Cinema Service (CEO Park Young-mok), an investment and distribution company that led the revival of Korean cinema, is making a dramatic return to the market on the back of indigenous capital.
Since 1993 with "Two Cops," Cinema Service has invested in and distributed over 100 films including "Public Enemy," "Silmido," and "The King and the Clown," demonstrating the commercial potential of Korean cinema and pioneering the era of the first ten-million-viewer films.
Cinema Service, which has resumed its investment and distribution operations, announced the commencement of its full-fledged activities by securing the main investment and distribution of "The Taste of Prison" (directed by Kim Gu-jung, starring Lee Sun-bin, Park Ji-hwan, and Bae Hyun-sung), which is currently in production. "The Taste of Prison" is a culinary rehabilitation comedy where a fallen star chef heads to a prison kitchen and embarks on a gastronomic transformation journey with inmates.
With the resumption of operations as a turning point, the company has established strategic partnerships with major domestic venture capitals (VCs) such as Michigan Venture Capital and traditional investment firms. Through these partnerships, it plans to secure stability in production funding and establish a solid investment and distribution system ranging from planning and development to completion.
The upcoming lineup includes an occult historical thriller set in the Joseon Dynasty, along with numerous projects that combine commercial appeal and artistic value. These films are currently in pre-production, discussing casting with top-tier actors.
Expectations are high that Cinema Service's return, after observing market changes and strengthening its foundation over the past decade, will inject new vitality into the sluggish Korean film industry.
