There was a time when stepping into a movie theater meant anticipation for the latest blockbuster or a daring new indie film.

Today, the cinematic landscape in Korea has shifted dramatically. The most prominent banners at multiplexes now advertise 4K restorations of classics — Ridley Scott’s 1991 classic “Thelma & Louise,” Denis Villeneuve's “Incendies” (2010) and Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” (1984).

Re-releases of these prominent works are not just special events for moviegoers; they are becoming the main attraction, a bittersweet sign of how the role of the movie theater is changing.

The thrill of discovering new movies is fading. Instead, people are gathering to rewatch classic movies that have already proven their lasting appeal. This isn’t all bad because it’s genuinely enjoyable to experience a masterpiece on the big screen again, looking as good as new.

But movie fans may feel a sense of loss as the cinema, once a place for new possibilities and surprises, now feels like it’s becoming a shrine to the past.

This transformation is not happening by itself. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a migration to streaming platforms, and with ticket prices soaring, many now see a movie theater visit as a rare treat rather than a regular outing.

The numbers are also revealing. Box office revenues remain far below pre-pandemic levels, and the pipeline for new productions has almost dried up.

Lotte Cinema and Megabox, the nation’s No. 2 and No. 3 theater chains, recently announced that they are merging in a bid to survive because their business models have been battered by shrinking audiences and rising costs.

Even CJ CGV, the largest chain, reported a first-quarter operating loss of 31 billion won ($22.6 million) in Korea, despite a 35.8 percent increase in overall revenue driven by strong performances in theater chains in China and Vietnam.

Theaters, once bustling with the energy of opening nights and sold-out premieres, are now quieter, their screens often reserved for films whose endings we already know. It’s a clear sign of a world that’s changing fast, where old traditions are being replaced by new realities, and the way we watch movies together is being remade.

There is an undeniable beauty in seeing “Thelma & Louise” and “Incendies” in 4K, surrounded by fellow fans. But the fact that these rereleases are becoming the main focus of theater programming is, frankly, a little disheartening.

Maybe it is just a natural result of new technology and different lifestyles. But for those of us who remember the excitement of seeing a brand new film in theaters, it feels sad to see cinemas becoming places just for old memories instead of fresh, novel experiences.

With the Korean film industry in such a serious state, there is growing attention on how President Lee Jae-myung will ensure the sustainable production and revitalization of the field. Given Lee has pledged active support for the K-culture sector and improvements to the content creation environment, there is rising hope that the struggling cinema industry could regain its vitality under his administration. (The Korea Times)