by As the performance world is shrinking again due to the re-spreading of COVID-19 caused by mutations in Omicron, K-pop stars are increasing their contact with fans at theaters.
As online concerts became the ‘new normal’ and the number of people entering the theater was limited, the theater was chosen as an alternative space to quench fans’ thirst.
The most significant advantage of the theater is that it can create a vivid atmosphere as if you were in a concert hall with a large screen. Even in theaters suffering from recession, they see that the K-pop fandom can attract new audiences and are actively taking action.
Monsta X, a group with a solid domestic and international fandom, is meeting fans worldwide through movies. Through ‘Monsta X: The Dreaming,’ released for the first time in the world on the 8th in Korea.
The films currently screened in more than 70 countries include the journey to becoming a global star, from exclusive interviews with each member to their American activities and unique concert videos and the stage for unreleased new songs.
The movie was made not only in 2D but also in 4DX, and the chair moves rhythmically according to the music and stage, adding wind and light effects to provide a sense of concert reality.
Fans’ interest was high, with about 5,000 seats for the 38th special screening event sold out within 5 minutes of the opening of the reservation. Lee Ji-Hyeon, manager of Starship Entertainment, the agency, said, “This movie was specially made for the global promotion of the regular album ‘The Dreaming’ released in the United States.
SM Entertainment has also been screening the online concert ‘Beyond Live’ with cutting-edge information technology (IT) one after another at the multiplex theater after the pandemic.
SHINee member Key’s solo concert started Beyond Live in September, followed by Kai’s first solo concert, ‘Cinema-Kai: Clore’ on the 12th at 30 theaters nationwide, including Seoul, Daejeon, Busan, Gwangju, and Ulsan.
On the 19th, NCT 127’s solo concert at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul will be broadcast in real-time at five theaters nationwide. An SM official said, “Beyond Live is a performance that combines cutting-edge IT technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and multi-image connection, as well as specially made stage equipment and colorful effects, and is suitable for large screens.” It is a service level for the fans.”
‘Mamamoo 2021 WAW Concert The Movie’, which contains the 7-year activities of the popular girl group Mamamoo, was also caught on the screen on the 3rd. It contains the live performance of the concert to commemorate the 7th anniversary of their debut, held online in August, and the performance preparation process and behind-the-scenes video.
‘Blackpink The Movie,’ which was released in the same month, enhanced the realism of the intense stage performance with 4DX special effects using water and air.
K-pop-related content in theaters is attracting attention in the pandemic era because it is immersive and because it is easy to access.
CGV Content Planning Manager Jo Jin-ho said, “If you use theaters not only in Seoul but also in major cities across the country, you can meet more fans. In the future, the number of screenings in overseas theaters will increase.”
