Actors like Jang Dong-gun think the move spells doom for Korea's booming movie industry. "Some are saying that as long as you make a good enough film to compete with Hollywood, the reduction of the screen quota will not affect the number of Koreans watching domestic films,” Jang said. “But there is more to it than just making a competitive film. In reality, a cut in the quota means theaters are likely to turn their backs on Korean films."

Many in the industry fear a reduction will lead to the disappearance of Korean films from the theaters before audiences get a chance to watch them. Jang is the third actor to stage a one-man protest following Ahn Sung-ki and Park Choong-hoon's protests over the weekend.

Jang meant to protest in downtown Seoul but had to leave after a crowd of 2,000 people gathered to get a glimpse of the actor.

“I am here to present our side of the story,” Jang said. “Then Korean moviegoers can make their own decisions. I'm here to provide them with accurate information so that Koreans can better understand how a quota cut will affect the Korean film industry. If I get a chance, I hope to participate in demonstrations like this in the future."

The Korean film industry is enjoying a stable market share at the moment, taking up more than 50 percent of the movie market for the past three years. But the local film industry is concerned that could soon change and plans to keep publicizing its position through top stars.

Industry watchers say the one-man demonstrations will certainly draw public attention, but the unprecedented action will be unlikely to bridge the gap between the Korean government and the film industry.

Arirang News