During the first three months of 2024, South Korea saw a diverse lineup of movies dominating the box office. While foreign films like “Wish” and “Wonka” made their mark, several homegrown Korean films also made waves in theaters.
Here are five Korean films that stood out by taking the top spots at the daily box office in South Korea during the early months of 2024. These films span different genres, ranging from historical epics to horror and crime. Let’s delve into the complete list below!
1. Noryang: Deadly Sea
footage of Kim Yun Seok in the film Noryang: Deadly Sea (instagram.com/lotteent.movie)The epic battle trilogy “Noryang: Deadly Sea,” directed by Kim Han Min, concluded its saga with a portrayal of the 1598 conflict led by Admiral Yi Sun Shin against the Japanese invasion of Joseon. Starring Kim Yun Seok, the film continued to captivate audiences well into January 2024.
2. Alienoids: Return to the Future
footage of Kim Tae Ri in the film Alienoid: Return to the Future (instagram.com/cjenmmovie)The sequel to “Alienoids,” titled “Alienoids: Return to the Future,” topped the South Korean box office for 14 consecutive days. Directed by Choi Dong Hoon, this installment follows Yi An’s quest, played by Kim Tae Ri, to acquire the divine blade and save humanity from alien prisoners.
3. Citizen of a Kind
footage of Ra Mi Ran in the film Citizen of a Kind (instagram.com/showbox.movie)“Citizen of a Kind” took over the top spot after its release in January 2024, holding onto it for a solid seven days. This film, featuring Ra Mi Ran and an ensemble cast, tells the true story of Deok Hee’s pursuit of justice against voice phishing scammers, with the help of her friends.
4. Exhuma
footage of Choi Min Sik in the film Exhuma (instagram.com/showbox.movie)“Exhuma,” a gripping horror film released in early 2024, surpassed 10 million viewers within 32 days, marking a milestone for South Korean horror cinema. Directed by Jang Jae Hyun, the movie explores the chilling secrets unearthed during the excavation of a wealthy family’s ancestral graves.
5. Troll Factory
footage of Son Suk Ku in the film Troll Factory (instagram.com/acemaker.movie)Released in late March, “Troll Factory” briefly dethroned “Exhuma” on its opening day before settling into the second spot for the rest of the quarter. This crime-drama follows journalist Im Sang Jin’s investigation into a group manipulating public opinion, ultimately leading to a confrontation with powerful adversaries.
Of these five Korean films, “Exhuma” stood out as the most prominent during the early months of 2024, garnering acclaim not only in South Korea but also in international markets like Indonesia. With compelling storytelling and stellar performances, these movies left audiences eager for more.