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| yna@yna.co.kr 2026-08-14 15:49:23
SEOUL, Aug. 14 (Yonhap) -- "Everyone around the world knows dragons, but the imugi is a creature found only in Korea. At the time, people around me asked, 'How would foreigners know what an imugi is?' But I think that very unfamiliarity is being received as something fresh."
Director Shim Hyung-rae's 2007 sci-fi fantasy film "D-War" has surged on Netflix 19 years after its theatrical release, drawing attention from overseas viewers.
In a telephone interview with Yonhap News Agency on Friday, Shim said he was "also surprised" by the film's resurgence and that foreign audiences seem to be enjoying it as a science fiction film without preconceived notions.
According to FlixPatrol, a website that tracks global online streaming rankings, "D-War" ranked sixth on Netflix's global movie chart on Aug. 10.
The film appeared in the top 10 charts of 20 countries and climbed as high as No. 2 in the movie category in major European countries, including Germany, France and Italy.
"I've been saying for decades that we should make films in English using our own content, but it was difficult at the time and I received a lot of criticism," Shim said. "Seeing what's happening now makes me think my judgment back then wasn't wrong."
Based on Korean folklore featuring the imugi, a mythical serpent-like creature, and the yeouiju, a magical jewel, "D-War" depicts a battle between monsters against the backdrop of Los Angeles.
The film drew 7.85 million moviegoers in South Korea when it was released, but received mixed reviews over its quality, direction and computer-generated imagery.
"At the time, I was heavily criticized for putting 'Arirang' in the ending scene, with people calling it patriotic marketing," Shim said. "Now that global interest in K-content has grown, people's views of our unique cultural material and 'Arirang' seem to have changed significantly."
He also mentioned BTS recently singing "Arirang" together with audiences at overseas performances.
"People criticized me 19 years ago for putting 'Arirang' in 'D-War,' but now audiences around the world sing it together and cheer," Shim said. "That's how much perceptions of Korean culture have changed."
Shim also said preparations for the sequel, "D-War 2," are well underway.
The first film ended 19 years ago with the imugi becoming a dragon and ascending to heaven, while "D-War 2" will tell the story that follows.
Shim said the screenplay and investment arrangements have been completed and casting is currently underway. He aims to hold a production presentation for "D-War 2" at the end of this year and begin filming early next year.
"About 80 percent of the film will be shot in the United States, with filming also planned in South Korea, Europe and China, for a total of four countries," he said. "Compared with the first film, the technology and scale will be completely different."
"There were many things we couldn't portray in the first film because of technological limitations, but now we can create them with a level of precision and detail that is incomparable to what was possible then," he said, adding that the sequel will also contain many comedic elements.
His first choice for the cast is Hollywood star Jack Black.
"I heard from the producer that Jack Black is very interested in taking part," Shim said. "He is currently my No. 1 choice for the casting."
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