The highly anticipated Korean film 'Concrete Market,' set in the same post-apocalyptic universe as 'Concrete Utopia,' which drew 3.84 million viewers, is finally arriving in theaters after four years of production.
Originally conceived as a seven-part drama, 'Concrete Market' began filming in November 2021. However, delays caused by production challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic postponed its release, ultimately leading to its reformatting as a theatrical film.
The story unfolds in the aftermath of a massive earthquake, focusing on survival within the last standing apartment complex. The apartment’s marketplace, Hwanggung Market, operates using canned goods instead of cash, trading everything from food and fuel to medicine.
Hwanggung Market is controlled by Park Sang Yong (played by Jung Man Sik), a figure with access to all sorts of information and corruption. Kim Tae Jin (portrayed by Hong Kyung) works under Park, tasked with collecting the canned goods.
The arrival of outsider Choi Hee Ro (Lee Jae In) disrupts the market’s fragile order. Hee Ro sneaks in to steal canned goods but uncovers Park Sang Yong’s secrets. Tae Jin and Hee Ro strike a deal for their own purposes, ultimately clashing with Park’s right-hand man, Park Cheol Min (Yoo Soo Bin).
Produced by Climax Studio, known for 'Concrete Utopia,' 'D.P.,' and 'Hellbound,' 'Concrete Market' shares its universe with 'Concrete Utopia' and the Netflix film 'Badland Hunters'. While each story is independent, they all center around the Hwanggung apartment complex in a post-earthquake world.
Director Hong Ki Won emphasized, “This is an original story focused on life after the earthquake. It’s an independent film centered on Hwanggung Market. I hope audiences enjoy it as a fresh perspective and a new film experience.” Hong first gained attention at the 41st Seoul Independent Film Festival with his short film 'Tylenol,' praised for its tense portrayal of survival instincts and negotiation in confined spaces.
At the time of filming, actors Hong Kyung and Lee Jae In were rising talents, but during the long wait, both have become leading stars. Hong recently gained global attention through the Netflix film 'Good News,' while Lee starred in 'Hi-Five,' attracting 1.89 million viewers.
At a recent press event, Lee shared, “It’s been so long since I watched a film in a theater, and the two hours flew by. I was surprised at how fun it was to see our filmed work on screen.” She added, “The film meaningfully focuses on younger generations. What may seem ordinary can be disastrous for youth, and everyone copes differently. Tae Jin leans on others, Hee Ro acts maturely—there are elements audiences can relate to.”
Jung Man Sik highlighted the youth-centered narrative: “This is a story of minors surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. Even teenagers living in an intact world face challenges. I think this film will resonate with that generation, and I hope families come together to watch it.”
'Concrete Market' was originally planned as a Lotte Cinema exclusive, but will now premiere nationwide on December 3, coinciding with the release of Ha Jung Woo’s 'The People Upstairs.' After four years of anticipation, all eyes are on how audiences will respond to this post-apocalyptic tale.
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