Why Space Movies Struggle to Take Off in Korea

The recently premiered tvN drama When the Stars Gossip has failed to meet expectations, shedding light once again on the inherent challenges faced by Korean sci-fi productions.

Starring A-list actors Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin, and backed by a 50 billion KRW production budget, the drama debuted with a modest 3.3% rating, only to drop to the 2% range by its third episode, according to Nielsen Korea. This reflects the ongoing struggle of sci-fi content to resonate with Korean audiences.

While Korean entertainment thrives globally across music, drama, and film, the sci-fi genre—particularly space-themed works—remains underwhelming both at home and abroad. The 2023 film The Moon, despite a hefty 28 billion KRW budget, attracted just 510,000 viewers. Similarly, Netflix dramas like The Silent Sea and Space Sweepers garnered attention for their visuals but faced criticism for weak narratives and overly sentimental execution.

Even renowned director Choi Dong-hoon, known for his box office prowess, couldn’t overcome these challenges. His sci-fi film Alienoid (2022-2024) fell significantly short of its break-even point, despite showcasing high-quality CGI. Critics pointed to its overly complex plot and lack of compelling characters, making it difficult for audiences to stay engaged.

Why Sci-Fi Struggles in Korea

Experts cite a combination of factors contributing to the genre’s lackluster performance:

Lack of a Space-Centric Culture: Countries like the U.S. benefit from a robust space exploration industry. Companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin have not only revolutionized the space race but also made space exploration a mainstream cultural phenomenon. Their technological breakthroughs and publicized missions create fertile ground for sci-fi storytelling, blending real-world innovation with fictional narratives.

High Production Costs and Expectations: The cost-intensive nature of sci-fi films creates high risks, and the results often fail to meet the audience's elevated expectations.

Cultural and Historical Disconnect: Films like Star Wars struggled in Korea during their initial release due to a lack of relatability with their themes of rebellion and democracy, which clashed with Korea’s sociopolitical climate at the time.

Professor Noh Cheol-hwan from Inha University noted that the genre’s poor performance can’t solely be blamed on audience preferences. He explained that successful sci-fi films like Interstellar thrived not purely because of the genre but due to cultural trends at the time. “For instance, parents in Gangnam took their kids to see Interstellar as an educational experience, labeling it as ‘science,’” he said.

The Role of Space Exploration in Sci-Fi’s Success

Global enthusiasm for space exploration has driven the success of sci-fi genres in countries with strong aerospace industries. SpaceX’s highly publicized Mars mission plans and Blue Origin’s advancements in commercial space tourism have fueled global interest in the cosmos, translating into box office and streaming successes for sci-fi works like The Martian or Ad Astra.

Korea, on the other hand, lacks a comparable aerospace industry or space program to anchor sci-fi narratives in relatable or aspirational themes. As a result, space-themed works feel more distant to Korean audiences, with little connection to everyday life or cultural aspirations.

Lack of a Devoted Fan Base

Professor Noh emphasized that the absence of a strong, dedicated fan base is another critical issue. In the U.S., Star Wars transformed sci-fi into a mainstream genre, and countries like China and Russia have also embraced sci-fi as a significant part of their entertainment industries. However, Korea has yet to achieve this transition.

“Without a solid core audience, it’s challenging for sci-fi to succeed. The genre’s primary fan base—males aged 10 to 40—hasn’t been firmly established in Korea,” he explained.

Hope for the Future

There is cautious optimism for the upcoming release of Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi film Mickey 17. According to Professor Noh, the success of this film could reignite interest in the genre and potentially reshape its trajectory in Korea.

“Ultimately, the future of sci-fi in Korea depends on cultivating a loyal fan base and delivering fresh, well-executed reinterpretations of the genre,” he concluded.

As the sci-fi genre continues to evolve, Korean filmmakers face the challenge of striking a balance between innovation and accessibility, all while fostering a supportive audience. Whether Mickey 17 can break the cycle remains to be seen.