K-Content News

Today it's Friday and that means our arts and culture correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung is here in the studio to let us know what's on at the weekend. So Bo-kyoung, I heard today could be a big day for sci-fi lovers.

That's right Conn-young, just a few hours ago, South Korean science fiction movie 'Space Sweepers' has been finally released through Netflix. Expectations are high because the director Jo Sung-hee said that he worked on this movie that is set in space for around ten years, and also because it features well-known movie stars like Song Joong-ki and Kim Tae-ri. Netflix is strongly backing the movie with a variety of promotional events, let's take a look.

There's a lot of anticipation for the first Korean-made sci-fi movie, 'Space Sweepers'.
With a star-studded cast which includes Song Joong-ki, the story unfolds in the year 2092 where crew members of the space debris collection vessel 'Spaceship Victory' encounter a weapon of mass destruction the humanoid, Dorothy.
As South Korea's first sci-fi blockbuster, there are high expectations but the cast say they are very happy to be part of this first attempt.

"We are very used to Hollywood sci-fi movies. I believe this movie shows what Korean-made space movies will be like. It's very Korean and I am happy that we all worked together for this first one."

Space Sweepers was originally planned to be released in theaters, but because of the pandemic, it landed on Netflix instead and with English subtitles.

"The release date has been postponed a lot, but what we do is commercial art and the most important thing is how we communicate with the audience. So I didn't think too much about the Netflix release, I just hoped it would reach audiences as quickly as possible."

To help reach a wider audience, special promotions are being run such as a drive-in experience zone at Yongsan IPark Mall in central Seoul for people to see some of the movie's set and find out about the main characters.

"I am a Netflix user and after seeing the trailer I searched on the Internet and found out about this event. The theme itself is not something you would normally see in Korea so I am looking forward to the movie."

“Around two-hundred meters from Gangnam station one of the busiest places in Seoul, people’s eyes are drawn to an unusual sight… a spacecraft that has crash landed.”

Surrounded by a yellow police line, a sign says it will be picked up by Spaceship Victory on February 5th the same day 'Space Sweepers' is released on Netflix.

I will make sure I watch that movie, actually I may even do so this weekend.
But, for those who would perhaps like to enjoy some other cultural events both online and live, could you recommend some for us?

Sure, the National Chorus of Korea presents 'Poetic Colors'.
People will be able to see an innovative way of combining choir music lyrics written by well-known South Korean poets such as Kim So-wol with media art.
Those who are into Korean traditional rhythms, students majoring in the Korean traditional music 'Sanjo' will show off their talents at Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater.
With social distancing measures being eased for the culture sector, musicals have been able to return to the stage. such as 'Man of La Mancha.'
The story of 'Don Quixote' will be at Charlotte Theater in Seoul.
The Korean Chamber Orchestra will play Haydn's Symphony six and 39, along with piano and cello concertos at Seoul Arts Center.
People in need of some motivation might want to visit Hangaram Art Museum in Seoul Arts Center.
A British artist in her mid-80s presents around 150 pieces of her artwork.
Led by artistic director Son Yeol-eum, this year's 'Music in Pyeongchang Winter Festival' will deliver songs which are not performed in Korea very often such as Handel's 'Nine German Arias'.

Thank you Bo-kyoung as always for sharing a plethora of cultural events that our viewers can enjoy.

Thank you.