“The Assassin(s)” dominates the Korean box office: 1.3 million admissions in four days

Director Hur Jin-ho’s historical thriller “The Assassin(s)” has dominated the Korean box office from the first day of its release on September 23, holding first place for four consecutive days, as The Korea Times reports. Starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho, the film recorded more than 1.3 million admissions in just four days, according to data from the Korean Film Council.

On Saturday alone (September 26), the film drew 432,341 spectators to cinemas — an unstoppable pace that has made it the main phenomenon of the Chuseok holiday. “The Assassin(s)” also topped advance ticket sales for eight consecutive days through Sunday morning, leaving every rival behind.

The rest of the podium could not come close to the leader: “Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub,” the sequel to the gambling-world drama, ranks second with 663,140 spectators through Saturday — a deep gap that proves the historical film’s complete dominance, according to The Korea Times.

The film reimagines the investigation into the 1974 assassination attempt against President Park Chung Hee, in which first lady Yuk Young-soo lost her life. The story follows brave journalists and detectives who risk their careers — and their lives — to uncover the truth of the event that shook South Korea.

The film’s international career is gaining momentum: “The Assassin(s)” had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, where it placed as 2nd runner-up in the final vote for the People’s Choice Award, and on October 21 it will open the Singapore International Film Festival.