Sayart.net - South Korean Theaters Witness Surge in Attendance with "Exhuma" and "Dune: Part Two"

  • September 06, 2025 (Sat)
cover image

South Korean Theaters Witness Surge in Attendance with "Exhuma" and "Dune: Part Two"

Published February 26, 2024 06:08 AM

Courtesy of Showbox


In a noteworthy turn of events, South Korean theaters are experiencing a substantial uptick in attendance during February, driven by the releases of two highly anticipated films: "Exhuma" by renowned K-occult genre director Jang Jae-hyun and the global sci-fi blockbuster sequel "Dune: Part Two." 

▲ “Exhuma” / Courtesy of Showbox

According to data from the Korean Film Council, "Exhuma" achieved an impressive milestone by attracting 2 million theatergoers within the first four days of its release on February 22. This pace outpaces the performance of the 2023 hit film "12.12: The Day," reaching the 1 million admissions mark a day earlier than its predecessor. With a production cost of 1.4 billion won ($1 million), "Exhuma" is on track to reach the breakeven point of 3.3 million admissions.

"Exhuma," Jang Jae-hyun's first work in five years, revolves around the story of Sang-deok (Choi Min-sik), tasked with relocating a tomb with the assistance of undertaker Young-geun (Yoo Hae-jin). Young exorcists Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun) and Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun) become entangled in a supernatural phenomenon revealing a dark omen connected to a wealthy Los Angeles family. Notably, this marks veteran actor Choi Min-sik's first foray into the occult genre in his 35-year acting career.

▲ “Dune: Part Two” / Courtesy of Warner Bros.
Simultaneously, "Dune: Part Two," the sequel to Denis Villeneuve's 2021 film "Dune," is generating substantial buzz ahead of its release on Wednesday. The movie currently leads the charts with a notable 46.3% ticket reservation rate. Last week, main cast members including Timothee Chalamet, director Villeneuve, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Stellan Skarsgard visited Seoul for a press conference and engaged with fans at a red-carpet event at Yeongdeungpo CGV. "Dune: Part Two" follows the story of Paul (Timothee Chalamet), the outcast heir to the throne of House Atreides, navigating revenge and a messianic role with potential consequences for the entire galaxy. The first installment, "Dune," attracted 1.64 million moviegoers in South Korea in 2021.

Sayart

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com 

K-occult film "Exhuma" garners 2 million theatergoers within four days; "Dune: Part Two" leads charts with a 46.3% ticket reservation rate

Courtesy of Showbox


In a noteworthy turn of events, South Korean theaters are experiencing a substantial uptick in attendance during February, driven by the releases of two highly anticipated films: "Exhuma" by renowned K-occult genre director Jang Jae-hyun and the global sci-fi blockbuster sequel "Dune: Part Two." 

▲ “Exhuma” / Courtesy of Showbox

According to data from the Korean Film Council, "Exhuma" achieved an impressive milestone by attracting 2 million theatergoers within the first four days of its release on February 22. This pace outpaces the performance of the 2023 hit film "12.12: The Day," reaching the 1 million admissions mark a day earlier than its predecessor. With a production cost of 1.4 billion won ($1 million), "Exhuma" is on track to reach the breakeven point of 3.3 million admissions.

"Exhuma," Jang Jae-hyun's first work in five years, revolves around the story of Sang-deok (Choi Min-sik), tasked with relocating a tomb with the assistance of undertaker Young-geun (Yoo Hae-jin). Young exorcists Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun) and Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun) become entangled in a supernatural phenomenon revealing a dark omen connected to a wealthy Los Angeles family. Notably, this marks veteran actor Choi Min-sik's first foray into the occult genre in his 35-year acting career.

▲ “Dune: Part Two” / Courtesy of Warner Bros.
Simultaneously, "Dune: Part Two," the sequel to Denis Villeneuve's 2021 film "Dune," is generating substantial buzz ahead of its release on Wednesday. The movie currently leads the charts with a notable 46.3% ticket reservation rate. Last week, main cast members including Timothee Chalamet, director Villeneuve, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Stellan Skarsgard visited Seoul for a press conference and engaged with fans at a red-carpet event at Yeongdeungpo CGV. "Dune: Part Two" follows the story of Paul (Timothee Chalamet), the outcast heir to the throne of House Atreides, navigating revenge and a messianic role with potential consequences for the entire galaxy. The first installment, "Dune," attracted 1.64 million moviegoers in South Korea in 2021.

Sayart

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com 

Related articles

K-pop Groups Highlight and Twice Announce Upcoming Releases
NCT's Taeyong Releases Second Solo EP, "Tap"
EXO Announces Fan Meet "One" at Inspire Arena in Incheon
Occult Thriller 'Exhuma' Dominates Korean Box Office with Over 2 Million Ticket Sales in Four Days

WEEKLY HOTISSUE