1998 to 2007 was an era of breakthroughs in inter-Korean relations, and this was reflected at the South Korean box office.

Mount Geumgang tourism launched in 1998. The historic first inter-Korean summit happened and family reunions resumed. Products made in North Korea began to appear in local markets in South Korea. Top artists from the two Koreas appeared hand-in-hand in an advertisement.

Films from this period reflected this atmosphere. Four of the most successful films during this era – Shiri, Joint Security Area, Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War and Welcome to Dongmakgolshow South Koreans’ widely shared hope