Malaysia Collaborate with South Korea on Film Production
The first joint feature film production between the Malaysia and South Korea entitled The Lord Musang King was unveiled at a press conference on 5th August 2022 and supported by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry (K-KOMM). The film is set to release on June 2023 and its production cost around RM2.5 million and features an extensive cast and crew from both countries.
K-KOMM’s deputy minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin said this was also to ensure that local films could enter the international arena in line with the Road To Oscars initiative and hopes that more local producers will collaborate with the foreign film industry to improve the quality of Malaysia’s creative industry.
Datuk Zahidi said “Today, we are very grateful to Hundred Years Popcorn Production for collaborating with Korea in the production of the movie The Lord Musang King. At the ministry level, we support this move and hope the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) will help as much as possible.”
Datuk Zahidi explained the collaboration can promote Malaysian tourism by highlighting exciting locations in the country and the Musang King durians with the help of the famous Korean entertainment industry which give great advantage to the film.
“Many Malaysians have been obsessed with Korean entertainment for the longest time. By introducing the mix of Korean and Malaysian culture to the world through The Lord Musang King film, I believe that it will spark interest in our local content and culture internationally and thus create a global demand for Malaysian content,” he said.
Co-executive producer Ong indicated that he and director Lee got inspiration of the film after they ate durians in Klang Valley. “Malaysians love K-Dramas,” says Lee, “and I strongly believe now is the right time for a joint Malaysian and Korean adventure, centred around Malaysia’s most popular ‘ambassador’ the durian.”
The plot of The Lord Musang King revolves around the son of a successful durian farmer who becomes framed for a crime he did not commit. His father then try to compromise with a South Korean businessman, in exchange for help in freeing Haikal, but ends up killed before the deal is fulfilled. The film follows the fruit farmer’s son as he attempts to bring justice on his father’s behalf.