More Koreans still prefer watching new films in theaters: survey

Despite the widespread popularity of watching films on streaming platforms like Netflix, slightly more Koreans still prefer watching the latest movies in theaters, according to market data.

According to the survey conducted by consumer research institution Consumer Insight of 1,064 Korean moviegoers aged between 20 and 64, 37 percent said they prefer watching new films in theaters, whereas 33 percent said they only watch new films when they are uploaded on streaming services. Another 10 percent said they watch Youtube creators’ reviews to learn about new movies.

The largest portion -- 63 percent -- of respondents who watch new films in theaters picked large screens and immersive sound systems as the reason. Some 41 percent said they go to theaters to watch new movies because that is the only option. Multiple answers were allowed.

Those who prefer watching new movies via streaming services said it’s because they can watch the movie whenever and wherever they want (70 percent), and because movie tickets are expensive (39 percent), again when multiple answers were allowed.

By genre, more people said they watch sci-fi, action and fantasy flicks in theaters than via streaming platforms. For comedy, melodrama, romance and animated films, more people preferred to watch them on streaming platforms than in theaters.