'Seizure and search' movie theaters and distributors "Police investigation in progress, careful to comment"

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit is located in Yongsan CGV office, related department office in Lotte Cinema headquarters in Songpa-gu, office in Megabox cinema in Seoul and 3 movie distributors, 3 distributors including Showbox, Kidari ENT, and Lotte Cultureworks. It was announced on the 13th that it is conducting a search and seizure.

These movie theaters and distributors are accused of fabricating the number of audiences, manipulating box office rankings, and interfering with the Korean Film Council's work. The police believe that they interfered with the Korea Film Council's real-time ranking tally by increasing the number of spectators only through computer, and are investigating.

It is known that the films suspected of manipulating the reservation rate include a number of films released last year, including 'Emergency Declaration' and 'The Story of Rain and You'. The works were abnormally issued, such as tickets being sold out in the early morning hours, and a controversy arose in the online community at the time, saying, 'Isn't the production company or distributor trying to artificially increase the number of viewers?'

In this regard, suspicion of box office ranking manipulation was raised during last year's parliamentary audit.

An official from the multiplex, who was targeted for investigation, said, "The police investigation is ongoing, so we are cautious about commenting on details," but said, "We will actively cooperate with the police investigation."

The Korean Film Council explained, "The seizure and search are being conducted separately from us."

Jiye Choi, staff reporter at TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr