'Jun Ji-hyun' & 'Yeon Sang-ho, director'

'Collective,' which shook up the global market, proves the overwhelming status of 'K-content'

The blockbuster 'Collective,' bringing together 대한민국 cinema's unmistakable icon 'Jun Ji-hyun' and the creator of the K-zombie syndrome, 'Director Yeon Sang-ho,' has been stirring up the global film market even before its release. According to Showbox, the distributor, 'Collective' has completed pre-sales to 124 countries worldwide, including major countries such as the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and France, once again proving the overwhelming staying power of 'K-content'.

Set against the backdrop of a massive sealed building shut down by an unidentified virus, the film weaves a nail-biting tension around humans who fight for survival in desperate battles against the infected. Led by 'Jun Ji-hyun,' a lineup of hotshot actors who have proven their solid acting skills—including 'Koo Kyo-hwan,' 'Ji Chang-wook,' and 'Shin Hyun-been'—joins forces in large numbers to maximize immersion in the story.

The reactions from overseas buyers have been nothing short of explosive. Fly On Pictures, the German distributor that secured the rights, said, "'Collective' is a masterpiece that delivers the most intense and enjoyable experience among Director Yeon Sang-ho's filmography," adding, "From the opening to a spectacular ending, it showcases the essence of pure genre pleasure," with nothing but high praise.

In particular, 'Collective' achieved the remarkable feat of receiving an official invitation to the '79th Cannes International Film Festival' Midnight Screening section, held this month. The Midnight Screening section is a category that carefully selects and presents only standout works that combine clear genre flavors—such as action, thrillers, and horror—with mainstream appeal. With the dazzling return of 'Director Yeon Sang-ho,' who once set Cannes on fire with 'Train to Busan,' the attention of filmmakers around the world is converging on the film.

After 'Cannes International Film Festival' world premiere release, 'Collective' will be officially released in domestic theaters on the 21st. Starting from this milestone, it will meet audiences in Taiwan, Malaysia, France, and Singapore in sequence, while North America is set for release on August 28 and Japan is confirmed for release sometime next year, promising a global box-office hit relay.