▲ This still from Japanese animated film "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island" is provided by Daewon Media. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- Japanese animated film "Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island" is expected to lead the South Korean weekend box office after holding onto the top spot for the fourth consecutive week since its release.

 

According to data from the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system on Friday, "Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island" drew more than 23,000 moviegoers the previous day, accounting for 22.5 percent of total ticket sales, to rank No. 1 at the box office.

 

The film, released Sept. 30, has attracted about 1.927 million viewers cumulatively, putting it within reach of the 2 million mark. Riding on its popularity, special 4DX screenings will be held at 37 CGV theaters nationwide on Oct. 24-25.

 

Filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho's new film "Paradise Lost" ranked second, drawing more than 14,000 viewers for a 12.6 percent share.

 

Released Wednesday, "Paradise Lost" is a psychological thriller about a mother who has been living in a virtual reality world where her missing son has been recreated using artificial intelligence (AI), and what happens when she reunites with her real son. Actors Kim Hyun-joo and Bae Hyun-sung star in the film.

 

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Heo Jin-ho's "Assassins" ranked third with more than 11,000 viewers, accounting for 10.0 percent of ticket sales. The film, released Sept. 23, has drawn about 3.306 million viewers cumulatively.

 

The horror film "Clayface," released Wednesday, ranked fourth with about 10,000 viewers and a 9.4 percent share.

 

"Clayface," which follows a character who gains the ability to freely change his face and gradually transforms into a monster, is the latest film in the DC Universe from DC Studios following "Superman" (2025) and "Supergirl" (2026).

 

The film presents a new story inspired by Clayface, a villainous character appearing in DC Comics.

 

As of 9 a.m. Friday, "Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island" also led in advance ticket sales, accounting for 32.0 percent with more than 92,000 tickets sold.

 

"Paradise Lost" ranked second with 8.3 percent and more than 23,000 tickets, followed by "The Final Interview," which is scheduled to open Nov. 4, with 6.2 percent and more than 17,000 tickets.

 

"Clayface" ranked fourth with 5.0 percent and more than 14,000 advance tickets sold.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]