The release date for the upcoming film "Emergency Declaration" has been postponed due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, according to its distributor Showbox on Wednesday.

The film, directed by Han Jae-rim and starring actors Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Nam-gil and Yim Si-wan, was originally scheduled to hit local theaters in January 2022.

"As Covid-19 is rapidly spreading and many industries are strengthening their pandemic measures, we considered these difficulties and postponed the opening date of 'Emergency Declaration,'" said Showbox.

The new release date has not been disclosed. Showbox added that "Emergency Declaration" will hit theaters when "it becomes easier for moviegoers to visit cinemas."

The plot of "Emergency Declaration" centers around a plane struggling to make an emergency landing after a detective receives a tip that a potential terrorism suspect has boarded the plane.

In July, the film was invited to be screened out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]