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Salmokji: Whispering Water’ Tops Korea Box Office With Biggest Horror Launch Since ‘Exhuma

The breakout run signals renewed strength for Korean horror ahead of a selective U.S. release.

Overview

  • The film led South Korea’s box office over the Apr. 10–12 weekend with $3.7 million from 536,451 admissions and a 47.17% share, according to KOBIS.
  • Since its Apr. 8 opening, it has taken in roughly $5 million from 724,036 admissions, which Variety reports is the strongest domestic start for a Korean horror title since 2024’s Exhuma.
  • After Monday’s 73,629 admissions, the total climbed to 797,652, leaving it just shy of the roughly 800,000 tickets that The Korea Herald says would cover its 3 billion won production budget.
  • CGV data show strong turnout from younger audiences, with 38% of viewers in their 20s and many opting for premium formats such as 4DX and ScreenX.
  • A limited North American release begins Friday, Apr. 17, as the overall Korean weekend market rose to $8.01 million and The King’s Warden became the country’s No. 2 film by total admissions.