Alien: Romulus reigns supreme in South Korea’s box office
A quiet weekend signals the end of summer
In a weekend that may mark the end of the bustling summer season, Alien: Romulus continued its dominance at the South Korean box office. The horror-action franchise film raked in $2.70 million from Friday to Sunday, according to data from Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic). After 12 days in theaters, the film has amassed a cumulative total of $9.81 million.
Interestingly, the film’s weekend performance saw only a modest 24% decline compared to its opening weekend. Its share of the weekend market remained steady at 28%, indicating a strong hold on audience interest. This consistency suggests that the overall market is trending downwards, with a 23% drop, marking the first weekend in ten weeks where the aggregate box office fell below $10 million. This decline could be a sign that the vibrant summer season, often dominated by horror titles, is coming to an end.
Upcoming local titles and holiday anticipation
Big local titles are on the horizon, targeting the Chuseok holiday audiences in mid and late September. One such anticipated release is the sequel to Veteran, titled I, The Executioner. These films are expected to rejuvenate the box office and bring in significant numbers.
Comedy and horror continue to draw crowds
The comedy hit Pilot maintained its second-place position over the latest weekend, earning $1.55 million in its fourth weekend. This brings its cumulative total to an impressive $29.8 million, making it the fourth highest-grossing film of the year. The film’s enduring popularity highlights the audience’s appetite for light-hearted entertainment amidst a season dominated by horror and action.
Meanwhile, the Korean-produced horror-thriller Spring Garden emerged as the highest-ranked new release, earning $1.13 million over the weekend and $1.52 million over its full five-day opening run. This new entry indicates that horror still has a strong pull, even as the summer season winds down.
Family-friendly animations and political thrillers
Korean animation Heartsping: Teenieping of Love earned $649,000 in its third weekend, bringing its total to $5.41 million since its release on August 7. This family-oriented spin-off from a three-season TV series produced by SAMG Entertainment continues to attract younger audiences and families.
On the other hand, the political thriller Land of Happiness earned $608,000 in its second weekend, bringing its total to $4.34 million. The film delves into Korea’s political turmoil in the late 1970s, offering a gripping narrative that resonates with audiences interested in historical and political dramas.
New releases and their performance
Twisters, which released in Korea on August 14, dropped to fifth place with $729,000 over the weekend. After 12 days, it has accumulated $3.41 million. The film’s performance suggests a steady, albeit not spectacular, interest from the audience.
Victory, a drama about cheerleading, earned $392,000 in its second weekend, bringing its cumulative total to $2.06 million. Despite its unique premise, the film seems to be struggling to maintain momentum.
The newly-released comedy-action film The Desperate Chase earned $313,000 over the weekend and $558,000 over its five-day opening run. Its performance indicates a lukewarm reception from the audience.
International entries and their impact
Japanese animation Blue Lock: Episode Nagi opened with $148,000 between Friday and Sunday, securing ninth place. Over its five-day sequence, it managed $273,000. This modest performance highlights the challenges international films face in capturing the South Korean market.
Despicable Me 4 earned $132,000 in its fifth weekend, bringing its cumulative total to $10.6 million. Despite sliding down the rankings, the film’s enduring popularity underscores the universal appeal of the Despicable Me franchise.
Year-to-date box office performance
As of now, the nation’s year-to-date running box office total amounts to KRW827 billion or $627 million. This is a slight decline compared to KRW890 million for the full first eight months of 2023. The numbers reflect a challenging year for the South Korean box office, with fluctuating audience interest and the impact of global events.
while Alien: Romulus continues to dominate, the South Korean box office is experiencing a transitional phase. With the end of the summer season and the anticipation of upcoming local titles, the landscape is set for an interesting shift in the coming weeks. For cinema enthusiasts, this period offers a mix of genres and narratives, from horror and comedy to political thrillers and family animations, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
For more details on the mentioned movies, you can check out their trailers and information pages: