The South Korean film industry is facing a major scandal as 69 officials from popular theater chains, including CGV, Lotte, and Megabox, as well as from 24 film distributors, have been referred to the prosecutor’s office on charges of obstruction of business. The investigation, which began in June, has revealed a widespread practice of fabricating box office numbers to boost rankings of films over the past five years. This article delves into the details of the scandal and its potential implications for the South Korean film industry.
According to local media reports, ticket sales for at least 323 movies screened in the market between March 2018 and June 2022 were allegedly inflated. The police claim that the accused officials colluded with film distributors to enter inflated ticket sales information into the Korean Film Council’s (KOFIC) compiling service, which resulted in the misrepresentation of audience numbers and box office rankings. The alleged manipulation led to a significant overcounting of viewers, with 2.67 million overcounted viewers reported.
In their investigation, the police uncovered several methods used by the accused officials to inflate the box office numbers. These methods included purchasing large quantities of tickets for late-night movies, creating a false impression of high demand, and organizing “ghost screenings” with no actual audience present. By artificially inflating the ticket sales, the officials aimed to improve the rankings of certain films released at their cinemas.
The scandal has raised concerns about the integrity of the South Korean film industry and the trustworthiness of box office data. Box office rankings and audience numbers play a crucial role in determining the success and popularity of a film, as well as attracting potential investors and distributors. The manipulation of these numbers not only distorts the perception of a film’s performance but also undermines fair competition within the industry.
As a result of the investigation, the accused officials have been referred to the prosecutor’s office on charges of obstruction of business. If found guilty, they could face significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Additionally, the reputation of the theater chains and film distributors involved in the scandal may suffer, potentially leading to a loss of public trust and a decline in audience attendance.
The scandal may also have broader implications for the film distribution landscape in South Korea. Distributors rely on accurate box office data to make informed decisions about film releases, marketing strategies, and investment opportunities. The manipulation of these numbers disrupts the reliability of the data and raises concerns about the overall transparency of the industry. Distributors may become more cautious in their partnerships with theaters, leading to potential changes in distribution practices.
The scandal surrounding the manipulation of box office numbers in South Korea has rocked the film industry and raised questions about its integrity. The accused officials from prominent theater chains and film distributors now face legal consequences for their alleged involvement in fabricating ticket sales. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how this scandal will impact the Korean film industry in the long run in terms of reputation, trust, and overall business practices.