Strike While the Iron Is Hot: '10-Million Director' Jang Hang-jun's Underrated 'Rebound' Returns to Theaters

Director Jang Hang-jun has joined the ranks of “10-million directors” with "The King's Warden" ― and he’s celebrating another win as his earlier film heads back to theaters.

Distributor Barunson E&A announced on the 16th that "Rebound" will return to cinemas on Friday, April 3, marking the film’s third anniversary.

"Rebound" is a moving true story set at the 2012 National High School Basketball Tournament. A brand-new coach and six players from a long-overlooked, bottom-ranked team charge through eight days of miracles. Despite solid word of mouth and craft, the 2023 release drew 700,000 admissions nationwide. Three years later, it’s primed for a fresh wave of appreciation.

Based on the real-life miracle by Busan Jungang High School’s basketball team in 2012, Jang captures the never-quit spirit of youth and the goosebump-inducing catharsis sports movies are loved for ― winning over both critics and audiences. Ahn Jae-hong fully transforms into a clumsy-but-sincere coach who lives and breathes basketball, while Jungang High’s rookies Lee Shin-young, Jung Jin-woon, Kim Taek, Jeong Geon-ju, Kim Min, and Ahn Ji-ho bring sweat, heart, and crackling chemistry. Upon release, the film posted standout scores: CGV Golden Egg 98%, Lotte Cinema 9.5, and Megabox 9.0.

It also clinched the Silver Mulberry at the 25th Udine Far East Film Festival, earning praise for both quality and crowd appeal.

"Rebound" ― a sharp showcase of Jang Hang-jun’s commercial instincts and direction as a newly minted “10-million director” ― returns to theaters on April 3. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)