Latest news with #Megabox
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Golden Harvest MegaBox latest cinema to close in Hong Kong, 4 left under chain
The Golden Harvest cinema at Megabox shopping centre will close this weekend due to 'the end of tenancy', making it the fifth venue that the cinema chain operator has shut down since April last year. The seven-theatre cinema, Golden Harvest MegaBox, located in the largest shopping centre in East Kowloon, will operate until this Sunday, the chain announced on Wednesday afternoon. The cinema in Kowloon Bay became the latest in a string of theatre closures in the city and the fifth so far this year. It is also the fifth to close since April 2024 under Golden Harvest, which now operates four remaining locations. 'We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. We look forward to seeing you again at other GH cinemas,' the operator said on Facebook. The cinema will launch a series of farewell events to thank fans, including some blind-box tickets on Sunday, with the last show at its IMAX theatre to be sold for HK$40 (US$5). On the cinema's final day, the snack bar will offer special combos and merchandise for HK$40. Patrons holding any ticket from MegaBox cinema will receive a HK$10 discount on purchases over HK$65 at snack bars in other Golden Harvest cinemas between June 9 and June 30.
Korea Herald
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Cannes-selected Korean animated short heads to theaters
Megabox to screen Joung Yu-mi's 'Glasses' along with earlier work in rare commercial run Multiplex chain Megabox will screen director Joung Yu-mi's animated short "Glasses" in theaters starting June 11, following its selection for the 78th Cannes Film Festival, the company announced Thursday. Competing in the Critics' Week short film section, the 15-minute animation was one of only two Korean works at this year's Cannes. No Korean films appeared in the main competition or other official sections, the first such absence in 12 years. "Glasses" centers on a woman who begins seeing shadowy visions of herself during an eye examination. The silent animation, rendered in expressive black-and-white pencil strokes, explores the themes of identity and perception. The screening will also feature Joung's earlier short "Paranoid Kid," previously shown at the Zagreb International Animation Festival. Based on the director's own picture book, the film is narrated by actress Bae Doo-na. 'Short films rarely find space outside the festival circuit, so I'm grateful for this chance to share my work in theaters,' Joung said.
Korea Herald
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
The best (lesser-known) things about Seoul for solo residents
A city perfect for solo dwellers has karaoke, barbecue joints and watering holes custom-made for a party of one I love to sing, but as a kid, belting out tunes on a karaoke machine usually meant rallying at least one friend to go to the local noraebang (singing room). For a boy who was a bit of a loner, this could be challenging. Then came the 2010s — and with them, a delightful invention: the coin noraebang (pay-per-song karaoke). A sanctuary for solo singers, it offered sweet salvation to those who want to sing their hearts out without the judgmental stares of others. Coin noraebang is just one of many urban pleasures catering to Seoul's growing population of solo dwellers. From one-person barbecue joints to bars and restaurants designed for a party of one, these spaces embrace those who choose to stay in their cocoon of voluntary solitude. And so, Seoul has become a haven for the "honjok," or people like me who choose to do things by themselves. Honjok is a portmanteau of 'hon' from the Korean word 'honja,' meaning alone, and 'jok,' meaning tribe. Movies, music and comics for solo escapes A common perception is that the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19 and the ensuing social distancing forced Koreans to spend more time by themselves, but this is only part of the story. A 2019 survey by the recruitment platform Saramin of 3,635 people showed that 67.7 percent of respondents identified as honjok, particularly 72.6 percent of those in their 20s. Being honjok doesn't mean being a loner, but rather taking the time to do as one pleases. The most popular reasons in the survey for doing things solo were "It's more convenient (72.5 percent)," "I don't have to be interrupted," and "There's no need to be emotionally spent," implying that the stress of social interaction puts pressure on many people. Going to the movies is widely considered an activity for couples, friends and family, but the pestering from the next seat -- "What just happened?" -- can be less than ideal. Local multiplex cinema franchises CGV and Megabox have adopted wide seats throughout their theaters, which have been promoted to one-person viewers. As mentioned, coin noraebang were among the first businesses to actively accommodate honjok, with some open around the clock and at cheaper prices than conventional karaoke. You can sing two or three songs for 1,000 won ($0.70), and most shops accept credit cards and offer time-based payment systems. If you are a fan of comics, comic book cafe chains like Beoltoon and Nolsoop are a great place to relax and read. Both chains operate similarly in that they offer not only a place to read comics but also sell simple dishes like tteokbokki and donkatsu that are of decent quality. Desks and chairs are available, but the preferred option is to hide out in isolated sections with curtains, blankets and cushions. It's actually a great place to kill a few hours or take a quick nap if you're caught between appointments. Grilling and booze, no friends required The popular 90s sitcom "Friends" had an episode in which the young adult character Rachel Green feels some shame and self-consciousness dining by herself. But a growing number of eateries here are offering dishes for solo diners, some installing one-person booths complete with dividers between seats to create partitioned areas for individuals. The founder of franchise eatery Ssaum Eui Gosu (Ssago) said his business started when he realized it was hard for a solo diner to find a place to eat bossam (boiled pork and side dishes). Ssago offers single portions of meat dishes that are more often eaten in groups, including bossam, samgyeopsal and jokbal, and most of its seats are tailored for those visiting alone. Barbecue joints are also typically for group dining, but some allow you to grill away by yourself. Hongo in Haebangchon, Yongsan-gu, takes its name from the Korean for "barbecue by yourself" and provides guests with mini grills in side-by-side seats. Seongsu-dong, known for its trendsetting establishments, has numerous one-person seats where individual diners can grill samgyeopsal and other types of barbecue. Each customer is blocked off from view by dividers, which can be easily removed if you want to sit with a friend. Mangwon-dong in Mapo-gu is another trendy neighborhood, and Chaeg Bar (book bar) is one destination in keeping with the honjok trend. As its name suggests, visitors have the option to pick up a book and read as they sip cocktails, although groups can sit in the "talking area" as well. The bars, eateries and other entertainment venues in Seoul are too numerous to cover in full, but what's certain is that honjok are a rapidly growing customer base, and businesses are attending to the needs of those who prefer to unwind and engage in their favorite activities by themselves.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Detective Kien': U.S. & International Release Dates Set For Vietnam's Hit Horror Thriller
