Korea Box Office: 'Chiikawa' Anime Reigns for Third Week as Brad Pitt's 'Heart of the Beast' Opens

Japanese animated hit 'Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island' continued its dominance at the South Korean box office, retaining the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive weekend from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, according to KOBIS data from the Korean Film Council. The Toho-distributed fantasy has proven a formidable draw, outpacing new releases and underscoring the enduring popularity of Japanese animation in the Korean market. Meanwhile, Brad Pitt's thriller 'Heart of the Beast' debuted in the rankings, entering the chart but unable to unseat the anime sensation. The film's opening performance, while notable, reflects a competitive landscape where local and animated titles often hold strong appeal. Exact grosses were not specified in the source, but the positioning signals a solid, if not spectacular, start for the Hollywood entry. The sustained success of 'Chiikawa' highlights a broader trend of Japanese IP resonating with Korean audiences, particularly in the family and young adult demographics. For distributors, the result reinforces the value of animated imports in a market that has seen fluctuations in live-action foreign film attendance. As the holiday season approaches, all eyes will be on whether 'Chiikawa' can maintain its lead or if upcoming blockbusters will finally dethrone the tiny but mighty franchise.