Two standout Korean films, Papaw and The Outlaws 4, have dominated both the box office and television special screenings as they aim to extend their reach to audiences at home during the festive holiday season.
Papaw, directed by Jang Jae-hyun, recently shattered records with its spine-chilling narrative, drawing 11.91 million viewers since its release on February 2024, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the last year. Meanwhile, The Outlaws 4 followed closely behind, amassing an impressive 11.50 million viewers after its April 2024 debut.
Airings of these films as special features over the Lunar New Year holidays have been much anticipated, with Papaw set to air first on KBS 2TV at 9 PM today, followed by The Outlaws 4 on SBS at 8:20 PM tomorrow, January 30. Both films have captured the public’s imagination with their compelling storylines, elevational themes, and themes relevant to contemporary audiences.
Papaw tells the haunting tale of disturbing events encountered by characters tasked with moving ancestral graves. It features top performances by stars Kim Go-eun, Choi Min-sik, Yoo Hae-jin, and Lee Do-hyun. Its eerie plot delves deep, intertwining elements of traditional Korean folklore with modern horror, truly reflecting the thematic spectrum of contemporary Korean cinema.
With its distinct narrative, Papaw showcases the immense talent of Jang Jae-hyun, who previously directed successful films like The Priests (2015) and Svaha: The Sixth Finger (2019). His latest work has not only captivated audiences but also claimed significant award recognition, including Best Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Best Actress accolades for Kim Go-eun from the Baeksang Arts Awards.
On the other hand, The Outlaws 4, directed by Lee Seok-joon, continues to build on the franchise originally launched back in 2017. Following the escapades of Ma Dong-seok's character, Officer Ma Seok-do, the film pits law enforcement against organized crime linked to illegal online gambling. This continuation has made the Outlaws series one of the most successful franchises within Korean cinema, collectively surpassing 40 million viewers across all four films.
Unlike previous installments, which garnered praise for their intense action and adrenaline-pumping encounters, the fourth film also broadens the formula to include social commentary intertwined with its engaging narrative, raising the stakes for the characters as they tackle nefarious illegal activities.
Expectations are high for both films' airings. Papaw is expected to resonate with viewers seeking thrilling experiences, blending horror with elements of cultural heritage, creating unique appeal.
Meanwhile, The Outlaws 4 remains the franchise's hallmark, blending high-octane action with sharp storytelling, engaging viewers who relish gripping and lively crime dramas. Both films highlight the thriving nature of the Korean film industry, reflecting not only commercial success but also artistic excellence.
For film enthusiasts, these dual airings provide the perfect opportunity to engage with some of the finest work Korean cinema had to offer last year. They encapsulate the rising trend of quality storytelling and audience engagement within both the local film industry and among global audiences.
The heights the films have reached speak to changing viewer habits and preferences, as the industry adapts to reaching more audiences, particularly through innovative viewing options like special television screenings during popular holiday seasons.
The booming Korean film industry continues to cultivate promising projects and talent, and with successes like Papaw and The Outlaws 4, the future looks bright for filmmakers and fans alike.