EXCLUSIVE: Specialty distributor 3388 Films has set a 12-country international release for Detective Kien: The Headless Horror from director Victor Vu. The top horror thriller of all time in Vietnam, it begins rollout next week. The film will be in cinemas in the U.S., Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia starting from May 29. UK, Canada, Norway, Sweden and Poland release on May 30, with France, Bulgaria and Japan to follow. More from Deadline 'Final Destination Bloodlines' Arrives With $102M Global Bow; 'Thunderbolts*' & 'Sinners' Top $300M WW - International Box Office 'Thunderbolts*' Nears $300M Global As Does 'Sinners'; 'Minecraft's Whole Lotta Lava Tops $900M WW & $500M Overseas - International Box Office Korea's Lotte & Megabox Cinema Chains Set To Merge Amid Key International Market's Recovery Woes The story sees the titular character investigate a headless body found in a rural Vietnamese village during the Nguyen Dynasty. As supernatural elements emerge, he faces chilling twists, transporting the audience into a world of mystery, horror and thriller. Quoc Huy, Dinh Ngoc Diep, Tran Quoc Anh, Doan Minh Anh and My Uyen star. Detective Kien opened locally on April 30, amassing 150 billion VND (approximately $5.8M) in just eight days at the box office. It currently sits at 239 billion VND (approximately $9.2M), and is still playing. Producers are Galaxy Studio and November Films. The film is on track to become Vietnam's 2nd highest grossing film of the year, and is already the 8th biggest of all time overall in its home country. This is Vu's 18th feature in a 20-year career that has balanced critical acclaim and commercial success. Vu is internationally known for Mat Biec (Dreamy Eyes) and Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass, which were Vietnam's official entries for the International Feature Film Oscar at the 93rd and 89th Academy Awards. Vu tells us,'One of my greatest passions is to explore Vietnam's culture and the distinct beauty of the country through my films, no matter what genre I'm working in. Detective Kien is special because it offers audiences a glimpse into Vietnam's past. The movie was shot in villages and homes that are 200 years old. Considerable attention was given to the production design, costumes, props and locations – to offer the most realistic portrayal of Vietnamese society during the Nguyen dynasty. I want to share this world that we recreated with international audiences, with the hope that they will gain a better understanding of the rich tapestry of traditions, customs and beliefs that characterize the unique culture of Vietnam.' Thien A. Pham, founder of 3388 Films, added, '3388 Films prioritizes and advocates for the theatrical experience because we believe audiences love, and want, to watch films on the big screen, in cinemas together with family and friends. This is why our team has been boots on the ground the past few years, diligently carving theatrical distribution pathways for Asian, specifically Southeast Asian films, in multiple territories around the world. Moviegoing, even with all the recent industry challenges, remains an unrivaled magical experience that sparks imagination, creates wonder, and fulfills our human need for social connections. And without a doubt, Victor Vu's films are meant to be experienced by audiences on the silver screen.' Best of Deadline Every 'The Voice' Winner Since Season 1, Including 9 Team Blake Champions Everything We Know About 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' So Far 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Korean Chains Megabox and Lotte Cinema Sign Merger Agreement
JoongAng Group and retail behemoth Lotte Group have inked a blockbuster deal that promises to dramatically reshape South Korea's theatrical landscape. The media and retail giants signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday to merge their respective cinema chains — Megabox and Lotte Cinema — creating what would become the nation's largest theatrical exhibition entity. More from Variety Netflix Sets Korean Comedy Thriller 'Husbands in Action' Korean Animation Business Gets $1 Billion Government Boost Netflix's Tokyo Showcase Spotlights Korean Animation Push and Genre Diversification The joint venture, which will be co-managed by both corporate heavyweights, aims to fast-track new investment opportunities and Fair Trade Commission approval, according to JoongAng Group's announcement. 'The agreement was reached following discussions aimed at strengthening competitiveness and ensuring long-term sustainability in their cinema and film businesses,' revealed JoongAng Holdings, the group's holding company, in an official statement, per news agency Yonhap. Contentree JoongAng, the entertainment division of JoongAng Group, currently holds 95.98% stake in Megabox JoongAng. Meanwhile, Lotte Shopping maintains an 86.37% ownership position in Lotte Cultureworks. The theatrical exhibition sector in South Korea continues to struggle with pandemic recovery challenges, and both groups have expressed optimism that their combined strength will help reinvigorate the domestic film industry. Korean Film Council data shows that while market leader CGV currently operates 1,346 screens nationwide, the merged entity would instantly leapfrog to the top position with a combined 1,682 screens — Lotte Cinema's 915 plus Megabox's 767. The deal extends beyond just theatrical exhibition. Lotte Cultureworks' portfolio includes distribution and investment powerhouse Lotte Entertainment and the Charlotte musical theater chain, while Megabox JoongAng controls PlusM Entertainment (a film investor and distributor) and Playtime JoongAng, which operates indoor children's playgrounds. The merger might also impact the distribution landscape, as both Lotte Entertainment and Megabox's PlusM Entertainment rank among South Korea's key film distribution players, alongside CJ ENM, Showbox and New. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign in to access your portfolio
