'Salmokji' Tops Box Office for 9th Day, Nears 1 Million Viewers; 'King and Man' Ranks Second

South Korean cinema continues to captivate audiences, with the horror flick 'Salmokji' holding strong at the box office for a remarkable nine days straight. Directed by Lee Sang-min, the film, which delves into eerie events at a reservoir shrouded in ghost stories, has resonated deeply with viewers since its release on April 8th. Its steady climb to the top spot and sustained popularity, evidenced by nearly a million cumulative viewers, speaks to the enduring appeal of the horror genre in Korea.

As 'Salmokji' inches closer to the one million viewer milestone, it solidifies its position as a significant release. Meanwhile, the historical drama 'Wang-gwa Sa-nam-ja' (The King and the Man) continues its impressive run, securing the second spot with a staggering 16.48 million cumulative viewers. This achievement places it as the second highest-grossing film in Korean box office history, surpassed only by the epic 'Myeong-ryang.' The success of these diverse films highlights the dynamic and robust nature of the South Korean film industry, catering to a wide range of tastes from chilling horror to grand historical narratives.

The third most-watched film, 'Project Hail Mary,' also demonstrates the audience's appetite for compelling storytelling, drawing over 2.12 million viewers. The continued success of both domestic and international films at the Korean box office reflects a vibrant cinematic landscape. For us at Dong-A Ilbo, the strong performance of 'Salmokji' is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the local audience's appreciation for homegrown horror that taps into unique cultural anxieties and folklore, a testament to the creativity flourishing within our film industry.