[HanCinema's News] "The Call" Brings Attention to What's Next for Netflix and South Korean Film

With the release of "The Call" on Netflix amid a COVID-19 enforced slump at South Korean theaters, many are wondering how much of the future of South Korean film may rest with the streaming platform. According to FlixPatrol, "The Call" has made steady progress climbing up the streaming giant's worldwide charts, hitting seventh place on November 29th. This is in addition to being number one in the domestic South Korean charts.

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Though this is not quite as strong as the performance of "#ALIVE" back in September, the success of "The Call" appears to make the prospect of a Netflix release for "Space Sweepers" virtually inevitable. COVID-19 prevention measures have ramped up in the final part of the year. Major theater chains are already mulling over shutting down individual theaters next year, forcing a reconsideration of the entire blockbuster model.

Netflix has been slow to catch up with current events. "#ALIVE" was only acquired by the streaming giant after its domestic theatrical release, with "The Call" being snatched up from its indefinitely delayed theatrical release in the wake of the zombie movie's success. In what is perhaps a clear sign of the ramshackle nature of the strategy, the only confirmed upcoming release on the Netflix schedule is "What Happened to Mr. Cha?" on January 1st.

"What Happened to Mr. Cha?" is a comedy centered around the minor South Korean performer Cha In-pyo. The relatively unknown nature of Cha In-pyo worldwide makes the movie an odd opener for Netflix next year when it comes to South Korean film. But this just goes to show how the industry is changing even faster than the release schedules can keep up. The new normal, it would seem, is still in a process of negotiation.

Written by William Schwartz