From Lightsticks to Laughter Battles: Korea’s Most Unique Movie Screenings Are Here!

Unique movie screenings are popping up, where fans wave lightsticks, sing along, compete in laughter decibels, and even bring their pets!

These events move beyond the traditional way of sitting in a dark theater, aiming to expand the audience’s experience and encourage active participation.

Sing Along to Michael Jackson’s Hits: ‘Michael’ Lightstick Screenings

Universal Pictures will host lightstick screenings for the movie ‘Michael’ at Megabox Coex in Seoul on May 18 and Lotte Cinema World Tower on May 19.

This special event allows audiences to wave their lightsticks and sing along to the songs in the film.

The screenings were planned because ‘Michael’ is a music film capturing the dance and songs of the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson. The movie, which depicts Jackson’s journey from childhood to superstardom, has been receiving great responses for its performance scenes. By combining this with lightstick culture, a symbol of K-pop, a truly special screening has been created.

In fact, it’s reported that the first general preview of ‘Michael’ last month felt like a concert, with audiences waving lightsticks and cheering as the credits rolled.

Universal Pictures explained, “We started these screenings hoping fans could enjoy the concert atmosphere with others in the theater, something you can’t experience alone at home. We wanted younger audiences, who likely never saw Michael Jackson in concert, to feel the realism of being there.”

Thanks to the performance scenes, many viewers are choosing special theaters like CGV ScreenX. On the opening day of May 13, the seat sales rate for ScreenX reached nearly 35%, far exceeding the overall sales rate of 10.7% for ‘Michael’ that day.

Laugh Your Heart Out: ‘Wild Thing’ Laughter Chart-in Preview

The comedy film ‘Wild Thing,’ starring Gang Dong-won, will hold a “Laughter Chart-in Preview” on May 26 at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall.

This preview will measure the volume of the audience’s laughter, and the theater that records the higher decibel level will win prizes.

The event is designed to encourage viewers to laugh freely and enjoy the movie without hesitation.

‘Wild Thing’ tells the story of the co-ed group Triangle, which swept the music scene in the 2000s, returning to the stage after 20 years. The movie opens next month on the 3rd. The music video featuring Gang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun as idol group members has been a hot topic since its release late last month.

An official from Lotte Entertainment stated, “We organized this hoping audiences would laugh out loud in the theater. It’s an event where viewers can go beyond simply watching and actively participate by confirming the joy—the highest value of a comedy film—through actual data.”

Enjoying the Park with Your Pups: Seoul International Environmental Film Festival Outdoor Screening

As a side event for the 23rd Seoul International Environmental Film Festival opening next month, the Korea Environmental Foundation will host the “Earth WE Petmily Festival” on June 14 at Yongma Waterfall Park in Jungnang-gu, Seoul.

One of the main programs is “Dang Cinema,” where people can watch movies with their pets. Started in 2022, this event allows citizens to naturally experience the value of respecting life and coexistence.

This year, the animation ‘Mungchi on the Road’ will be screened. Directed by Oh Sung-yoon and Lee Chun-baek, who created ‘Leafie, A Hen into the Wild’ (2011), the film tells the story of a dog named Mungchi who wanders the streets after being abandoned by its owner. Actors Do Kyung-soo, Park So-dam, and Park Chul-min participated in the voice acting.

On the day of the event, actor Park Chul-min and director Oh Sung-yoon will have a stage greeting and talk with the audience. In addition to the screening, there will be discussion programs on abandoned animal protection and adoption culture, as well as a pet talent show.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 500 teams starting May 18. Participation is free.

These unique special screenings are expected to continue in various forms, aligning with the recent consumer trend of seeking proactive experiences and participation.

An official from the Seoul Environmental Film Festival stated, “We plan to continue introducing various participatory programs that can expand the meaning of the environment, life, and coexistence into the daily lives of citizens.”