Korea Box Office: ‘Chiikawa the Movie’ Holds No. 1 in 4th Weekend, Yeon Sang-ho’s ‘Paradise Lost’ Opens Second

The Japanese animated phenomenon “Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island” continued its dominant run at the South Korean box office, retaining the top spot for a fourth consecutive weekend from Oct. 23–25. Data from the Korean Film Council’s KOBIS tracking service shows the Toho-distributed film captured nearly 45% of nationwide ticket revenue, underscoring the massive popularity of the “Chiikawa” franchise among Korean audiences. Its sustained success highlights the growing influence of Japanese animation in the Korean market, where it has outperformed local and Hollywood releases alike. Debuting in second place was “Paradise Lost,” the latest thriller from acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho, known for “Train to Busan” and “Hellbound.” The film’s opening weekend numbers were not disclosed in the report, but its position behind “Chiikawa” signals strong competition in a market still enamored with the animated hit. Yeon’s reputation for socially charged, high-concept storytelling likely drew a significant audience, yet it was not enough to dethrone the anime phenomenon. The weekend’s results reflect a broader trend of Japanese content resonating in South Korea, particularly among younger demographics and families. “Chiikawa” characters have become cultural icons, driving merchandise sales and streaming interest, which in turn fuels theatrical attendance. Meanwhile, Korean filmmakers like Yeon Sang-ho continue to push genre boundaries, creating a dynamic and competitive box office landscape. As “Chiikawa” approaches its fifth weekend, industry watchers will be keen to see if it can sustain its momentum or if “Paradise Lost” gains ground through word of mouth. The battle between a beloved animation and a homegrown thriller encapsulates the diverse tastes of Korean moviegoers.