More Than 40% Decrease Compared to the Same Period Last Year
Last month, box office revenue and movie theater attendance fell to their lowest levels since May 2022, when COVID-19 social distancing measures were lifted.
According to the Korean Film Council on May 16, box office revenue in April was 51.2 billion won, with total attendance reaching 5.44 million. Compared to the same period last year, these figures represent decreases of 43.1% (38.8 billion won) and 41.8% (3.9 million attendees), respectively.
This decline was the result of both Korean and foreign films struggling at the box office. While Korean films such as "Opposition Party" and "The Match" performed well, overall revenue amounted to only 36.1 billion won, with attendance at 3.83 million. Both figures dropped by more than 40% compared to April last year. However, the downward trend that had continued for three consecutive months this year reversed, with revenue increasing by 129.8% (20.4 billion won) and attendance rising by 129.6% (2.16 million) compared to March.
No such signs of hope were seen among foreign films. "Minecraft Movie," which was released on April 26, became the top-grossing foreign film with just 4 billion won in revenue and 420,000 attendees. It ranked third overall when including Korean films.
Due to this prolonged slump, the box office is facing a crisis this year. From January to April, cumulative revenue reached only 251.5 billion won, with total attendance at 26.25 million. Both figures represent declines of about 35% compared to the same period last year.
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