The Korean box office saw a shakeup as the action-comedy sensation “Boss” launched its way to the top spot, nudging the highly anticipated Park Chan-wook film “No Other Choice” to second. With impressive opening numbers, “Boss” captivated audiences, underscoring the dynamic nature of the Korean film scene.
“Boss” Reigns Supreme
“Boss” made an impactful debut at the Korean box office, amassing $4.5 million from 666,679 admissions over October 3–5. This accounted for 31.5% of weekend sales, playing across 1,168 screens, as reported by KOBIS, the Korean Film Council’s tracking service.
Directed by Ra Hee-chan, this action-comedy features Jo Woo-jin, Jung Kyung-ho, Park Ji-hwan, and Lee Kyu-hyung. The narrative, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, follows gang members oddly vying to avoid being promoted to boss as they chase their personal goals.
Park Chan-wook’s “No Other Choice” in Second
Park Chan-wook’s “No Other Choice” secured the second position with $3.2 million and 458,582 admissions, claiming a 22.5% market share. Released on September 24, the film’s cumulative gross has reached $12.8 million. The story, led by Lee Byung-hun as Man-su, delves into dark themes as a laid-off specialist turns to serial murder, only to uncover an unexpected truth.
Other Box Office Contenders
In third place, “Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc” garnered $2.7 million from 352,673 admissions, holding an 18.9% share and accumulating $8.1 million over 12 days. This adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga sees Denji navigate chaos after meeting Reze, voiced by Reina Ueda and others.
Japanese hit “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” came fourth, earning $942,292 to bring its total to $39.7 million locally. Fifth place was claimed by “One Battle After Another” with $694,006, while “Bread Barbershop: The Bakerytown Baddies” placed sixth with $414,864, reaching $936,673 overall.
Debuts and Performances
Korean animation “Your Letter” debuted seventh, collecting $351,769. Directed by Kim Yong-hwan, it is based on Cho Hyun-ah’s webtoon, featuring voices from Lee Su-hyun and others. The story revolves around So-ri, a school transfer who discovers mysterious letters.
Yeon Sang-ho’s “The Ugly” followed in eighth position with $303,278, increasing its total to $7.2 million. Starring Park Jeong-min, it uncovers family secrets entwined with a past mystery.
At ninth, “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” opened with $250,182. “City of Delivery” rounded out the top ten at $83,014, bringing its total to $85,876.
The top 10 films collectively earned $13.6 million over the weekend, significantly up from the previous week’s $9.6 million, signaling one of the strongest weekends of the year.
