Tragic Release of 'Firefighter' Surpasses 'Moana 2' Amidst Emergency Declaration

The film 'Firefighter' has faced a series of challenges leading up to its release, including the controversy surrounding lead actor 곽도원 (Kwak Do-won) due to a drunk driving incident. Now, on its opening day, the film is met with the unfortunate circumstance of a nationwide emergency declaration.

Released today (December 4), 'Firefighter' has impressively climbed to the second spot in overall movie ticket pre-sales, surpassing the highly anticipated 'Moana 2'. According to the integrated ticketing system as of 7:30 AM on December 4, 'Firefighter' has achieved this milestone, indicating strong competition against foreign films and closely trailing the Korean film '1 Win', suggesting a promising box office performance this winter.

The film's ability to resonate with audiences stems from its powerful narrative based on real events, which transcends generations. Viewers have expressed their emotional responses, stating, "The film seems to tell us not to cry, yet I found myself in tears. The understated songs were particularly moving," and, "The tragedy felt vividly real, and I appreciated the film's restrained emotional approach." Many have called it a must-see for all Koreans, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the dedication and treatment of firefighters.

Despite the hurdles, 'Firefighter' is set to embark on a successful box office journey, bolstered by positive word-of-mouth from advance screenings.

The film depicts the harrowing experiences of firefighters during the 2001 Hongje-dong fire disaster, showcasing their commitment to saving lives under dire conditions. Additionally, a portion of the film's proceeds will be donated to improve the welfare and equipment of South Korean firefighters, marking 'Firefighter' as a film that aims to support those who serve the community.