South Korean film production companies have been protected for half a century by policies enacted to protect an infant industry. But beginning in July 2006, the days that local films must be shown by any movie house was reduced to 73 from 146. South Korean film celebrities and the industry fought the changes even though local films commanded half the box office. Why would a country enact special protection for the local film industry? Who would be the major competitor threatening the South Korean film industry? If films made by the local industry must be shown at least 146 days a year, does the local industries have much incentive to develop good films and be competitive with the rest of the world?