Core Viewpoint - The South Korean film industry is facing its most significant crisis in decades, with declining box office attendance and production budgets, leading to a potential collapse of the ecosystem if urgent measures are not taken [9][11][29]. Group 1: Current State of the South Korean Film Industry - As of September 30, the film "Decision to Leave," directed by Park Chan-wook, has garnered over 1.15 million viewers in South Korea but has received poor reviews, with ratings dropping to around 6, significantly lower than his previous work [5][7]. - The overall attendance in South Korean cinemas reached only 50 million tickets by July, the lowest since 2004, indicating a severe downturn in the industry [9][11]. - Major films released during peak seasons, such as "The Black Nun" and "The Comic Dragon 2," failed to attract audiences, leading to a continued decline in key market indicators [9][11]. Group 2: Production and Investment Challenges - The production volume and investment scale in the South Korean film industry have been decreasing, with major distributors significantly cutting back on budgets [11][12]. - Since 2021, the industry has been relying on a backlog of films delayed from previous years, which is now depleting, leading to a scarcity of new content [12]. - Reports indicate that films with production budgets exceeding 3 billion KRW have sharply declined, with major distributors struggling to greenlight new projects [12]. Group 3: International Standing and Awards - South Korean films have faced humiliation on the international stage, with major directors failing to secure nominations or awards at prestigious film festivals [15][16]. - The year 2023 marked a rare instance where no South Korean films were nominated for the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting the industry's declining global reputation [16]. Group 4: Government and Industry Response - The South Korean government plans to inject $108 million into the film industry next year, an increase of 80.8% from the current budget, to stimulate the sector [23]. - Initiatives such as issuing movie vouchers and promoting international collaborations are being implemented to encourage local audiences to return to theaters [25][27]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Challenges - The industry is attempting various strategies to revitalize itself, including re-releasing classic films and introducing new marketing tactics, but the long-term effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain [29]. - The shift of talent towards streaming platforms like Netflix poses a significant challenge, as high-profile creators are increasingly drawn to the lucrative opportunities offered by OTT services [20][30].