‘Dragon Wars: D-War’ surges on Netflix 19 years later... Shim Hyung-rae says, "D-War 2 is coming"

[Financial News] As the 19-year-old film 'Dragon Wars: D-War' draws fresh attention on Netflix, director Shim Hyung-rae has announced that production of the sequel, 'D-War 2,' has been completed.
Shim Hyung-rae said on the 18th on the YouTube channel 'Younggu TV' that he was pleased to see 'Dragon Wars: D-War' regain attention after its release on Netflix. He added that he has finished making 'D-War 2' and is pushing for a worldwide simultaneous release through a global major distributor.
'Dragon Wars: D-War' is a sci-fi monster film released in 2007, directed, written and produced by Shim Hyung-rae. The big-budget blockbuster, based on the Korean legend of the imugi, was a box-office hit in South Korea, but critics and audiences were sharply divided over its quality.
The once-controversial 'Dragon Wars: D-War' has now met overseas viewers again through Netflix, 19 years later.
Since its recent Netflix release, 'Dragon Wars: D-War' has climbed as high as No. 2 on film charts in major European countries, including France, Germany and Italy. It also ranked near the top of global movie charts, drawing belated attention.
In response to congratulatory messages from people around him, Shim Hyung-rae said, "Thank you for sending congratulatory texts," before bringing up plans for the sequel.
He said, "D-War 2 will be released in two years. Please give it a lot of love." He added, "Production of D-War 2 is already complete. A game will also be released alongside it."

He also said the distribution plan will differ from the first film. Shim Hyung-rae emphasized, "This time, it will be distributed by a global major company, not a Korean distributor," adding, "I cannot say which company it is, but it will be released worldwide at the same time."

Shim Hyung-rae also revisited the controversy over so-called patriotic marketing that surfaced when 'Dragon Wars: D-War' was released 19 years ago. He recalled criticism at the time, when he included Arirang in the film's ending, and said, "If BTS does Arirang, people cheer. If I do it, I get slammed."
He added that the recent overseas reaction made him think differently. "Looking back now, foreign audiences liked Arirang. I feel relieved," he said.

Online reactions continued to pour in over the film's resurgence and the sequel news. Netizens commented, "The reviews were so divided back then, it's surprising," and "I'm most curious about which global major distributor it is."

[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter