[Korean Box Office] Park Chan-wook's New Film 'NO OTHER CHOICE' Tops Box Office on Opening Day

Park Chan-wook's new film 〈NO OTHER CHOICE〉 has shown overwhelming audience mobilization from the first day of its release, reaching the top of the box office.

According to the integrated ticket sales network on the 25th, 〈NO OTHER CHOICE〉 attracted over 331,000 viewers the previous day, recording a revenue share of 61.3%, securing the number one spot in the daily box office.

This work is based on Donald Westlake's novel 「The Ax」. It tells the story of a laid-off man, Man-soo (played by Lee Byung-hun), who seeks to eliminate competitors to re-enter the job market. It was also invited to compete at the 82nd Venice Film Festival this year, gaining international attention.

The film has garnered high interest even before its release, as it is Park Chan-wook's first new work in three years and features top-tier actors such as Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Lee Sung-min, and Yeom Hye-ran.

The actual audience reactions have shown somewhat mixed patterns. It recorded 84% on the CGV Egg Index, receiving generally positive reviews, but there are contrasting opinions in detail. While the performances of the actors and the mise-en-scène have received praise, some viewers express disappointment regarding the development in the latter part of the story and the formation of empathy for the protagonist.

For the time being, the box office outlook is bright. As of 8 AM on the 25th, 〈NO OTHER CHOICE〉 recorded a reservation rate of 42.3%, securing over 216,000 reserved viewers.

The Japanese animated film 〈Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc〉 released on the same day attracted over 108,000 viewers, starting in second place. Based on the manga of the same name by Fujimoto Tatsuki, this work depicts the meeting of a boy, Denji, and a girl, Reze, who has made a contract with the chainsaw devil, Pochita.