The film industry, which was in a crisis due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is gradually recovering.

Cinemas that had temporarily suspended operations are reopening, and weekend audiences are slowly increasing, with expectations rising for increased attendance during the "Golden Week" holiday period that lasts until May 5th.

The release of Korean films, which had been halted, is also resuming, with actors such as Kim Mu-yeol, Yoo Ah-in, and Lee Je-hoon coming to theaters.

A total of 36 theaters, including CJ·CGV's 8 branches in Seoul's Daehangno and Myeongdong, and in Daegu·Gyeongsangbuk-do regions, which had suspended operations due to the spread of COVID-19, will welcome audiences from the 29th.

CJCGV announced, "We are resuming operations to overcome the crisis by revitalizing the film industry and local businesses that are facing difficulties."

While the number of weekend moviegoers is not yet at a level to inject vitality into the film industry, it is generating expectations for future recovery trends.

According to data from the Integrated Network of Admission Tickets for Cinemas on the 26th, 48,432 people visited theaters on Saturday the 25th.

This is a slight increase from the more than 45,000 people who visited on the 18th, one week prior.

The film industry speculates that audiences will gradually increase during the "Golden Week" holiday period if this trend continues.

However, as social distancing measures are maintained, each theater will implement thorough quarantine measures, such as reducing the number of screenings and leaving seats empty.

Amidst this situation, the release of Korean films, which had been suspended, is expected to resume one after another from the end of May.

Starting with Kim Mu-yeol and Son Ji-hyo's 'Intruder' on May 21st, Yoo Ah-in and Park Shin-hye's '#ALONE', and Lee Je-hoon and Cho Woo-jin's 'Collectors' are adjusting their release dates for June.

These are English translations of articles from our GTTOUR Japanese website.