Regency Theatres CEO Lyndon Golin on the new Regency Koreatown
A new movie theater has opened in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, replacing the former CGV and signaling a fresh chapter for the neighborhood’s cinema scene.
Regency Theatres officially opened Regency Koreatown last November at the Madang Mall (621 S. Western Ave.), taking over the space once occupied by CGV. The company says the move is aimed at strengthening ties with the Korean American community while reimagining the theater as a more accessible, community-oriented cultural hub.
In an interview, Regency Theatres CEO Lyndon Golin said the idea for the Koreatown location was inspired by the company’s experience in Orange County.
“After acquiring CGV Buena Park last spring, we were able to truly feel the passion and enthusiasm Korean audiences have for film,” Golin said. “That experience convinced us that the Koreatown location could reach an even broader audience and breathe new life into a space that has long been beloved by the Korean community.”
Golin emphasized that movie theaters should serve as more than just places to watch films.
“A theater’s mission is to become a convenience and a source of enjoyment for the community,” he said. “We want this to be a place where friends and neighbors naturally gather.”
To that end, Regency Koreatown has introduced discounted pricing, including its weekly $7.50 Tuesday tickets, and has lowered concession prices. The interior and screening environment have been renovated, and the theater plans to expand its food and beverage offerings next year to include beer, soju, and light meals. An immersive ScreenX viewing experience is also expected to be added soon.
Golin noted that the company is actively looking for ways to engage with the local community and explore partnerships. “We’re especially interested in working with long-standing institutions in Koreatown and finding new channels for communication,” he said.
Looking ahead, Golin said Regency Koreatown aims to embrace the global appeal of K-culture.
“We want this to become a must-visit destination where audiences can enjoy Korean films, Hollywood blockbusters with Korean subtitles, K-pop events, and a wide range of Korean content,” he said.
The theater is currently screening Korean director Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice as well as James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, reflecting its goal of bridging Korean and mainstream cinema under one roof.
