Key Highlights :
     The Korean disaster thriller film "Concrete Utopia" has made a huge splash at the local box office in its first week of release, drawing over 1 million moviegoers over the weekend. According to data released by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), the movie has attracted 1.12 million viewers from Friday to Sunday, accounting for 53.4 percent of total ticket sales.
     The film stars Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-joon and Park Bo-young and follows the residents of the only apartment building that survived a catastrophic quake in Seoul as they fight for their lives. Director Ryoo Seung-wan's crime action thriller "Smugglers" had been at the top of the box office for the previous two weeks, but slipped to second place with 425,000 admissions over the weekend.
     Pixar Animation Studios' "Elemental" took third place with 192,000 viewers over the cited period. It has attracted 6.64 million viewers since its release on June 14. "Ransomed," a Korean action film based on the true story of a hostage crisis in Lebanon, ranked No. 4, followed by "The Moon," a Korean space survival drama.
     The success of "Concrete Utopia" is a testament to the power of the Korean film industry, which has consistently produced quality films that have resonated with audiences. The film is well-crafted, with excellent performances from its stars and a gripping story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
     This is the second time in recent months that a Korean film has topped the local box office. In July, "Deliver Us From Evil" drew over 2 million viewers in its first week of release, becoming the second-highest-grossing Korean film of all time.
     The success of "Concrete Utopia" is likely to be repeated with other films in the future. As the Korean film industry continues to produce high-quality films that capture the imagination of audiences, it is sure to become a major player in the global film market.
