Watching movies alone is becoming a new trend. Courtesy of CGV
As solo activities like dining alone, drinking alone and even going on solo vacations gain popularity, a new trend has emerged in the film industry: watching movies alone. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly common, with more moviegoers opting to enjoy films by themselves.
According to CGV, one of South Korea's largest cinema chains, the percentage of single-person viewings reached about 25 percent during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, influenced by social distancing measures.
Post-pandemic, the trend persisted, with single-person audience percentages recorded at 17 percent in 2022, 19 percent in 2023, and a slight rise to 21 percent as of Sept. 18, 2024. Similarly, Lotte Cinema reported a 1 percent year-on-year increase in single-person ticket sales from January to August 2024.
Celebrities have also embraced this trend, sharing their solo movie experiences with fans. Kang Min-kyung of the musical duo Davichi, for example, showcased her solo movie outing on her YouTube channel.
Solo moviegoers, with their growing numbers, have become a key audience segment for cinemas.
Why is solo movie watching rising?
Traditionally, movie theaters were viewed as places to spend time with partners or friends. However, the presence of solo moviegoers has become increasingly prominent.
Kim Heon-sik, a popular culture critic, attributes this shift primarily to changing social and cultural perceptions. He explained that while solitary moviegoers were once seen as lacking social skills, such stigmas have largely faded.
Another factor driving this trend is the changing media environment. With the rise of smartphones and streaming platforms, more people are accustomed to consuming content alone, leading to a natural extension of this behavior in movie theaters.
Additionally, as movie tastes become more niche, many viewers prefer to watch films that cater to specific interests, such as concert films or queer cinema, without coordinating with others.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a significant role in normalizing solo movie outings. Concerns over infection led some movie enthusiasts to opt for solo visits to theaters, where they could immerse themselves deeply in the film without the distraction of others.
The flexibility to watch a movie at one's convenience further enhances the appeal of solo viewing. As a result, solo movie watching has firmly established itself as part of theater culture.
Link with repeat viewings
Kim also pointed out the connection between the rise of solo movie watching and the increasing trend of repeat viewings.
He said, "Repeat viewings have become a cultural phenomenon in theaters. People often watch a movie alone first and then return with friends for a second viewing, or vice versa. Some prefer to watch a film alone to delve deeper into the experience or enjoy a different screening format, such as an IMAX or 4DX version, on their own."
The solo moviegoer has become a crucial demographic for cinemas. This is reflected in the offerings of major theater chains like CGV, Megabox and Lotte Cinema, which have introduced combo menus tailored for single-person audiences.
Theaters are expected to continue their efforts to attract and accommodate this growing group of movie enthusiasts.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.