Lee Cheol-ha turns OTT rescue into his six-year Okay Madam 2 dream
At a Seoul press event, Lee Cheol-ha says OTT revenue helped revive Okay Madam 2 after COVID-era cancellations hurt the original film.
"Six years ago, it was heartbreaking to see reservations canceled due to COVID-19"
Director Lee Cheol-ha shared his thoughts on the sequel returning after six years for the film 'Okay Madam 2.' On the morning of the 13th, Lee attended a production press conference held at CGV Yongsan IPARK Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where he spoke about the pain of the previous film and the motivation behind producing the sequel.
Lee recalled the period in August 2020 when his previous film, 'Okay Madam,' was released. He explained that following the release on August 12, the rapid spread of COVID-19 starting from the 15th led to the ordeal of consecutive ticket cancellations. "I heard the news (of the cancellations) while we were in the middle of doing stage greetings," Lee said, describing the situation. "Because it was a work we poured so much effort into, the original members were so heartbroken that I didn't even know how to bring it up."
OTT secondary rights revenue enables a return after 6 years
What turned the desperate situation around was the interest from audiences through OTT platforms. Even when theater attendance became difficult, the number of viewers seeking the film through OTT increased, generating secondary rights revenue, which became the driving force for producing the sequel.
"Fortunately, after it was released on OTT, the secondary rights revenue was quite substantial," Lee said with a smile. "Thanks to that, I was able to fulfill my dream of making a second installment with the original actors after six years." He added, "Making a second film was my wish, but it took six years. That is why being here today is so thrilling and meaningful."
Original members Uhm Jung-hwa and Park Sung-woong joined by Park Jin-joo and Choi Sooyoung
'Okay Madam 2,' scheduled for release on August 12, is a comic action film about the family of former agent Mi-young (played by Uhm Jung-hwa), who gets caught up in a cruise hijacking incident during a luxury cruise trip.
The cast features the main stars from the previous film—Uhm Jung-hwa, Park Sung-woong, Lee Sang Yoon, and Bae Jung-nam—who return to anchor the story. Additionally, Park Jin-joo, Ryeoun, and Choi Sooyoung join the lineup, promising a synergy of seven distinct characters. Director Lee Cheol-ha, along with Uhm Jung-hwa, Park Sung-woong, Lee Sang Yoon, Bae Jung-nam, Park Jin-joo, Ryeoun, and Choi Sooyoung, all attended the press conference and participated in a group photo session.
