Release Story of "Green Days"

Release Story of "Green Days“ Released on June 23, 2011, Green Days is a film created by Korean animators who devoted 11 years to carefully drawing each frame by hand in pencil. Upon its initial screening at Busan’s art-house cinema, programmer Jung Jin‑ah praised it emotionally, saying, “Finally, I’ve felt the tactile pleasure of Korean animation.” The film narrates a journey toward embracing life, and through its distinctive characters and backgrounds, it left a unique impression on Korean animation—drawing anticipation long before release. While it opened in over 100 theaters nationwide, the release coincided with an unprecedented issue of screen monopoly in the Korean film industry. Production, distribution, and exhibition were monopolized by a single corporation—a structure that continues to affect the industry today. (By contrast, the U.S. had enacted the “Paramount Decree,” repealed in 2020, to prevent such monopolies.) One major commercial release seized more than 98% of screens, and Green Days, a rare domestic theatrical animation from an independent creator, suddenly saw its theater count shrink to one-tenth within just 2–3 days—before audiences even had a chance to discover it. Despite help from concerned filmmakers, cultural advocates, and government mediation, the situation remained unchanged, bearing down on the film's theatrical run. As the release neared its end, something miraculous began to happen. In Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, citizens organized a group called “So‑Sa‑Chun” (Chuncheon Citizens Who Love Green Days) and campaigned for a re-release. One by one, screenings reopened nationwide following viewer requests. Even then, it seemed like the journey of "Green Days" might quietly end. That’s when art-house programmers from across the country stepped in—choosing the film for their curated programs. Despite the unfamiliarity of Korean animation, the effort required to locate screenings, and the lack of precedent for Korean animation being selected at art theaters, the desire to see more of the “Korean scenery” and “stories of life in Korea” found in Green Days led to continued viewership. Audiences kept coming, and eventually, the film’s performance in art-house cinemas surpassed its numbers in multiplexes. In gratitude, director Ahn Jae-huun personally visited over 80 cinema screenings across the country, engaging directly with audiences to share and discuss the film’s themes. He sketched portraits of individual viewers, creating eye‑to‑eye connections, and turned some encounters into counseling sessions or heartfelt conversations. Meanwhile, bloggers and café curators interpreted the animation’s story, philosophy, and emotional resonance—reviving it through their own analytical voices and unique expressions. Since then, there have been special screenings at schools and community venues—many of which are not reflected in official audience counts—and these screenings continue more than 10 years after its release. This entire story—from June 23, 2011, to today—is the legacy of Green Days. It is hoped that the stories of those who knew nothing but drawing will offer encouragement to those who dream, serving as a reminder that “it’s not over until it’s over. ”This history, made possible by audiences, has become a source of strength for filmmakers as well. May the experience of audiences who supported and revived this film serve as a precedent—demonstrating that theaters can evolve and endure through the power of their viewers. Green Days didn’t reach its numeric box-office targets. But rather than numbers, it earned a place in history. To this day, original audience members return as guests, and new viewers revisit it at turning points in their lives.