Na Hong-jin's sci-fi film "Hope" opened Wednesday in South Korea with approximately 600,000 advance ticket reservations [1].
The record-breaking start reflects the immense anticipation for the project, marking the highest advance-ticket count for any Korean film released so far this year [1], [2].
Data as of 7 a.m. on July 15 indicates that the film has captured significant market attention, particularly in Seoul [1], [2]. The surge in reservations suggests a strong opening for the director's latest venture into the science fiction genre [3].
Industry analysts said that the film's performance is a critical indicator of the current domestic appetite for high-concept cinema. While other global titles continue to compete for box office dominance, "Hope" has managed to secure a dominant lead in pre-release engagement [3].
Na Hong-jin is known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, which often leads to long gaps between projects. This anticipation has translated into a measurable commercial advantage as the film begins its theatrical run [2].
“The highest advance-ticket count for any Korean film in 2026.”
The record-setting advance sales for "Hope" signal a robust return to theaters for high-budget, director-driven Korean cinema. By securing the highest pre-sale numbers of the year, Na Hong-jin has demonstrated that domestic audiences remain willing to commit to local sci-fi productions even in a competitive landscape dominated by international franchises.
