Seoul-based cinema technology pioneer CJ 4DPLEX has elevated company veteran Jun Bang as its new CEO. The announcement, made Wednesday, highlights Bang’s contributions to the company’s ongoing success in revolutionizing the cinematic experience in South Korea and beyond.
Bang, who joined CJ 4DPLEX in 2018, most recently served as COO of content and marketing, where he oversaw original content investments, theatrical distribution, and global marketing operations. He was instrumental in building the company’s alternative content business, producing and distributing nearly 20 original films annually, including concert films from K-pop stars and major U.S. acts, like Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres, as well as other live theatrical broadcasts of top-billed events like the Korean Baseball Organization’s playoff series, shown in the immersive ScreenX format.
Before leading the content division at CJ 4DPLEX, he was a senior director of content business innovation, overseeing investment and distribution strategies as well as ScreenX and 4DX studio operations. He was also instrumental in building the ScreenX VFX Production Studio, which houses nearly 100 visual artists and has allowed the ScreenX format to significantly increase its content slate to encompass major Hollywood blockbusters as well as local tentpole projects from Japan and Korea.
“Transitioning into the role of CEO at CJ 4DPLEX, I am excited to lead the company in its next phase during a pivotal moment in cinematic entertainment,” said Bang. “With all the recent momentum our theaters have gained, we will aggressively expand all facets of our operation as more moviegoers seek out 4DX and ScreenX experiences worldwide.”
CJ 4DPLEX operates two innovative cinema technologies that have attempted to redefine the theatrical experience. The 4DX format offers a multisensory experience through motion-based seating synchronized with effects like wind, water, scents, and vibrations, creating an immersive connection to on-screen action. There are over 800 4DX theaters across 70 countries. The ScreenX format expands select sequences of a film onto the left and right walls of the auditorium, creating a 270-degree panoramic experience. With over 420 ScreenX theaters in 40 countries, the technology provides a virtual reality-like experience with cinema-quality resolution.
CJ 4DPLEX is a subsidiary of CJ CGV and a part of the larger CJ Group, which includes entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM.
Bang’s appointment was hailed by Don Savant, CEO and president of CJ 4DPLEX America. “Jun’s leadership in developing alternative content and expanding our VFX capabilities has been a game changer for the cinema industry, which is fighting to differentiate itself from home and streaming platforms,” Savant said in a statement.