New Coronavirus Puts Theaters on Alert... Considering Postponement of Release Dates

Movie 'Honest Candidate' Still Cut

The spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) has turned the theater industry red. Some distributors are even considering postponing releases.

CGV suspended operations at its Sungshin Women's University entrance branch on the 31st. This was because the fifth confirmed case of the novel coronavirus was found to have watched the movie Secret Zoo at this location on the 25th.

CGV stated, "We have suspended operations since the night of the 30th. We plan to remain closed until the 2nd of next month." They added, "After receiving notification from the district office that a confirmed case had visited yesterday, we conducted our own disinfection, followed by additional disinfection by the public health center. We will continue disinfection over the weekend and plan to resume operations next week once safety is confirmed."

On the same day, as the government announced the seventh confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, the film industry grew increasingly concerned. Some events have already been canceled or postponed. Distributor Little Big Pictures announced, "We are canceling the showcase for the movie Time to Hunt, which was scheduled for the 5th of next month with attendees including Lee Je-hoon, Choi Woo-shik, and Park Jung-min." Lotte Cultureworks also stated, "We have decided to temporarily postpone Movie Hawaii: Maljukgeori Massacre, which was scheduled to feature actors Kwon Sang-woo and Kim In-kwon on the 7th of next month."

Movie still cut from Beasts Clawing at Straws

The impact may extend to movies scheduled for release next month. Distributor NEW is considering changing the release date of Honest Candidate, planned for the 12th of next month. Distributor Megabox JoongAng Plus M, which planned to release Beasts Clawing at Straws on the same day, is holding internal meetings to discuss possible date changes. The Closet, scheduled for release on the 5th of next month, will meet audiences as planned. Birds of Prey, Jojo Rabbit, and 1917 have also stated that they are not considering changing their release dates.

However, a representative from one distributor said, "If additional theaters are temporarily closed or a large number of novel coronavirus cases are confirmed, it will be difficult to proceed with releases as planned." Another representative said, "Movies releasing in the first week of next month have already spent a large amount on promotional marketing, so they have no choice but to release as scheduled." They added, "Movies scheduled for release afterward are more likely to have their dates changed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.