21st Korean Film
Uncompromising Crime Punishment in a Clear Good vs Evil Structure
Delivers Rare Real-Life Thrill, Achieves Box Office Success
Ma Dong-seok Promises "To Create a Better Series"
The movie 'Crime City 3' has joined the ranks of '10 million viewers' movies, following its predecessor 'Crime City 2'. According to the distributor ABO Entertainment, as of around 8 a.m. on the 1st, the cumulative number of viewers reached 10,007,89. This achievement was made 32 days after its release. From May 31 to the 24th of last month, it held the number one spot at the box office, becoming the thirtieth domestic release to reach '10 million viewers'. It is the twenty-first Korean film to do so.
This is the second time the 'Crime City' series has reached the '10 million viewers' milestone. The previous film, 'Crime City 2', attracted 12,693,175 viewers during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Series that have had two or more films reach the '10 million viewers' milestone include 'Along with the Gods (The Two Worlds & The Last 49 Days)', 'Frozen (1 & 2)', 'Avatar (1 & The Way of Water)', and 'Avengers (Endgame, Infinity War, Age of Ultron)'.
The key to its rising success in a bleak theater market is undoubtedly the charm of the main character, Ma Seok-do. In a clear good-versus-evil narrative, he punishes criminals without hesitation, delivering a thrill that is hard to experience in real life. Ma Dong-seok’s bare-handed action scenes and the humor sprinkled throughout enhance the entertainment value. By lowering the level of violence, it avoided a restricted rating such as 'Not for youth', allowing it to attract family audiences.
Ma Dong-seok, who not only stars but also took part in production and planning, has become an actor who has appeared in five '10 million viewers' films (Train to Busan, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days, Crime City 2). This is the highest record for a Korean actor. He recalled, "Eight years ago, I sat in a small room and started planning this film, wondering if it could realistically be made." He added, "I am grateful to the production team, staff, actors, investors, distributors, publicity, and marketing personnel who have been with me every moment. I promise to create a better 'Crime City' series to give energy and joy, even if just a little, to everyone struggling in their respective positions."
ABO Entertainment also expressed gratitude, saying, "We consider it a stroke of luck to surpass 10 million viewers once again. It is all thanks to the power of the audience. Without their support and choice, it would have been impossible." They continued, "Just as the 'Crime City' series stays close to the audience, movie theaters are also close to the audience," and asked, "We kindly ask for the warm interest of the audience so that Korean films and theaters can rise again like a flame."
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