'The Assassin(s)' Tops the Korean Film Box Office for 22 Consecutive Days, Ranks No. 4 Among 2026 Korean Films

〈The Assassin(s)〉, which follows an investigation into the questions and forces behind the shooting of the first lady that shocked South Korea on August 15, 1974, has ranked among the top four highest-grossing Korean films of 2026. Now in its fifth week in theaters, it continues to lead the Korean film box office, demonstrating its staying power.

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing system, 〈The Assassin(s)〉 had drawn a cumulative audience of 3,281,594 as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, October 21, and had topped the Korean film box office for 22 consecutive days. After surpassing 3 million moviegoers on Monday, October 12, just 20 days after its release, 〈The Assassin(s)〉 has climbed to No. 4 among Korean films released in 2026 by box office earnings. It has also held the top spot among Korean films in the weekly and weekend box office rankings for four consecutive weeks, continuing to build a strong run at the box office.

Meanwhile, 〈The Assassin(s)〉 is drawing attention for its artistic merit at international film festivals, following its success in South Korean theaters. After making its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, it was selected as the opening film of the 37th Singapore International Film Festival, which opens Wednesday, October 21, where it will meet local audiences. With invitations to major film festivals around the world, the film is attracting interest from audiences at home and abroad for its compelling story and tightly crafted direction.

The strong response to 〈The Assassin(s)〉 at home and abroad is matched by high satisfaction among moviegoers, further demonstrating the film’s appeal. It maintains high ratings on major movie platforms, including a 92% CGV Golden Egg Index, a 9.2 audience rating on Lotte Cinema and an 8.9 audience rating on Naver. Audiences have especially praised the tightly woven mystery and investigation, director Hur Jin-ho’s precise direction and the seamless performances of a cast known for its acting. Their positive word of mouth continues to build.

“Solid direction that keeps you engaged until the very end, and great performances from the actors throughout” (CGV, 빛*********), “The acting was so good. It was fun” (CGV, 평**********), “I liked being able to see what life was like in that era, and the acting was so good and suspenseful” (CGV, 잠*********), “Great immersion. I really enjoyed it!” (CGV, 설*), “It feels like every great actor in South Korea is in this movie” (CGV, 완**********), “Great story and acting” (Lotte Cinema, 이**), “Excellent, excellent, excellent—this is what a movie should be” (Lotte Cinema, 한**), “The actors’ performances are outstanding” (Lotte Cinema, 정**), “It’s entertaining. A terrific film” (Megabox, k***********), and “A solid story, great acting and so many familiar faces” (Megabox, h********). With praise for the film’s immersive story and the actors who bring it to life adding to the buzz, audiences are watching to see how far 〈The Assassin(s)〉 can go at the box office.