'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Resumes Ticket Sales Following Rating Approval Amid Controversy

The film Spider-Man: Brand New Day has finalized its age rating and resumed ticket sales.

According to the Korea Media Rating Board on July 15, the film was officially rated for viewers aged 12 and older.

The board explained its decision, stating, "The content depicting a lone hero fighting against forces of evil does not hinder the healthy development of values for adolescents aged 12 and older. While there are scenes involving physical conflict, tension arising from dangerous situations, and the use of some profanity, these elements are portrayed in a minor and concise manner."

On July 8, Spider-Man: Brand New Day began ticket sales before completing the rating review, sparking backlash from the industry. The Korean Film Council raised concerns regarding potential violations of the Act on Fair Labeling and Advertising and requested that ticket sales be suspended. Consequently, theaters halted reservations starting at 2:00 p.m. on July 10. However, this came after approximately 100,000 tickets had already been sold over two days.

The reason the film opened ticket sales before receiving a rating was that July 8 was the day the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council distributed 6,000-won discount vouchers for movie tickets. Fearing that competing films like Hope and Moana would secure the discount vouchers first, the production pushed ahead with opening reservations despite the pending rating review. This was criticized as an unfair practice that disrupted market order.

Having now completed the rating process, Spider-Man: Brand New Day reopened ticket sales at CGV, Lotte Cinema, and other theaters today, July 16. Following the current box office leader Hope, the film is recording a reservation rate of 12.3 percent with 110,000 tickets sold.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to be released on July 29.



Reported by Kim Ji-hye | Produced by SBS Entertainment News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.