The Korean film industry is set to hit theaters during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday with three movies starring Yoo Hae-jin, Jo In-sung, and Choi Woo-shik. "A Man Who Lives with the King," starring Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, "Humint," featuring Jo In-sung and Park Jung-min, and "Number One," led by Choi Woo-shik, each offer different genres and charms to meet audiences. Amid the ongoing slump in the film industry since COVID-19, not a single movie reached 10 million viewers last year. In 2025, "Zombie Daughter," which attracted 5.63 million viewers, ranked as the top-grossing Korean film, highlighting the significant decline in audience numbers. Attention is focused on whether these three films will revitalize the box office.

"A Man Who Lives with the King" features Yoo Hae-jin as Eom Heung-do, the village chief of Gwangcheon Valley where King Danjong was exiled, and Park Ji-hoon as the young former king Danjong Lee Hong-wi. Yoo Ji-tae plays Han Myeong-hoe, a powerful figure who drives the story. Set in 1457 in the village of Cheongnyeongpo, this historical drama depicts the special friendship between the village chief and the king. Danjong Lee Hong-wi ascended the throne at age 12 but was dethroned and exiled by his uncle, Grand Prince Suyang, making him a tragic king. This film is the first Korean movie to explore his hidden story. Director Jang Hang-jun combines meticulous historical research with cinematic imagination to present a fresh take on Danjong's alternate time, offering a mix of laughter and emotion. "A Man Who Lives with the King" will be released on February 4.

"Humint" is a spy action film set in Vladivostok, where secrets and truths intertwine. The title is a blend of "HUMAN" and "INTELLIGENCE," telling the story of characters clashing with different objectives. Jo In-sung plays Section Chief Jo, a black agent of the National Intelligence Service, and Park Jung-min portrays Park Geon, who is dispatched to Vladivostok on a new mission. Shin Se-kyung appears as Chae Seon-hwa, a waitress at a North Korean restaurant, showcasing a new side by speaking in the Pyongyang dialect and singing in Korean from the North. Park Hae-joon plays Hwang Chi-seong, who opposes Park Geon, adding tension to the story. Director Ryu Seung-wan, following "Berlin" and "Mogadishu," completes his overseas location trilogy with this third film, capturing Vladivostok's unique scenery and cold urban atmosphere through filming in Latvia. "Humint" will be released on February 11.

"Number One" stars Choi Woo-shik in a story about learning the fate of his mother through the decreasing number of meals he eats of her cooking. The original work is the novel "You Have 328 Meals Left to Eat Your Mother's Home Cooking" by Uwano Sora. Choi Woo-shik plays Ha-min, who strives to protect his mother Eun-sil (played by Jang Hye-jin), who appears as Ha-min's mother. The film warmly and humorously portrays Ha-min, who lives knowing his remaining time, and Eun-sil, who feels hurt by her son not eating at home. Choi Woo-shik reunites with director Kim Tae-yong, and Gong Seung-yeon adds diverse charm as Ha-min's girlfriend Ryeo-eun. "Number One" will be released on February 11.

These three films are expected to offer audiences a variety of experiences through their distinct genres and charms. It remains to be seen whether they can overcome the slump in the Korean film industry and bring vitality back to the theaters.