Korean drama continues to rule global cinemas and television. After the resounding success of “Descendants of the Sun” in China and South Korea, and eventually to more than 100 countries, a Korean erotic thriller is breaking the country’s film records.
"The Handmaiden" was sold to movie distributors in 175 countries, reported Korea Times. The erotic thriller by director Park Chan-wook broke the record previously held by “Showpiercer.” The movie, directed by Bong Joon-ho, was sold to distributors in 167 nations.
With “The Handmaiden’s” premiere at the recent 69th Cannes Film Festival, the movie added 55 more buyers since it has been pre-booked to 120 countries before the festival. It is in Korean language and all actors are Korean.
The pre-selling was done during the European Film Market. According to Hollywood Reporter, among the countries where “The Handmaiden” – described as a lesbian thriller – would be distributed are the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong/Macau, Australia/New Zealand, Mongolia, Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic/Slovakia, Hungary, Greece/Cyprus, Latin America, German-speaking territories and French-speaking territories.
The movie, set in colonial Korea and Japan in the 1930s, starts Kim Min-hee, Jin-woong, Ha Jung-woo and Kim Tae-ri. Its story revolves around a young female pickpocket hired by a con man to help seduce a rich heiress, but the con man ends up falling in love with her.