South Korea's major cinema chains are ramping up competition with exclusive film releases, drawing moviegoers back to theaters with a diverse lineup of standout titles. CJ CGV, Megabox, and Lotte Cinema each have unveiled unique offerings that highlight their commitment to providing exclusive and immersive cinematic experiences this June.
CJ CGV is spotlighting two highly anticipated films from the acclaimed American indie studio A24. On June 6, the Daniels brothers—Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert—bring their latest work, Bring Her Back, a gripping story about siblings adopted by their stepmother who confront a mysterious ritual and shocking truths in a remote house. The film features a chilling performance by Sally Hawkins, known for her role in The Shape of Water, which intensifies the film's suspenseful atmosphere.
Following that, on June 20, CGV will premiere Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino, the visionary behind Call Me by Your Name. Set in 1950s Mexico City, the film explores a complex love story between a troubled writer and a captivating young man, played by Timothée Chalamet. The cast also includes Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey. CGV's content operations team head, Jeon Jeong-hyun, urged audiences to experience the films’ artistic merit and the “dopamine-exploding cinematic tension” they offer.
Meanwhile, Megabox is making waves with a mix of exclusive screenings that include the Cannes Film Festival-selected short animation Eyeglasses, along with titles like Dandadan: Saan, 366 Days, and Paranoid Kids. The highlight comes on June 25, when Megabox re-releases Steven Spielberg’s war masterpiece Saving Private Ryan in a 4K remastered version. This marks the first time since its 1998 domestic debut that the film will be shown in such high definition, promising an even more immersive and emotionally powerful viewing experience. A Megabox representative emphasized their strategy to diversify offerings through exclusive screenings of cult favorites, shorts, and re-releases to deliver a uniquely rich cinema experience.
Lotte Cinema is also making a strong statement with exclusive releases including Big Fish, Cliffhanger, the Amadeus Original Remastering, and the animated feature Ernest and Celestine: Melody of Sound. Notably, Amadeus is being presented in its North American original version for the first time domestically, remastered in 4K to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary. This musical drama explores the complex relationship between composers Mozart and Salieri, promising a fresh visual and auditory experience for audiences.
On June 11, Lotte Cinema will exclusively premiere Ernest and Celestine: Melody of Sound, based on Gabrielle Vincent’s beloved picture book. This sequel to the 2012 original—which garnered attention at Cannes and the Academy Awards—follows the titular characters on a quest to restore music to their silent hometown. Lotte Cultureworks’ Kim Se-hwan highlighted the diverse lineup that spans fantasy, classics, blockbusters, animation, mystery horror, and religious documentaries, aiming to satisfy a broad spectrum of viewer interests.
Among Lotte Cinema’s exclusives, the re-release of Tim Burton’s fantasy classic Big Fish stands out. Returning to theaters for the first time in 21 years, the film will be shown nationwide starting June 11. The movie, originally released in 2003, received critical acclaim and box office success for its imaginative storytelling and emotional depth. It chronicles the extraordinary adventures of Edward Bloom, featuring fantastical elements such as giants, witches, and ghost towns, culminating in a poignant proposal scene set amid a field of 10,000 daffodils.
Burton’s personal connection to the film adds a layer of authenticity. The director infused his own experience of losing his father into the story, deepening its themes of reconciliation and love between father and son. Burton reflected on this during production: “When my father was ill, I wanted to find some answers like in the film, but ultimately I couldn’t.” Film critic Lee Dong-jin praised the movie’s imaginative approach, noting Burton’s unique answer to the question of why fantasy matters.
This summer's exclusive releases underscore how South Korea’s leading theaters are leveraging unique content to captivate audiences amid an evolving entertainment landscape. By offering a blend of newly minted indie films, restored classics, and beloved animations, these cinemas are not only attracting cinephiles but also providing diverse viewing experiences that celebrate the art of storytelling on the big screen.
Whether it’s the haunting allure of A24’s latest works at CGV, the emotionally stirring 4K reimagining of Saving Private Ryan at Megabox, or the nostalgic yet fresh offerings at Lotte Cinema—including the return of Big Fish—movie lovers have plenty to look forward to. This strategic push for exclusivity and quality content is revitalizing the theatrical experience, proving that in an age of streaming, the magic of cinema remains alive and well.
