Korean film "Poetry" sold to a total of 20 countries

Official poster for Lee Chang-dong film "Poetry" [Uni-Korea]

The distribution rights for Korean film "Poetry" have been sold to over a total 20 countries, according to the film's overseas distributor Fine Cut on Friday.

"Poetry," which was screened at the film market of the 61st Berlin International Festival last month, brought in additional sales from Canada's Metrople, Italy's Tucker Film, England's Arrow Film.

The film has already opened in theaters in France and Spain as well as the United States after being sold to 17 countries throughout last year.

Starring veteran actress Yoon Jeong-hee and helmed by famed director Lee Chang-dong, "Poetry" is about an elderly woman who learns how to write her own poems while fighting Alzheimer's and was released in Korea in mid-May.

Meanwhile, Korean film "The Journals of Musan," which won honors at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in January, was bought by a state TV station in Morocco and Japan's Star Sands.

"The Journals of Musan," about a North Korean defector who tries to adapt to South Korea's capitalist society, will open in local theaters on April 7.

"Hello Ghost," which stars Korean actor Cha Tae-hyun, was sold to American director Chris Columbus and his production company 1492 Pictures last month to be remade in Hollywood. It also opened in theaters in the United States in mid-February and was bought by Taiwan's CatchPlay and China's MegaFilm.

The comedy tells the story about a guy who starts seeing four ghosts who will not leave his side until he grants them their wish.

Korean action film "Trapped," starring Sul Kyung-gu and Lee Jung-jin, was sold to Taiwan's CatchPlay and Thailand's J-Bics, while thriller "Midnight F.M," which stars actors Soo Ae and Yoo Ji-tae, sold its distribution rights to Hong Kong's Mei Ah Selection, Singapore's Shaw, Thailand's STG and Taiwan's Eagle International.

“Trapped” is about a private eye named Kang Tae-sik (Sul) who becomes a prime suspect in a serial murder case that he is investigating. He has to clear his name with the help of a highly skilled computer programmer while trying to escape the trap made by a troubleshooter (Lee).

Romantic comedy "Cyrano Agency," helmed by director Kim Hyun-suk, struck deals with Japan's Fine Films, Thailand's STG, Singapore's Clover Films and Taiwan's Catchplay.

“Cyrano Agency,” which stars Uhm Tae-woong and Park Shin-hye, tells of two love agents (Uhm and Park) who help their client (played by Choi Daniel) win over the girl of his dreams (played by Lee Min-jung).

U.K.'s distribution company Showbow Media Group announced that "71-Into the Fire" brought in additional sales from Scandinavia's Atlantic, Iran's IRIB, Malaysia's Hwa Yea Multimedia and France's CTV during the recent European film market.

“71-Into the Fire” is based on the true story of 71 student soldiers who fought during the Korean War. It starred Korean actors Kwon Sang-woo, Cha Seung-won, Kim Seung-woo and T.O.P of idol group Big Bang.

Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun starrer "I Saw the Devil," which was already sold to France, Japan, Germany, the United States, Russia, Turkey, Portugal, Hong Kong and Taiwan, raked in additional sales from Australia's E One Entertainment, Spain's Media Tres and Thailand's STG. The film is set to open in various countries later on this year.

“I Saw the Devil” also starring top Korean actor Choi Min-sik, is about a secret agent (Lee) who plots revenge against a serial killer (Choi) who killed his fiancee.

"Bedevilled," which won best of Puchon award during the 15th annual Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, will open in theaters in Japan, the U.K., Turkey, France, Thailand and Canada.

“Bedevilled,” starring Korean actress Seo Young-hee, is a feature about a serial killing case occurring on a small island.

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Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@