New Director's 'Salmokji' Tops 2 Million Views

The film 'Salmokji' has surpassed 2 million viewers, setting a new record for Korean horror films. According to the Korean Film Council's Integrated Network of Admissions as of the 27th, 'Salmokji' has maintained the number one spot at the box office for 19 consecutive days since its release, exceeding a cumulative audience of 2 million. This marks the highest box office performance for a horror film since the pandemic and the first time a Korean horror film has surpassed 2 million viewers in 8 years, since 'Gonjiam' in 2018.

'Salmokji's remarkable performance is also notable among Korean films released this year. It has become the second film this year, following 'The King and the Clown,' to reach 2 million viewers, and it achieved this milestone 6 days faster than its competitor 'Project Hail Mary,' proving its box office appeal. Director Lee Sang-min, in his feature film debut 'Salmokji,' has garnered attention from the film industry by not only quickly surpassing the break-even point of 800,000 viewers but also drawing in 2 million audiences.

The movie tells the story of a film crew who head to a reservoir to uncover the truth behind a mysterious figure captured on road view, only to encounter something dark and deep within the water. The direction, which emphasizes immersive horror, provides a high level of engagement and is driving a trend of repeat viewings. The lead actress Kim Hye-yoon's performance also played a significant role in the film's success. Kim Hye-yoon vividly portrays extreme fear and psychological distress, receiving rave reviews from audiences.

The film's popularity is extending beyond the screen, with a surge in visitors to the actual filming location, Salmokji Reservoir in Yesan County, South Chungcheong Province. Current market interest is focused on whether 'Salmokji' can surpass the final audience count of 2.6 million for 'Gonjiam' and even challenge the cumulative audience record of 3.14 million for the representative Korean horror film 'A Tale of Two Sisters.' 'Salmokji,' signaling the revival of Korean horror films, is currently showing in theaters nationwide.

Low-budget horror films once served as a gateway for new directors and actors, but they also faced neglect due to a flood of poorly conceived productions. However, 'Salmokji,' starring Kim Hye-yoon, surpassed its break-even point within 7 days of its release and, fueled by word-of-mouth, exceeded 1.5 million viewers.