Following the success of the hit movie "Train To Busan" (부산행) (2016), I noticed that more Korean movies were being released in cinemas across the Philippines. Usually, Koreaphiles could only rely on the annual Korean Film Festival and movie screenings at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines to get their Korean movie fix. Despite local TV networks showing Korean TV shows, not a lot of Korean movies were released in cinemas here, unless they were widely known in other countries first.



Now, however, it looks like Filipinos will be able to indulge themselves in watching more Korean movies on the big screen with fellow movie goers. I do think that there’s a different feeling between watching a movie in the cinema compared to just watching it at home. I think it’s nice to be immersed in the movie, with either fellow fans or those who aren't technically avid followers of Korean pop, but who still enjoy and appreciate good films. Thank goodness for English subtitles!

The first Korean movie that was released in the Philippines this year was the crime-comedy "A Violent Prosecutor" (검사외전) starring Kang Dong-won and Hwang Jung-min. It seems like Filipino viewers will be able to see more of Korean actor Kang Dong-won since he’ll be in two back-to-back movies that will be shown in the Philippines. Another movie that he is in, the action-packed movie "Master" (마스터), was shown in February.



Personally, I think that plenty of people will line up for "Master" for two main reasons. First: the combination of Kim Woo-bin, Kang Dong-won and Lee Byung-hun as the lead actors for the star-studded movie. Let’s not forget that other award-winning actresses/actors Jin Kyung, Uhm Ji-won and Oh Dal-su are also in the movie. Second: a lot of the scenes in the movie were filmed in the Philippines. I’m sure a lot of Filipinos will love to see this. It will pique their interest in watching the movie, to see where the shooting took place. Maybe even a lot of us would think, "I know that place. I’ve been there! I live near that area. Why didn’t I see them? Wow! I can’t believe they were there."

I remember a lot of fans tried to figure out where "Master" was going to shoot, just so they could catch a glimpse of the big stars.



Lee Byung-hun even jokingly said that they had a hard time filming due to Kim Woo-bin's popularity in Manila. Kim Woo-bin’s TV shows "The Heirs" (상속자) and "Uncontrollably Fond" (함부로 애틋하게) were both shown on local TV networks, which made him a household name here. So I’m not surprised if shouts of Kim Woo Bin’s name resounded wherever he went.

In an interview, Lee Byung-hun said that Manila's hot and humid weather was one factor that made their filming quite tough. Despite the harsh weather conditions, challenging locations and stunts, they still completed the movie successfully.

I can’t wait to watch the thrilling film. I think the acting and plot will get all of us in the audience hooked on every scene. I do hope that this is just the start for more Korean movies to be shown here in the Philippines.

By Nadine Postigo
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos: VIVA International Pictures

http://koreanetblog.blogspot.kr/2017/03/start-2017-with-korean-movies-in.html