Na Hong-jin pic "Murderer" signs investment deal with Fox

Korean film "The Murderer" has signed on major Hollywood studio 20th Century Fox as one of its co-investors, according to the film's distributor Showbox Mediaplex Co. on Tuesday.

Showbox announced in a press release that the Na Hong-jin-helmed pic -- which already has Korean entertainment agency Wellmade Star M as its main investor -- will receive additional funding from Fox, making "Murderer" the first Korean movie to receive direct investment from the Hollywood studio.

The new business partnership, Showbox explained, will further expand into diverse business opportunities. Fox -- which is owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation -- will reportedly take part in producing sequels and remakes of the film. In case of a Hollywood remake, Na will be contractually guaranteed to direct the film with original Korean producer Popcorn Films on board as well.

Showbox expects to see more profits from its domestic and overseas alliance with Fox by sharing their marketing and distribution channels. It is also reported to be convincing the studio to become a co-investor and co-distributor in not only Korean films produced in Korea but in international projects targeted at the Asian movie market.

"Murderer" is a thriller pic about a killer, played by Ha Jung-woo, who comes to Korea to settle a debt but ends up getting chased by Kim Yun-seok who will take on the role of another professional assassin. The two actors and director Na will be collaborating for the second time after first working together in the hit 2008 flick "The Chaser".

Filmmaker Na gained instant fame and acclaim through his directorial debut "Chaser", which topped the Korean box office for three consecutive weeks and became the second most-watched film of the year.

"Murderer" is scheduled for release in the second half of 2010.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr