[Dispatch=Reporter Jung Tae-yoon] The film 'Hope' (director Na Hong-jin) has achieved a record-breaking presale across approximately 200 countries, the highest for a Korean film.

Plus M Entertainment revealed on the 29th that "'Hope' has set a historic record for Korean film overseas presales, the highest ever, and has confirmed distribution across approximately 200 countries and regions."

Through overseas presales alone, the production company has recouped approximately half of the production budget. Considering additional revenue generation will follow based on future overseas box office performance, a stable revenue structure has been established.

'Hope' was also invited to compete at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Following favorable reviews from international media and critics, the film proved its status as a top topic at the film market held during the festival period.

By entering contracts with all countries and regions with which it maintains partnerships for Korean film overseas sales, the production achieved results equivalent to a "complete sale."

Global major distributors including NEON, which was confirmed as a partner in North America and the English-speaking territories, have shown their support. Focus Features/UPI France will handle distribution in France, the Benelux three countries, and southern Africa. Sony Pictures Global Worldwide Acquisitions will take charge of distribution in Portugal, Scandinavia, Iceland, Israel, and the Middle East regions.

It is unprecedented for major global film companies to serve as partners for Korean films for specific region distribution. 'Hope' has proven its global competitiveness while opening a new horizon for Korean cinema.

In Asia and other regions, prestigious film companies including Japan's Gaga, The World Pictures of the CIS region, Unicorn Media of Eastern Europe, Cinesang of Thailand, Kai Chang of Taiwan, Gold Scene of Hong Kong, and Pioneer of the Philippines have come forward as distribution partners.

What is noteworthy is that the current presale achievement represents a "minimum guarantee." Since contracts are structured to receive a share of overseas box office performance, the scale of future revenue is expected to grow larger.

From overseas presales before the film's release through domestic and international releases afterward, a structure has been built to maximize added value across the entire "IP lifecycle."

'Hope' depicts the story that unfolds when Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min), the head of Hopo Port Station located in the Demilitarized Zone, hears from neighborhood youth about a tiger's appearance and encounters an unbelievable reality.

It is a new film that director Na Hong-jin has carefully prepared over a long period. With overwhelming immersion and refined mise-en-scène, it will be released domestically this summer and subsequently meet audiences worldwide starting in North America in September.

<Photos provided by Plus M Entertainment, Posed Film>