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| yna@yna.co.kr 2025-09-02 14:33:38
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) – Japanese animated film “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” has topped the local box office in late summer, continuing its strong run.
According to data from the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing system, the film drew a cumulative 3.24 million moviegoers as of Tuesday, with revenue surpassing 35 billion won (US$25.3 million).
The film reached 3 million admissions within 10 days of release, the fastest pace among this year’s new releases, following the success of the Korean horror film “My Daughter Is A Zombie.”
In terms of all-time box office rankings for Japanese animation in Korea, “Infinity Castle” has already surpassed “Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004, 3.01 million) to take the No. 4 spot. At its current pace, it is expected to outdo “Your Name” (2017, 3.93 million) for third place.
Attention is also focused on whether it could eventually challenge the records of “Suzume” (2023, 5.58 million) and “The First Slam Dunk” (2023, 4.9 million), which stand at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.
Film critic Chung Ji-wook noted, “While early ticket sales were driven by a loyal fan base, the film has since established itself as a family movie enjoyed by audiences ranging from teenagers to those in their 40s. This will likely extend its box office momentum.”
He added, “The story of an ordinary boy who overcomes family tragedy and grows through friendship, effort and victory has resonated strongly, broadening its appeal.”
“Infinity Castle” follows the Demon Slayer Corps as they are drawn into the stronghold of Muzan Kibutsuji, the leader of the demons, setting the stage for a massive battle. The film, which kicks off the anime’s final arc, delves deeper into character relationships, attracting longtime fans.
Key moments include Tanjiro’s fight with Upper Rank Three demon Akaza to avenge Rengoku, as well as the tragic fates of Zenitsu and his senior who turned into a demon. Such narratives bring the series’ long-running storylines to a dramatic climax.
The complex portrayal of both the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons, including Akaza’s human backstory that even drew more empathy than protagonist Tanjiro in some cases, has enhanced the characters’ appeal. Some manga fans have even taken to social media to explain the untold backstories left out of the 155-minute runtime.
Merchandise linked to the film is also fueling demand. Character miniatures, keyrings shaped like the demon slayers’ “nichirin swords,” postcard sets and posters have sold out quickly, with special pop-up stores also running. Different goods offered by week or theater chain are further encouraging repeat viewings.
“The sheer size of the original fan base means theater-exclusive merchandise is having a big impact on the box office,” one cinema official said.
The immersive design of the “Infinity Castle,” created by demon Nakime’s powers, is another factor drawing audiences to large-format screenings. The movie is showing in premium formats such as IMAX, 4DX, Superplex, MX4D, Dolby Cinema and SoundX.
Sound effects that vary by character—such as the distinct instruments used in “Water Breathing” or “Flame Breathing” attacks—add to the intensity of the battle scenes, which are heightened on the big screen.
According to CGV, about 30 percent of “Infinity Castle” viewers chose premium screenings, with 4DX achieving occupancy rates above 90 percent regardless of weekday or weekend.
Released on Aug. 22, the film marked the franchise’s first official theatrical installment in four years following “Mugen Train,” which itself broke Japan’s all-time box office record previously held by Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away.”
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