Music Occupies Chungmuro Productions

It is now music that Chungmuro, Korea's "Hollywood", is taking up as the new trend in subject matter after it previously sought after the "gangster" film theme. The latest trend began with "Radio Star", which deals with the friendship between a singer who was once popular but since lost his past glory, and his manager.

The film did better than some blockbusters by drawing some 2 million viewers when it was released during the Korean Thanksgiving holidays. Ahn Seong-gi and Park Joong-hoon, who played the leading roles, won the best actor awards at the Blue Dragon Awards.

Then came "200 Pounds Beauty", which deals with an obese singer who goes thorough a drastic makeover to become a successful singer. Released late last year, the film drew 6.61 million total viewers before ending its showing recently.

Now in theaters is "Highway Star". Produced by comedian Lee Kyung-kyu, the film is seeing increasing popularity, recently exceeding the 1-million mark in viewership.

Songs used in those movies have also become hits, contributing to generating profits. They include "Rain and You" in "Radio Star", "Star", "Maria" and " Beautiful Girl" in "200 Pounds Beauty", and "Two-lane Bridge" in "Highway Star".

In addition, two films about music will begin shooting soon. "Life is Wonderful" and "Bravo My Life - 2007" deal with middle-aged men who form a rock band to reenergize their worn-out lives.