7 Million Box Office Hit 'Hansan' Admiral Yi Sun-sin Trilogy Continues to Thrive

'Hansan: The Appearance of the Dragon' Surpasses Break-Even Point
Surpasses 7 Million Viewers, Box Office Success ing
Unusual Attempt with Korean Subtitles
From Choi Min-sik and Park Hae-il to Kim Yoon-seok

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The film "Hansan: Rising Dragon," depicting Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Battle of Hansan, surpassed 7 million viewers on its 33rd day since release, bringing a bright smile to theaters this summer.

According to the Korea Film Council's integrated box office data on the afternoon of the 28th, "Hansan: Rising Dragon" exceeded a cumulative audience of 7,000,061 and attracted a total of 7,004,928 viewers over the past weekend. With a production cost exceeding 30 billion KRW, the film's break-even point is about 6 million viewers, making it the only blockbuster released this summer to surpass that mark.

Following Choi Min-sik, Park Hae-il's Yi Sun-sin Also a Box Office Hit

Released on the 27th of last month, "Hansan: Rising Dragon" is the second film in the Yi Sun-sin trilogy directed by Kim Han-min, who also directed "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014), which attracted a maximum audience of 17.61 million.

Set five years before the Battle of Myeongnyang, it portrays Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the Joseon navy united with desperate strategy and courage to defend Joseon against the advancing Japanese forces in the Battle of Hansan. Actor Park Hae-il plays the wise Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and Byun Yo-han portrays the Japanese general Wakizaka.

Another protagonist of the film is the Turtle Ship, which leaves a deep impression in the naval battle scenes toward the end, steadily drawing audiences. Among the fierce blockbusters released this summer, it has surpassed the break-even point and continues its box office success.

Unusual Attempt with Korean Subtitles

"Hansan: Rising Dragon" attracted attention as the first Korean film to prominently feature Korean subtitles. It is an unusual attempt to include a large amount of subtitles in a theatrical release rather than an online video service (OTT) content.

Director Kim Han-min emphasized in an interview with Asia Economy, "It was a decision made with much anguish." He revealed, "To convey the intensity of war, we focused on the sound energy, but had to suppress it because of the dialogue. At the same time, I didn't want to hear complaints that the dialogue was inaudible."

He continued, "Adding Korean subtitles is a novel attempt, so I don't know how it will be received, but to stay true to the essence and convey the intensity of war, subtitles were ultimately necessary. Please see it as a courageous attempt in the war scenes."

Will Korean subtitles also be included in "Noryang"? Director Kim said, "I'm curious how audiences will receive 'Hansan: Rising Dragon,'" adding, "We will observe and consider it further."

Passing the Box Office Baton to "Noryang"

The final installment of the trilogy is expected to be "Noryang." Kim Yoon-seok will take over the role of Yi Sun-sin from Choi Min-sik and Park Hae-il of the previous films. Titled "Sea of Death," it has completed filming following "Hansan." The cast includes Baek Yoon-sik, Jung Jae-young, and Heo Jun-ho.

The film covers the winter sea of 1598, the last year of the seven-year Imjin War, depicting the battle among three nations: Yi Sun-sin aiming to annihilate the Japanese forces, the Japanese forces forced to retreat, and the Ming dynasty entangled between the two countries. It portrays Yi Sun-sin's final battle.

Following the box office success of the previous film "Hansan: Rising Dragon," the atmosphere has been raised. It is expected that "Noryang" will be released soon. Since it is set in winter, it is unlikely to be delayed beyond the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

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