▲ This still of film "Badland" is provided by Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, April 17 (Yonhap) -- The crime film "Badland," directed by Hwang Byung-gook, drew over 85,000 viewers on its opening day, taking the No. 1 spot at the South Korean box office.

 

According to data from the Korean Film Council on Wednesday, Badland attracted approximately 85,000 moviegoers on Tuesday, its release day, accounting for 66.4 percent of total ticket sales.

 

The film dethroned director Kim Hyung-joo’s "The Match," which had remained at the top of the box office since March 26.

 

▲ This still from "The Match," provided by BY4M Studio, captures the face-off between Cho Hoon-hyun (Lee Byung-hun) and the young Lee Chang-ho (Kim Kang-hun). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Badland follows the intertwined stories of a criminal broker named Lee Kang-soo (played by Kang Ha-neul), who supplies drug-related information to authorities; prosecutor Goo Kwan-hee (Yoo Hae-jin), who benefits from Lee’s tips; and detective Oh Sang-jae (Park Hae-joon), who is determined to dismantle a major drug trafficking ring.

 

The film has received a warm reception from audiences, scoring a 96 percent rating on CGV’s Golden Egg Index, which reflects real-time viewer feedback. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s fast-paced plot, strong performances, and immersive storytelling.

 

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, Badland also topped the reservation rankings with a ticket reservation rate of 33.7 percent and over 70,000 advance bookings.

 

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]