In a cinematic triumph, the sci-fi fantasy comedy “Alienoid 2” soared to the top of the South Korean box office, grossing an impressive $3.57 million over the weekend. The film, which explores the realms of time travel, commanded a market share of 39%, ultimately accumulating $4.77 million in its inaugural five days, as reported by Kobis, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council. Notably, Imax screenings contributed $370,000 to the film’s overall earnings.
“Alienoid 2” marks the second installment of a two-part series, following the lukewarm reception of the first chapter in July 2022, which garnered a weekend debut of $5.19 million but faltered due to unfavorable reviews and word of mouth, concluding with a total of $12.2 million. Director Choi Dong-hoon has actively promoted the sequel, emphasizing its improved quality compared to its predecessor.
This compelling opening performance propelled last week’s champion, U.S. animation “Wish,” into the second position, securing $1.58 million and experiencing a 52% drop from its opening weekend. After 12 days in Korean theaters, “Wish” has amassed a cumulative total of $7.25 million.
The historical-political thriller “12.12: The Day” retained its third-place standing despite a 48% week-on-week decline, achieving a weekend gross of $1.03 million and elevating its cumulative total to an impressive $94.6 million.
“Noryang Deadly Sea,” which led the charts during the Christmas and New Year period, experienced a 55% week-on-week dip, earning $894,000 and securing the fourth position. Since its release on December 20, 2023, the film has achieved a cumulative total of $32.8 million.
Adding to the diverse lineup, Illumination Entertainment’s U.S. animation film “Migration” made its debut in fifth place, generating $722,000 over the weekend and a total of $994,000 in its first five days.
The Japanese animation “New Dimension! Crayon Shinchan the Movie: Battle of Supernatural Powers – Flying Sushi” held its ground in sixth place during its fourth weekend, collecting $310,000 and pushing its overall earnings to $6.04 million.
The political documentary “Kim Dae Jung On the Road,” chronicling the journey of Korea’s 15th president and Nobel Peace Prize-winner, commenced its theatrical run on January 10, earning $196,000 over the weekend and $429,000 in its opening five days.
Continuing its successful run, the Japanese live-action drama “Monster” accrued $112,000 over the weekend, accumulating a total of $3.42 million since its release on November 29, 2023.
Rounding off the top ten were two Japanese animation films, “The First Slam Dunk” and “Suzume,” claiming the ninth and tenth positions with earnings of $107,000 and $96,000, respectively. “The First Slam Dunk” extended its total to $38.5 million, while “Suzume” added to its impressive $43 million earned in Korea last year.
Overall, the aggregate weekend box office takings reached $9.11 million, exhibiting marginal change from the previous session’s total of $9.22 million.
