Attention on Korean films started to increase as news of awards flew in ceaselessly from overseas film festivals and Korean Wave (dubbed ‘Hanryu’) swept all across Asia. However the heat slowly began to cool down after hitting its peak in 2005 and 5 years have already passed.

Last August 18th, Korean Film Council (KOFIC)’s International Promotion Center hosted ‘Strategic Forum for Korean Films and Its Expansion into Global Market’ at Korea Chamber of Commerce. The forum proceeded mainly in four parts. Many Korean filmmakers interested in global market were present at the forum, including directors, producers, overseas sales companies, local film councils, and post-production industry personnel who are preparing international projects.

In the first half of 2010 the total number of the audience was slightly decreased, while the total sales amount was skyrocketed compared to the same period of last year. The total number of the audience from Jan. to Jun. this year was 69, 447, 438 and the total amount of sales turned out 547. 2 billion won in the period.

CJ Entertainment, the Korea's biggest investment/distribution company, takes a huge step to advance its position in the global marketplace. After establishing a strategic partnership with a major Hollywood production company, 1492 Pictures, in November 2009 and opening Korea's first joint corporation with Japan April this year, CJ Entertainment made a strategic partnership with the biggest Chinese private distributor, Polybona Films, in June to advance into the Chinese market.

A Better Tomorrow is a remake of John WOO's seminal film of the same title, directed by SONG Hae-sung (Failan , Rikidozan: A Hero Extraordinary , Maundy Thursday). In 2006, Korea's Fingerprint production purchased the remake rights of A Better Tomorrow from Hong Kong's Fortune Star.

On June 11, the long awaited first store of CGV cinema opened its doors at ‘Madang’, a Los Angeles Koreatown shopping mall with three 600-seat screens. Greg PARK, president of CJ Entertainment America, tells us the significance of CGV’s first branch in America, and the current status of his company in the US market.