‘The Assassin(s)’ Breaks Even, Achieving a Remarkable Box Office Milestone Amid Diverse Perspectives

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated box office database, The Assassin(s) had drawn a cumulative audience of 3,401,825 as of 7 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, surpassing its break-even point. After attracting 3 million moviegoers in just 20 days, The Assassin(s) has also ranked among the top four Korean box office hits of 2026, demonstrating its exceptional staying power. The film held the No. 1 spot at the weekly Korean box office for five consecutive weeks through its fifth week of release, sustaining a long run in theaters before reaching the significant milestone of breaking even in its sixth week.

What makes this achievement especially noteworthy is that it goes beyond a box office milestone: it reflects the film’s inherent power and audiences’ own choice to see it. Since its release, the film has prompted a range of perspectives and interpretations, as moviegoers have gone to theaters to engage with its story and share their individual impressions. By taking up the questions the film raises, considering them from their own points of view and forming their own judgments, audiences have helped this success reaffirm the value of a theater culture in which films can be freely enjoyed and evaluated.

At the heart of the film’s box office success are its strong craftsmanship and positive word of mouth. Director Hur Jin-ho’s subtle yet meticulous direction, the committed performances of Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, Lee Min-ho and the rest of the cast, and a suspenseful investigative narrative have combined to leave audiences highly satisfied. In particular, the story—built on a real-life event and shaped by cinematic imagination—draws viewers in as if they were piecing together the truth themselves, helping drive the film’s success.

The enthusiastic response at leading international film festivals has also strengthened The Assassin(s)’s momentum. After being named a runner-up for the International People’s Choice Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, the film achieved the distinction of becoming the first Korean film in 22 years to be selected as the opening film of the 37th Singapore International Film Festival. From its opening screening through its second screening, every seat sold out, demonstrating the strong interest of local audiences. A festival programmer praised The Assassin(s) as “one of the remarkable achievements of Korean cinema today,” and the film has earned recognition for its artistic merit beyond Korea. It has also been invited to the 28th Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, the 21st Paris Korean Film Festival and the 46th Hawaii International Film Festival. At the Paris Korean Film Festival, tickets sold out just three minutes after going on sale, further cementing the film’s presence on the world stage.