Jeon Ji-hyun's 'Gunchi' Leads Weekend Box Office, 'Wild Thing' Follows

The films 'Gunchi' and 'Wild Thing' have showcased the strength of Korean cinema by dominating the weekend box office. 'Gunchi,' marking Jeon Ji-hyun's return to the screen, continues to draw audiences as it approaches 5 million ticket sales. Meanwhile, the comedy 'Wild Thing,' starring Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun, is also performing well in its early release phase.

According to the integrated ticket sales network on June 7, 'Gunchi' attracted 281,926 viewers on June 6, maintaining its position at the top of the box office. The film's cumulative audience now stands at 4,523,309. Released on May 21, 'Gunchi' has consistently ranked among the top films since its debut and is on the verge of surpassing 5 million viewers.

'Gunchi' tells the story of survivors trapped in a building due to an unidentified infection outbreak, facing off against infected individuals who evolve in unpredictable ways. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for expanding the zombie genre with films like 'Train to Busan' and 'Peninsula,' the film features a cast that includes Jeon Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo.

Notably, 'Gunchi' marks Jeon Ji-hyun's first return to the big screen in 11 years, generating significant interest. After being invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, the film quickly gained traction in the domestic market, showcasing the strength of Yeon Sang-ho's K-zombie genre.

In second place is 'Wild Thing,' which opened on June 3 and drew 149,040 viewers on June 6, bringing its total audience to 431,987. The film started strong with over 160,000 viewers on its opening day and continues to attract audiences as the weekend approaches.

'Wild Thing' is a comedy about a once-popular mixed-gender dance group called 'Triangle' that, after being embroiled in an unexpected incident, seeks a chance at redemption 20 years later. Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun portray members of 'Triangle,' with supporting roles from Oh Jung-se and Shin Ha-kyun.

Kang Dong-won's comedic transformation, along with the performances of Um Tae-goo and Park Ji-hyun, resonates with audiences, contributing to positive reactions. 'Wild Thing' has also received high ratings from early viewers, generating buzz.

Among foreign films, 'Backroom' secured third place with 93,073 viewers, bringing its total to 731,840. 'Michael' attracted 28,968 viewers, with a cumulative total of 1,516,641.

As the first weekend of June approaches, the box office is led by two Korean films, with 'Gunchi' entering a phase of long-term success while 'Wild Thing' expands its audience base. The performance of these films raises expectations for the recovery of Korean cinema in June.

Choi Songhee

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