South Korean Thriller ‘Shinmyeong’ Reschedules Release to Eve of Presidential Election

South Korea’s highly anticipated political thriller ‘Shinmyeong’ has shifted its theatrical release from May 28 to June 2, strategically placing its debut on the eve of the country’s presidential election.

The film, swirling with controversy for its thematic resemblance to First Lady Kim Keon-hee, continues to stoke heated discussion across online communities and social media platforms. Online buzz began with the release of its initial posters and trailers that featured bone-chilling performances and piercing political commentary, catapulting Shinmyeong into the spotlight even before its release.

The production company announced on May 23, “We adjusted the distribution schedule to ensure the film can be experienced in theaters under better conditions and by a wider audience,” further adding, “The new date synchronizes with the nationally significant first week of June, encompassing both the presidential election and Memorial Day holidays.”

Coinciding with the date announcement, the film also released its official main poster. It features protagonist Yoon Ji-hee, played by actress Kim Gyu-ri, with a haunting smile and an eerily cascading shadow over her face. The visual evokes a mix of beauty and menace. The tagline emblazoned on the poster, “I sat where the living died.”, teases the weighty secrets the character may conceal, intensifying anticipation for the film’s political allegories and dramatic revelations.

With attention reaching a fever pitch, major cinema chains including CJ CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox will initiate ticket sales sequentially, marking the official countdown to one of the year’s most provocative Korean films.