During the Gwangbokjeol Holiday, 2 Million People Gather at Theaters Despite COVID-19 Spread

'Deliver Us from Evil' Breaks Even
'Okay Madam' Approaches 1 Million Viewers

On the 14th, citizens are moving to watch movies at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. With the distribution of half-price discount coupons, new releases, and hot weather coinciding, the movie theater industry, which had been in a slump, is gradually regaining vitality. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Despite the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), 2 million people visited theaters during the four-day Liberation Day holiday (14th-17th). According to the Korea Film Council's integrated ticketing system on the 18th, the number of moviegoers who visited theaters over the past weekend and the substitute holiday (17th) was 2,080,233. Although the daily number of new COVID-19 cases exceeded 100 from the 13th, it did not have a significant impact.

Nearly half, 49.7%, watched "Deliver Us from Evil." It attracted 1,034,505 viewers across 1,615 screens (32,206 screenings). Even in its second week since release, it maintained a smooth flow, recording a cumulative audience of 3,736,220. It surpassed the break-even point of 3.5 million viewers. The new release "Okay Madam" also performed well. It drew 713,515 viewers on 1,288 screens (24,726 screenings). Responsible for about one-third of total theater sales, it is on the verge of surpassing 1 million cumulative viewers, currently at 918,767.

Movie still cut from 'Deliver Us from Evil'

The other films did not see much success. "Steel Rain 2: Summit" attracted 110,164 viewers, "Peninsula" drew 52,620, and "The Princess: Stolen Princess" gathered 40,983. The re-released "Inception" managed to attract only 31,276 viewers. Following these were "Animal Crackers" (27,105 viewers), "Detention" (15,105 viewers), "Vivarium" (6,179 viewers), and "Water Lilies" (5,887 viewers).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.