Na Hong Jin's Hope Breaks French Opening Records for Korean Cinema in 2026
The sci-fi thriller directed by Na Hong Jin secured massive numbers on its debut across France and Belgium, building on strong early momentum from Cannes.
Published 4 November 2026
Record-Breaking Debut in France
The sci-fi thriller Hope has officially established a new benchmark for Korean cinema in France for the year 2026. Distributed widely across the country, the feature made a massive splash on its initial release date.
Production company Forged Films reported that the project secured an impressive screen count for its launch, bringing in substantial earnings right out of the gate and outperforming competing titles from the region.
Screen Counts and Day One Earnings
On October 28, the film launched across 192 screens throughout France. By the end of its first day in theaters, it had accumulated approximately $800,000.
This financial milestone marks the highest opening-day gross recorded by any Korean motion picture entering the French theatrical market during this calendar year.
Strong Momentum in Paris
The feature maintained its powerful trajectory as the first weekend approached. By October 31, it captured the No. 2 position at the competitive Paris box office.
Industry observers note that Paris remains a crucial territory, traditionally representing roughly 31 percent of the total box office revenue generated across all of France.
Impressive Expansion Into Belgium
Beyond French borders, the production also found a warm reception in neighbouring Belgium. It premiered on 38 screens in the country, pulling in a solid $64,000.
This particular opening figure easily outpaced the Belgian theatrical launches achieved by previous acclaimed Korean works, including Decision to Leave in 2022 and Burning in 2018.
Global Appeal and Festival Origins
A representative for the project noted that these European box office figures highlight the sustained international curiosity surrounding the feature. This global attention has followed the title ever since its premiere in competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
The high-profile festival debut laid a strong foundation for the film's current theatrical rollout across international territories.
Plot and Setting
The narrative unfolds in Hopo Port, an isolated harbor village situated near the Demilitarized Zone. Tension grips the community after young locals report spotting a tiger, putting the entire town on high alert.
The chief of the local police outpost soon finds himself confronting an unbelievable reality as the mysterious events in the village escalate.
Star-Studded International Cast
The film boasts a notable ensemble cast featuring prominent South Korean actors alongside well-known international stars. The roster includes Hwang Jung Min, Zo In Sung, and Jung Ho Yeon.
They are joined by Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender, bringing a diverse blend of talent to the production.
News Overview
Na Hong Jin's sci-fi thriller Hope opened across 192 screens in France on October 28, earning about $800,000 to set a 2026 opening-day record for a Korean film in the country. The feature also performed strongly in Belgium and maintained momentum following its competition premiere at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
Key facts
- Na Hong Jin directed Hope
- Hope opened on October 28, 2026
- The film debuted on 192 screens in France
- First day earnings in France were about $800,000
- Ranked No. 2 at the Paris box office on October 31, 2026
- Paris accounts for about 31 percent of France's total box office revenue
- Opened on 38 screens in Belgium
- Belgian gross was about $64,000
- Premiered in competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival
- Set in Hopo Port, a remote harbor village near the DMZ
- Cast includes Hwang Jung Min, Zo In Sung, Jung Ho Yeon, Taylor Russell, Cameron Britton, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender