This Lunar New Year holiday begins on the 14th and continues with a golden five-day break. During this period, audiences can enjoy a variety of highly anticipated films. Korean cinema is well represented with well-made historical drama "A Man Who Lives with the King" (directed by Jang Hang-jun), intense espionage action film "Humint" (directed by Ryu Seung-wan), and the healing movie "Number One" (directed by Kim Tae-yong). This holiday season offers a diverse lineup not only of domestic films but also foreign movies.

"A Man Who Lives with the King" is the most talked-about film during the holiday. Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the movie tells the story of a village chief who voluntarily exiles himself for the village's revival and a young dethroned king. Based on the hidden history of Joseon's 6th king Danjong, the film centers on Danjong Lee Hong-wi (played by Park Ji-hoon), who loses his family and power due to the rebellion of his uncle, Prince Suyang (Sejo), and the bloody purge led by the treacherous Han Myeong-hoe (played by Yoo Ji-tae). Danjong experiences personal growth and friendship through his encounter with Eom Heung-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin), who volunteers to bring the exile site to the village for its prosperity. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the film features a cast including Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, and Jeon Mi-do, generating high expectations. It reclaimed the number one spot just one day after release and continues to perform strongly.

"Humint" is competing closely with "A Man Who Lives with the King" in box office rankings. As part of director Ryu Seung-wan's overseas location trilogy, the film is set in Vladivostok and depicts a clash between characters with different motives. Starring Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Shin Se-kyung, the film features a captivating ensemble of characters. While it presents itself as an espionage action thriller, at its core lies a poignant romantic narrative. The film showcases intense action sequences, with Jo In-sung appearing as a National Intelligence Service Section Chief, delivering a compelling visual presence. Park Jung-min plays Park Geon, a North Korean security chief, leading a memorable romantic storyline with Shin Se-kyung.

"Number One" reunites Choi Woo-shik and Jang Hye-jin in a story about Ha-min (played by Choi Woo-shik), who discovers that every time he eats his mother's food, a number decreases, and when the number reaches zero, his mother Eun-sil (played by Jang Hye-jin) will die. Through its fantasy setting, the film delicately explores the meaning of limited time and family love, delivering a profound emotional impact. It is a story that resonates with both parents and children, making it a movie the whole family can enjoy together.

Two foreign films based on classic masterpieces are also drawing attention this Lunar New Year. Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" and Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo" are the highlights. "Wuthering Heights" portrays the tragic love between orphan Heathcliff and noblewoman Cathy, with heightened sexual tension compared to the original. Its lavish costumes, art direction, and cinematography captivate the audience. "The Count of Monte Cristo" tells the story of a young man wrongfully imprisoned who seeks revenge. It has been praised for its grander scale and modern sensibility compared to previous remakes.

This Lunar New Year holiday offers a rich variety of Korean and foreign films, providing audiences with abundant choices. Each film attracts attention through unique stories and compelling characters, raising expectations for strong box office performance.