Korean News in Brief: July 21 [Mr. Socrates, Galgari Family 2, Empress Chung]

The stars of KBS' Gag Concert, one of Korea's most popular standup comedy shows will return to the big screen for their third film, 바리바리짱 (Galgari Family 2), expected to have a limited release on August 4. First film was the entertaining (at least for those familiar with the show) 갈갈이 패밀리와 드라큐라 (Galgari Family & Dracula) in 2003, a sort of Mr. Vampire meets 전설의 고향 (Hometown of Legend, the incredibly famous TV Drama which started the long hair-white dress ghost craze in Korean Cinema, much more than Ring or other Japanese films ever did) action comedy with decent HK-inspired action pieces. Second was much more disappointing, cheap looking and not as funny 마법경찰 갈갈이와 옥동자 (Magic Police). Cult director Nam Gi-Nam will again take the megaphone, with all the new and old stars of the show present. The story tells of a son of a gangster going to school with the son of the president, and the fight that ensues.

Via Chosun Ilbo

The first coproduction between the two Korea's, the animation film 왕후심청 (Empress Chung) has been invited to the Canada Ottawa Animation Festival. Along with Annecy in France and Hiroshima in Japan, Ottawa is one of the most important Animation festivals in the world. The film, released in both North and South Korean theaters this August (12 South, 15 North) won the best project award at Annecy and was shown at Hiroshima.

Via Cine 21