Does Korea have it’s own Brokeback Mountain? Some people in the gay community think so:

Just as “Brokeback Mountain” has become a pop-culture phenomenon in the United States, a gay-themed movie has racked up big box-office in South Korea.

“King and the Clown” – about a delicately effeminate male clown caught between the affections of a despotic king and a fellow performer – has sold more than 11 million tickets through Sunday since its Dec. 29 premiere, making it the third-most popular film ever in this conservative country.

Even President Roh Moo-hyun has seen it. (By contrast, President Bush said last month he’d yet to see the cowboy romance favored to win the best-picture Oscar.)

The surprise hit is about a troupe of entertainers condemned to die for an act mocking 16th-century King Yonsan, but who beg to be pardoned if they can make the king laugh with their racy skit lampooning him and his favorite concubine. The clowns succeed and become court jesters.

Kong-gil, the gentle-faced male clown who portrays the woman in the skit, draws the king’s attention – staging private puppet shows to Yonsan’s delight but evoking the jealousy of clown leader Jang-saeng, who has always protected his friend from other men’s amorous advances.

The gay story line is muted. The king and Kong-gil share one quick on-screen kiss.

The movie is based on a fictional play that was inspired by a brief mention in the king’s diary about his favorite clown.

I think it is a mistake to compare The King and the Clown to Brokeback Mountain because Brokeback was filmed to push a Hollywood agenda advocating homosexuality thus the hype for the movie. Who talks about Brokeback Mountain without mentioning homosexuality and pup tent scenes?

The King and the Clown on the other hand is drawing huge audiences due to the focus on a great storyline and fine acting not homosexuality.

Would love to hear opinions of those who have seen both movies.