The film 'Sinui Akdan' (director Kim Hyung-hyeop) surpassed 700,000 cumulative admissions, completing a 'miraculous comeback' legend at movie theaters in the new year of 2026.
According to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) integrated box office system, the film 'Sinui Akdan' surpassed 700,000 cumulative admissions on the 26th (Monday). This is a valuable achievement built solely on word of mouth from audiences since its opening on Dec. 31.
In particular, 'Sinui Akdan' achieved the remarkable feat of ranking No. 1 in weekend seat sales for three consecutive weeks from Jan. 23 (Friday) to Jan. 25 (Sunday), which was the film's fourth weekend, beating out strong competing titles. Despite the onslaught of Hollywood blockbusters and the threat of new releases every week, audience's 'one pick' was once again proven to be 'Sinui Akdan'.
This breakthrough of 700,000 and holding the top seat sales rate mean more than simple numbers. 'Sinui Akdan' started under unfavorable conditions with a painfully small number of screens and showtimes compared with competing big releases. But the audience praise that "you have to see it" and the craze for repeat viewings led to high seat occupancy, which created a virtuous cycle of expanding screenings and a box office comeback. Instead of a flashy supply offensive, the rough but sincere power of the story moved audiences' hearts.
'Sinui Akdan,' armed with the unique premise of a North Korean State Security Department officer creating a fake praise troupe, touching humanism, and majestic music filling the screen. Surging past 700,000 viewers and rising as an icon of box office comeback, the film is now stepping on the accelerator toward the dream milestone of surpassing 1 million admissions. It is expected to continue long runs through the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, and attention inside and outside the film industry is focused on the final score 'Sinui Akdan' will write.
'Sinui Akdan' is currently being widely screened at theaters nationwide.
[Photo] Provided by CJ CGV
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