As the summer movie season heats up, a new horror sensation is poised to dominate theaters across South Korea and beyond. "28 Years Later," the highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking zombie thriller "28 Days Later," is capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide ahead of its June 19, 2025 release.
According to data from the integrated ticketing system, as of the morning of June 17, 2025, "28 Years Later" holds the number one spot in reservation rates among films opening simultaneously, and ranks second overall in ticket pre-sales. This is a remarkable feat considering the film carries a youth-restricted rating (청소년 관람불가), which typically limits audience reach. It has outpaced other major releases such as "Elio," "How to Train Your Dragon," and "High Five," signaling a strong box office takeover in the making.
Not only is the film making waves domestically, but it has also ignited a global buzz. In North America, "28 Years Later" recorded the highest reservation rate for a horror film within the first 24 hours of ticket sales in 2025. This early surge hints at a worldwide phenomenon in the making.
The film continues the chilling narrative set 28 years after a devastating virus overtook the world. Survivors live isolated on a quarantined sanctuary known as "Holy Island." The story centers on Spike, a boy born and raised on this island, who ventures onto the mainland for the first time. There, he confronts terrifying, evolved infected creatures, plunging viewers into intense, edge-of-the-seat horror.
Fans of the original film will be excited to know that the creative team behind the 2002 classic has reunited. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, who were credited with redefining the zombie genre with the original "28 Days Later," have collaborated once again to expand the film’s universe. Their reunion has sparked considerable excitement, with early viewers and commentators praising the film’s promise. Comments from social media and YouTube reviewers include sentiments like "A sequel that will be a masterpiece without regrets," "I’m alive to watch this series again," and "Beyond expectations, it’s overwhelming."
Adding to the film's appeal is a unique promotional campaign. Sony Pictures Korea, in partnership with three major multiplex chains, has launched the "Furious Vaccine 10,000 Won Ticket" promotion. This initiative allows moviegoers to experience "28 Years Later" at the nostalgic price of 10,000 won — the ticket price from a decade ago. Uniquely, this offer has no time restrictions and applies throughout the film’s entire theatrical run, making it accessible to a wide audience. This effort reflects Sony Pictures Korea’s commitment to supporting the film industry and ensuring that quality films remain affordable and reachable.
Complementing this, to celebrate the film’s release, multiplex cinemas will distribute special A3-sized posters during the first week. These posters capture the film’s dark, apocalyptic atmosphere, featuring a massive skull symbolizing death, the menacing movements of evolved infected beings, and haunting scenes of a world ravaged by the virus. This collectible item is expected to be highly sought after by fans and collectors alike.
On the technical front, South Korea’s CGV theaters are showcasing "28 Years Later" with cutting-edge formats designed to amplify the horror experience. The film will be available in SCREENX, a technology that extends the screen to 270 degrees, immersing viewers in the action by expanding zombie rush scenes to the left and right sides. This innovative presentation enhances the tension and thrill of survival depicted in the movie.
CGV’s special technology theaters are also featuring other notable releases such as "F1 The Movie," set to premiere on June 25, and Disney-Pixar’s "Elio," opening on June 18. According to CGV’s content operations team leader, Jeon Jeong-hyun, these films offer diverse cinematic experiences that will help audiences beat the summer heat, from high-speed racing thrills to cosmic adventures and intense horror.
For those eager to secure tickets or learn more about the special events and promotions, detailed information is available on the multiplex chains’ websites and mobile applications. Early anticipation and promotional efforts suggest that "28 Years Later" will not only be the talk of the town but also a defining moment in this year’s cinematic landscape.
With its blend of a compelling storyline, the reunion of its original visionary creators, innovative viewing formats, and accessible ticket pricing, "28 Years Later" is poised to reshape the summer box office. The film’s release on June 19 promises to be a major event, inviting audiences to confront a terrifying world where survival is a relentless fight against evolved horrors.
