Na Hong-jin’s polarising creature feature «Hope» has gained a high-profile supporter in BTS member Jungkook, who publicly praised the film despite its mixed critical reception.
The pop star initially shared his enthusiasm on Instagram on Monday, describing the thriller as «a blast.» He later expanded on his thoughts during a live broadcast, defending the movie against its detractors.
Acknowledging the divided audience reactions, Jungkook revealed he experienced the film in 4DX and found it genuinely entertaining. He specifically highlighted the intense chase sequences, noting they kept his fists clenched throughout, and commended the project’s relentless pacing to his ARMY fanbase.
His endorsement quickly caught the attention of Na, who shared the singer’s post on his personal Instagram account that same day.
Since premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May, «Hope», Na’s first directorial effort since 2016’s «The Wailing», has sharply split viewers. Some commend the blockbuster’s ambitious scope while others criticise its ambiguous narrative.
Despite the debate, the movie maintained the top spot at the daily box office for 13 consecutive days after its July 15 release. Ticket sales surpassed 3.5 mln by Tuesday. However, its momentum has started to slow as it faces fierce competition from Marvel’s upcoming «Spider-Man: Brand New Day,» which hits cinemas on Wednesday.
The South Korean thriller features a massive ensemble cast led by Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon, alongside international stars Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender, Taylor Russell and Cameron Britton.
