According to the integrated ticket sales network on June 8, 'Gunchi' attracted 603,876 viewers from June 5 to 7, maintaining its position as the weekend box office leader. The film's cumulative audience stands at 4,727,528, just shy of the 5 million mark.
'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 '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.
The film garnered significant international attention even before its release. 'Gunchi' was invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it first connected with global audiences. Following its Cannes debut, the film has quickly drawn viewers in South Korea, reaffirming the strength of Yeon Sang-ho's K-zombie genre.
In second place is 'Wild Thing,' which opened on June 3 and attracted 321,190 viewers during the same period, bringing its total audience to 543,724. Despite competition from foreign films like 'Backroom,' 'Michael,' and 'The Mandalorian and Grogu,' 'Wild Thing' has maintained a strong presence in the box office alongside 'Gunchi,' showcasing the impact of Korean cinema.
'Wild Thing' is a comedy about a three-member mixed dance group called 'Triangle,' which was once a sensation in the music industry but disbanded due to an unexpected incident. The film follows their reckless challenge to seize a second chance 20 years later, with Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun portraying the members, joined by Oh Jung-se and Shin Ha-kyun.
As a dark horse in the box office, 'Wild Thing' has resonated with audiences through its blend of 2000s music nostalgia, comedy, and the performances of its cast. It has achieved a CGV Egg Index score of 93%, indicating stable viewer ratings. Online, the film's ballad 'I Like You' challenge has gained traction, further enhancing its popularity beyond the cinema.
Among foreign films, 'Backroom' followed closely with 199,822 viewers during the same period, bringing its total audience to 799,641. The film explores the bizarre experiences of Clark and Mary in a strange space characterized by yellow walls and endless fluorescent lights.
'Backroom' has gained word-of-mouth popularity, particularly among Gen Z audiences who have engaged with its world through short videos and memes. Being the first country to release the film has also contributed to its spread on social media and video platforms, establishing it as a successful foreign thriller.
With 'Gunchi' leading the box office and 'Wild Thing' generating buzz in its opening weekend, the trend of successful Korean films is becoming increasingly evident. Although the two films differ in genre and tone, both are continuing to thrive based on audience reactions, maintaining interest both inside and outside theaters.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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