'Kokuh' Takes the Top Spot! Sets Record for All-Time Live-Action Film in Japan

〈Kokuh〉 has demonstrated its power by reclaiming the number one spot in the all-time box office rankings in Japan.

Directed by Lee Sang-il, 〈Kokuh〉 tells the life story of Kikuo, who was born as the son of a yakuza but rose to fame as an onnagata (a male actor who plays female roles in kabuki, where women are prohibited). It premiered in Japan on June 6 and is set to meet audiences in Korea on November 19.

Since its release in June, 〈Kokuh〉 has been breaking numerous records and achieving box office success locally. It is not only Lee Sang-il's highest-grossing film but also the first film directed by a Korean director in Japan to surpass 10 million viewers. Continuing this momentum, on November 27, it achieved a revenue of 17.37 billion yen, finally claiming the title of the highest-grossing live-action film in Japan's history. The previous holder of this title, 〈Bayside Shakedown 2: Save the Rainbow Bridge〉, held the position for 22 years with a revenue of 17.35 billion yen.

Currently, 〈Kokuh〉 has attracted 81,271 viewers in Korea within 8 days of its release, maintaining the number one spot in the independent and art film box office.