Reports from local media reveal that police in Korea conducted a raid on three major multiplex chains and the offices of three film distributors over allegations of box office manipulation. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Anti-Corruption and Public Crimes Investigation Division conducted operations at one cinema from each of the CGV, Megabox, and Lotte Cinema chains. The distribution companies that were raided are Showbox, Lotte Entertainment, and Kidari Studio.
Falsely Counting Audience Numbers for Local Films
The entities involved are suspected of obstructing the business of the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) by falsely counting audience numbers for some local films. Last year’s drama Emergency Declaration and the crime film Hot Blooded, released in March, are among the films suspected of having their box office falsely inflated. Two additional films are also under suspicion. Police suspect that tickets were purchased in bulk, with “ghost screenings” held in an empty theater.
Investigation Secures Ticketing Details
Police sent investigators to the cinemas to secure data such as ticketing details related to the alleged manipulation. KOFIC manages box office data, including audience numbers and sales for each movie, through the Korean Box Office Information System, to which multiplexes and film distributors report box office numbers. The investigation is ongoing, and the entities involved have yet to release any statements.