Choir of God
| Choir of God | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Hangul | 신의악단 |
| RR | Sinuiakdan |
| MR | Sinŭiaktan |
| Directed by | Kim Hyung-hyup |
| Written by | Kim Hwang-seok |
| Produced by | Kim Do-yeon |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Park Min-woo |
| Music by |
|
Production company | Studio Target |
| Distributed by | CJ CGV |
Release date |
|
Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Box office | US$9.1 million[1] |
Choir of God (Korean: 신의악단) is a 2025 South Korean musical drama film directed by Kim Hyung-hyup. Based on a true story, it features an ensemble cast led by Park Si-hoo and Jeong Jin-woon. Distributed by CJ CGV, the film was released in South Korea on December 31, 2025.[2]
Synopsis
With its financial lifelines cut off by international sanctions, North Korea seeks to secure foreign aid by agreeing to stage a religious revival. Under orders from the ruling party, the Ministry of State Security is tasked with creating North Korea's first-ever fake propaganda praise troupe.
Cast
- Park Si-hoo as Park Kyo-sun
- Jeong Jin-woon as Captain Kim
- Tae Hang-ho as Kim Seong-cheol
- Go Hye-jin as Lee Soo-rim
- Nam Tae-hoon as Kim Chang-soo
- Choi Seon-ja as Yang Seon-ja
- Moon Kyung-min as Oh Cheol-ho
- Shin Han-gyeol as Lee Jung-hee
- Seo Dong-won as Bae Guk-seong
- Kang Seung-wan as Choi Jeong-cheol
- Yoon Je-moon as Director of the 5th Department
- Gi Ju-bong as standing committee member
Production
Development
The screenplay is based on a draft by Kim Hwang-sung, with later adaptations incorporating input from a North Korean defector to ensure linguistic and cultural accuracy. The narrative draws partial inspiration from the construction of Chilgol Church in Pyongyang and historical religious exchanges in North Korea during the 1990s.[3]
Filming
Filming took place in Mongolia over approximately six weeks beginning in February 2024, under extreme winter conditions.[3]
Release
The film was released theatrically on December 31, 2025, on 496 screens.[4][5]
Reception
Following its release on December 31, Choir of God recorded a 41.2% seat occupancy rate on January 1, ranking first among Korean films for the day.[6] The film surpassed 1.15 million admissions following its release, achieving sustained box office growth driven by word-of-mouth and group screenings. After initially debuting outside the top ranks, the film later reached number one at the Korean box office in early February.[3]
References
- ^ "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) The Box office: Korean films of 2026". KOFIC. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
- ^ Kang Seo-jeong (December 22, 2025). "보위부 장교 박시후vs감시자 정진운에 오합지졸 악단원 10인 만남('신의 악단')" [The encounter between Park Si-hoo, a security officer, and Jung Jin-woon, a watcher, and ten members of a ragtag band ('God's Orchestra')]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ a b c Gim Han-soo (February 13, 2026). "Christian Film 'Choir of God' Surges Past 1.15 Million Viewers". Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ Choi Lee-jung (December 30, 2025). "'Choir of God' Depicts North Korean Officers' Musical Redemption". Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ "Daily Box Office". KOBIS (in Korean). Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ Kang Seo-jung (January 2, 2026). "Choir of God Tops Korean Films, Surpasses Hollywood Blockbusters". Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved February 18, 2026.