Korean Box Office Soars 42% in 2026, Fueled by Local Films

WHO:

Variety - The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) reported on the box office figures.

WHAT:

Variety - The total industry revenue for the Korean box office reached KRW579 billion ($399.1 million) in the first half of 2026.

Deadline - The Korean box office saw a 41.9% increase in revenue in the first half of 2026.

Deadline - Local films, including "The King’s Warden," "Colony," and "Salmokji: Whispering Water," were significant contributors to this growth.

WHERE:

Variety - The figures pertain to the Korean box office.

WHEN:

Deadline - The reported figures are for the first half of 2026, specifically from January to June.

WHY:

Variety - The recovery of the Korean box office was primarily driven by local films.

HOW:

Variety - The increase in admissions reached 57.05 million, which is up 34.2% year-on-year.

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 12:39 UTC)

The Korean Film Council has announced that the total industry revenue for the Korean box office reached KRW579 billion, or approximately $399.1 million, in the first half of 2026. This marks a remarkable 41.9% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, driven largely by local films such as "The King’s Warden," "Colony," and "Salmokji: Whispering Water." Additionally, the number of admissions surged to 57.05 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 34.2%.