The island's first movie theater is scheduled for demolition. The owner of the building has stopped negotiating with Jeju City and chosen to destroy the old structure. Mike Balfour reports.

Silent movies were screened at the old theater.

The (현대) Hyundae Theater in the old downtown area was the island's first movie venue. It was built in 1944.

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Hyundae Theater opened in 1944

The theater was a breath of fresh air to islanders who were yearning for art in the 1940s.

It was also used for traveling troupes and assemblies of islanders. Audiences laughed and cried.

INTERVIEW
Kim Seong-du / Yongdam-dong resident
I sneaked into the theater through the restroom because I didn't have money.
<인터뷰 : 김성두 / 용담동>
"화장실로 돈 없어서 몰래 들어가서 도둑 구경했었는데."

INTERVIEW
Lee Sun-bok / Samdo-dong resident
I used to watch movies there even before I got married. With my family.
<인터뷰 : 이순복 / 삼도동>
"내가 결혼도 하기 전에 봤지. 집에 식구들하고."

INTERVIEW
Gang Gyeong-ho / Samdo-dong resident
I used to go to the theater when I was a teenager. It was the most popular place in Jeju.
<인터뷰 : 강경호 / 삼도동>
"중학교 때 고등학교 때 다녔으니까 처음이죠 여기가 제주도에서 최고 유명한 곳이였어요."

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Closed in 1987 due to financial difficulties

The theater has been neglected since it was closed in 1987 due to financial difficulties.

Some argue that the old building should be preserved.

But it is about to be removed.

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Negotiations between Jeju City and building owner fail

Jeju City had planned to purchase the building to transform it into a new place for art.

However, the three year long negotiations between the city and the building owner have failed.

[slug]
Owner notifies authorities that building will be demolished

On December 7, the owner notified authorities that the old building would be torn down.

The building is currently surrounded by temporary walls and is expected to be demolished by the end of January next year.

Recording
Jeju City representative
The construction division has been notified of the demolition, but we're still talking with the owner about restarting negotiations.
<싱크 : 제주시 관계자>
"최근에 건축과에 철거 신고를 해서 처리됐고, 다시 한 번 건축주와 (협상을 위해) 연락은 하고 있는 중입니다."

[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Hyeon Gwang-hoon

A space that comforted and entertained islanders in the past is going to fade into the mists of history.

Mike Balfour, KCTV