Movie "Sinui Akdan" (director: Kim Hyung-hyeop | distributor: CJ CGV Co., Ltd. | production: Studio Target Co., Ltd., grants: Park Si-Hoo, Jung Jin-woon, Tae Hang-ho, Jang Ji-geon, Han Jung-wan, Go Hye-jin, Moon Kyung-min, Choi Sun-ja, Nam Tae-hoon, Shin Han-gyeol, Seo Dong-won, Kang Seung-wan) surpassed 500,000 cumulative audience members, shooting another miracle into Korea's film industry.
According to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) integrated computer network, the film "Sinui Akdan" surpassed 500,000 cumulative audience members as of the 21st (Wed). It is an achievement reached 22 days after its Dec. 31 release.
Most remarkable is the trend of its box office performance. Entering its fourth week since release, "Sinui Akdan" created a major upset on the 19th (Mon), overtaking the global box office sensation "Avatar: Fire and Ash" to reach No. 2 on the daily box office. The next day, on the 20th, it again held firm at No. 2 against the offensive of "Avatar 3," proving that this rebound is not a temporary phenomenon.
The 500,000 milestone for "Sinui Akdan" carries meaning beyond a simple number. At release it started with as little as one-tenth the seats and screenings compared with competing films, but it achieved this result solely through the "power of the work" and word of mouth from actual viewers.
The passionate support of audiences, who keep the seat occupancy rate at No. 1, led to an expansion of screenings, which in turn resulted in the film's box office climb. Starting at No. 5, rising to No. 3 and finally reaching No. 2, the trajectory of "Sinui Akdan" is itself like a drama.
The film struck the taste of viewers of all generations with its ironic premise of a North Korean State Security Department officer creating a fake praise troupe, producing delightful laughter, weighty humanism and heart-stirring music. In particular, the tireless performances by actors such as Park Si-Hoo and Jung Jin-woon and the chorus scenes that resemble an actual concert hall have become the driving force behind repeat viewing trends.
The production company said, "We are deeply grateful for the miraculous result created by 500,000 viewers," and added, "We will do our best to continue long-term screenings through the Lunar New Year holiday to repay the enthusiastic support viewers have shown."
Having beaten a Hollywood blockbuster to hold the No. 2 spot at the box office and reaching the 500,000 mark, the cast of "Sinui Akdan," buoyed by the support, will meet audiences directly with stage greetings on the weekend of the film's fourth week.
[Photo] "Sinui Akdan"
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