Movie ′Escape′ Takes Top Spot in Local Theaters

Movie 'Escape' Takes Top Spot in Local Theaters: K-DRAMA&FILM / 연합뉴스 / 2024-07-19 09:11:28

▲ This photo provided by Plus M Entertainment shows actors Koo Kyo-hwan (L) and Lee Je-hoon as Hyun-sang and Gyu-nam

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- This weekend's box office competition is expected to be fierce, with the Korean film 'Escape' and the Japanese animation 'Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram' vying for the top spot.

According to the Korea Film Council's integrated computer network for movie tickets on the 19th, 'Escape,' starring Lee Je-hoon and Koo Kyo-hwan, attracted over 49,000 viewers (21.2% market share) the previous day, taking the number one position in the box office.

'Detective Conan' followed closely with over 44,000 viewers (20.1% market share). This animation, which had reached the top spot upon its release on the 17th, relinquished its lead to 'Escape' after just one day.

Disney-Pixar's 'Inside Out 2,' which had maintained the number one spot for a month since its release on the 12th of last month, fell to third place with over 26,000 viewers (11.7% market share).

▲ This still photo of "Inside Out 2" is provided by Walt Disney Company Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

As the momentum of 'Inside Out 2' begins to wane, other Korean films such as 'Escape: Project Silence,' 'Handsome Guys,' and 'Hijacking' are poised to make a strong showing this weekend. However, the paid preview of the Hollywood animation 'Despicable Me 4' poses an unexpected challenge.

Scheduled for release on the 24th, 'Despicable Me 4' will hold large-scale paid previews at major multiplex chains from the 20th to the 21st. Despite being labeled as previews, the screenings will occupy about 600,000 seats, drawing criticism for what is perceived as a strategic move to boost weekend audience numbers ahead of its official release.

As of this morning, the pre-sale ticket rankings are led by the upcoming Marvel blockbuster 'Deadpool and Wolverine' (14.6%) and the comedy 'Pilot' starring Cho Jung-seok (14.1%). 'Detective Conan' (13.5%) and 'Escape' (10.9%) follow, with 'Despicable Me 4' in sixth place (6.4%).