The movie The Ugly, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, has conquered the South Korean box office by grossing 1.9 million dollars between September 19 and 21, achieving a total of 254,828 tickets sold. This impressive box office performance allowed it to surpass Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which ranked second with 1.7 million dollars in revenue.
The Ugly prevails over the Japanese mastodon
According to data provided by KOBIS, the tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council, The Ugly has had a strong start and has captured the interest of viewers, establishing itself as one of the standout releases of the season. The competition between these two films underscores the growing rise of animation and fantasy cinema in the Korean market, where immersive and visually striking stories are increasingly attracting larger audiences.
Yeon Sang-ho, known for his work on other hits like Train to Busan, has once again achieved a strong commitment with his audience through a unique narrative and a distinctive visual style that challenges the conventions of the genre. The Ugly promises to not only be a commercial triumph but also a topic of conversation within the film community, which increasingly seeks stories that explore the complexity of human emotions in unusual contexts.
With the increase in popularity of animated cinema, and especially productions that encompass both entertainment and deep reflections on society, The Ugly establishes itself as a contender to watch in future awards and film festivals. The box office not only reflects instant success but can also influence the future of the South Korean film industry.
