[Box Office] 'Assassins' surpasses 2.41 million viewers, tops holiday weekend despite boycott

Box-office strength breaks through 'historical distortion' attacks as ideological conflict intensifies

Director Hur Jin-ho's 'Assassins' completely dominated South Korea's theaters over the National Foundation Day holiday weekend despite fierce political controversy. According to data from the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system released Oct. 6, the film drew more than 590,000 viewers from Oct. 2 through 5, firmly holding the No. 1 spot at the 'box office' by a wide margin. Since its release on Sept. 23, the film has attracted more than 2.412 million viewers.

The film, which depicts the Aug. 15, 1974, shooting of Yuk Young-soo, faced fierce criticism from conservatives over 'historical distortion' immediately after its release. The controversy spilled over onto lead actor 'Yoo Hae-jin'. Calls to replace him as an advertising model and product boycotts spread, and on Oct. 4, a conservative group held a protest rally outside his home in an unprecedented escalation.

In response to the attacks, which crossed the line, his agency and the government moved swiftly. His agency warned, "We will respond forcefully to violations of privacy and threats to his personal safety." Choi Hwi-young, the culture, sports and tourism minister, also said on social media that "threats to the personal safety of creators are acts that destroy democracy" and pledged strict enforcement of the law. The Film Industry Alliance likewise issued a statement calling for an end to pressure that suppresses 'freedom of expression.'

Meanwhile, the No. 2 film at the box office was the Japanese animated feature 'Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island,' which drew more than 536,000 viewers. The film has built a strong fan base under the nickname 'Munjakwi', short for "something small and cute," and is generating a box-office sensation with 736,000 viewers to date. Director Choi Dong-hoon's 'Tazza: Song of Beelzebub' followed in third place with more than 395,000 viewers.

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' which continues its long theatrical run, surpassed 12 million viewers as of the previous day, securing fifth place among the highest-grossing foreign films of all time after overtaking 'Exhuma' and 'Train to Busan.' 'Revival Man: The Red,' an action film based on a webtoon and starring Koo Kyo-hwan, ranked fifth after drawing more than 151,000 viewers.

In advance-booking figures as of 9 a.m. that day, 'Chiikawa the Movie' led with a 26.5% share, representing more than 62,000 tickets, followed by 'The Odyssey' at 17.0% and 'Assassins' at 15.4%. 'Look Back,' the latest film from director Hirokazu Kore-eda, ranked fourth with an 8.4% advance-booking share ahead of its release on Oct. 8, emerging as a new dark horse.