Blockbuster Blowout: Choi Min-sik Sparks Outrage Over Soaring Movie Ticket Prices – Is the Cost of Cinema Killing the Magic
Debate Over High Theater Ticket Prices in Korea
Actor Choi Min-sik recently sparked controversy with his comments on the high cost of theater tickets in Korea. He appeared on the MBC program ”Questions” and stated, “The price of a movie ticket is 15,000 won right now. For that kind of money, it’s better to watch multiple movies on a streaming service.”
Choi Min-sik’s comments were met with a mixed response. The Korean Film Council welcomed his announcement, but some argued that actors’ salaries should be lowered first. Professor Lee Byung-tae of KAIST Graduate School of Management refuted Choi Min-sik’s claims, pointing out that movie theaters make most of their money from selling popcorn and drinks, not from ticket sales.
Professor Lee Byung-tae also argued that the high cost of living, including increased rent and minimum wage, has contributed to the rise in theater ticket prices. He questioned whether Choi Min-sik has ever donated his appearance fee to a theater that screened a movie he appeared in.
Others have pointed out that the decline of the theater industry is not due to ticket prices, but rather the loss of diversity caused by screen monopoly. Noh Chul-hwan, a professor of theater and film at Inha University, stated, “The ticket price in Korea is not that expensive. In Japan, it’s 2,000 yen, and in the US, it’s about 16 dollars. In France, it’s 16-17 euros, which is about 23,000 won in Korean currency.”
Professor Noh Chul-hwan emphasized that the problem lies in the screen monopoly, which limits the variety of movies available in theaters. He argued that even if ticket prices are lowered, people may not go to the movies if the film they want to see is not available.
In response to the controversy, CGV expanded the Culture Day event, offering discounted tickets for 7,000 won, half the price of a regular theater ticket. The event was held for four days starting on the 26th of last month.
The debate over high theater ticket prices in Korea continues, with some arguing that actors’ salaries should be lowered, while others point to the screen monopoly as the main issue. As the controversy grows, it remains to be seen how the theater industry will respond to these concerns.