▲ Hongdae branch of Megabox is seen in this photo provided by the South Korean movie theater chain. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Megabox said Wednesday it will relaunch its Hongdae branch in western Seoul as a theater specializing in animation, marking the first such venue among South Korea's multiplex cinema chains.

Located in Seoul's Mapo Ward, the renovated branch will continue to screen general films but will devote a larger share of its programming to animated works than other theaters, the company said.

Megabox added that the venue is designed as a space for animation fans and will feature a permanent merchandise shop selling goods related to special screenings and popular animation franchises.

To celebrate the reopening, the theater will host a special retrospective of the "Evangelion" series through the end of this month.

The lineup includes six titles: "Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth," "The End of Evangelion," "Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone," "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance," "Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo" and "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time."

Following the "Evangelion" screenings, Megabox plans to hold special programs featuring the "Detective Conan" and "BanG Dream!" franchises.

"A special space where animation lovers can fully enjoy their passion has been reborn," a Megabox official said. "We expect it to establish itself as a multifaceted cultural venue centered on animation fandom."

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