With May — "Family Month" in Korea — underway, theaters and concert halls have lined up their richest-ever slate of animated films and family-friendly performances. Classical concerts have become hard to find, with original soundtrack (OST) shows from hit animations dominating stages.
Mario Brothers take stage to space in 'Super Mario Galaxy'
Opened April 1 in North America; tops global box office with $755.81 million
The animated feature "Super Mario Galaxy" returns three years after its predecessor "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," this time moving the action to the galaxy. The film follows brothers Mario and Luigi — who leveled up from Brooklyn plumbers to world-saving heroes — as they embark on a new adventure, rescuing the lost Yoshi and forging a special friendship during a mission in the Sand Kingdom. The previous installment was a mega-hit that grossed $1.3 billion worldwide. "Super Mario Galaxy," which opened in North America and other markets on April 1, is carrying on that momentum, leading the global box office with $755.81 million as of the 24th. It opens in Korea on the 29th.
'KPop Demon Hunters' team joins with NBA star Stephen Curry
Animal basketball tale 'Goat: The Legend' delivers genre thrills with pace
"Goat: The Legend," a story about basketball played by animals, has drawn attention for involving staff from Netflix's animated hit "KPop Demon Hunters." The film depicts the coming-of-age of Will, a small goat who joins the "Growl Basketball" league dominated by giant animals. Its color palette, camera work and fast-paced editing push the boundaries of the sports animation genre, while a rhythm reminiscent of live game broadcasts heightens immersion and delivers genuine sports-genre excitement. NBA star Stephen Curry's involvement as a producer and voice actor has also generated buzz. The film opened on the 17th and is currently in theaters.
Hayao Miyazaki's 'Kiki's Delivery Service,' with a devoted fanbase
4K-remastered version tops 100,000 admissions across generations
"Kiki's Delivery Service," directed by Hayao Miyazaki — who boasts a devoted fanbase in Korea — has also drawn strong interest since its 4K-remastered version opened on the 15th, surpassing 100,000 cumulative admissions. The film portrays a healing coming-of-age journey of 13-year-old witch Kiki, who starts a delivery business in a seaside town as she strikes out on her own. First released in 1989, it has become one of Studio Ghibli's signature animations.
Rich lineup of OST concerts from popular animations
'Catch! Teenieping,' 'Ghibli & Disney,' 'KPop Demon Hunters' and more
OSTs from popular animations have also taken over concert halls in May. The lineup of OST concerts this month is so full that classical performances are hard to find. On May 5, "Bling Bling Catch! Teenieping Symphony" meets audiences at Lotte Concert Hall. The show features key music from the "Catch! Teenieping" animation series performed live by a full orchestra. The OST of the film "Romance of the Hachuping," which drew 1.24 million viewers, will also be performed. Ditto Orchestra performs under conductor Kim Sung-jin, accompanied by animation footage projected on a large screen behind the stage. The concert will also tour regional cities including Busan and Osan.
The "Ghibli & Disney OST Concert," offering music from Studio Ghibli and Disney for the whole family, will be held June 2–3 at Sejong Center. Part 1 features Ghibli works including "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," "My Neighbor Totoro," "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Porco Rosso" performed by orchestra, with "Castle in the Sky" on cello and "Princess Mononoke" performed by orchestra and violin. Additional pieces from "Hana-bi," "Ponyo" and "Spirited Away" will be performed on violin, saxophone and other instruments. Part 2 spotlights Disney and Pixar works including "Beauty and the Beast," "The Incredibles," "Aladdin," "Hercules," "Pocahontas," "Snow White," "Frozen" and "Coco," along with "Golden" and "How It's Done" from the Netflix animation "KPop Demon Hunters."
A concert tour bringing the OST of Netflix's global sensation "KPop Demon Hunters" to life with orchestral sound runs throughout May. The "KPop Demon Hunters Inspired OST Orchestra Concert" will feature "Golden," "Takedown," "How It's Done," "Soda Pop" and "Your Idol." Performances are scheduled at Busan Concert Hall, Ansan Arts Center (Haedoti Theater) on the 5th, Seoul's Lotte Concert Hall on the 23rd–24th, Yeosu GS Caltex Yeulmaru on June 6, Art Center Incheon Concert Hall on June 20, and Jeju's 2nd International Convention Center Tamra Hall on July 12. Organizers Golden J Entertainment and Shangri-La ENT said, "The grand yet delicate sound of the Korea Pops Orchestra will captivate audiences for about 100 minutes."