by Choi Jin-won, Yun Hak-ryeol.  Three of Seoul's most promising gangsters were put in jail for a 15-year sentence on 1989. When they finally get out in 2004, they rush to get their revenge on the person who betrayed them. Starring Oh Ji-myeong, Choi Bur-am, No Ju-hyun, Im Yu-jin.  Cinematography by Jo Dong-kwan.  Produced by JU Production.  Distributed by Chungeorahm.  Rating: 15+.  100 min.  December 3.

Rikidozan: A Hero Extraordinary ["Yeokdosan"]   Written and directed by Song Hae-seong.  Based on the life story of Rikidozan, an ethnic Korean living in Japan who, after quitting sumo wrestling due to discrimination, became a national hero as a pro wrestler. Starring Sol Kyung-gu, Nakatani Miki, Fuji Tatsuya, Hagiwara Masato, Suzuki Sawa.  Cinematography by Kim Hyeong-gu.  Produced by Sidus Pictures.  Distributed and sold internationally by CJ Entertainment.  Rating: 12+.  137 min.  December 15. (pictured left)

Marrying High School Girl ["Yeogosaeng sijipgagi"]   Directed by Oh Deok-hwan.  Screenplay by Min Baek-du.  The ages-old fairy tale of Princess Pyeong-gang and Ondal the Fool is recreated in a 21st century high school classroom. Starring Im Eun-kyung, Eun Ji-won, Im Seong-eon, Park No-shik, Kim Jin-ah.  Cinematography by Hwang Chul-hyun.  Produced by The Zone Film.  Distributed by Movies Entertainment.  Rating: 15+.  105 min.  December 23.

Shin Suk-ki Blues ["Shin Seok-gi beulluseu"]   Written and directed by Kim Do-hyuk.  A successful, arrogant lawyer suffers an elevator accident, and suddenly finds himself inhabiting the body of someone else. Starring Lee Seong-jae, Kim Hyun-joo, Lee Jong-hyuk, Shin Yi, Kim Chang-wan, Ok Ji-young.  Cinematography by Moon Yong-shik.  Produced by Popcorn Films.  Distributed and sold internationally by Showbox.  Rating: 15+.  108 min.  December 31.

Ranked Box-Office Results

* Accumulated admissions to December 31. All figures are provided by KOFIC. (Screen count is for Seoul only)

** Foolish Game was scheduled for a May release, but it's unclear whether it did screen, or whether it went straight to video.

Darcy Paquet / Koreanfilm.org