Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” has surpassed “Avatar: The Way of Water” in local-currency terms to become the highest-grossing international release in Korean box office history. As of Oct. 11, the Universal release accumulated KRW139.2 billion ($101.5 million), making it the top Hollywood title ever in the territory.
Only two Korean domestic films have earned higher totals in the country. Jang Hang-jun’s “The King’s Warden” secured the all-time record with KRW153.2 billion ($111.7 million), while Lee Byeong-heon’s 2019 comedy “Extreme Job” holds KRW139.6 billion ($101.8 million).
Admissions and box office milestones
Admissions for “The Odyssey” reached 12 million, representing approximately 24% of the country’s population, and marking the only international film to pass 10 million admissions in the year. The film also maintained the No. 1 spot for seven consecutive weekends, establishing the longest such streak for an international title in the region.
The feature crossed the 10 million admissions threshold in 33 days, setting a pace ahead of any non-franchise international title. It additionally became the first international film carrying a 15+ rating and the first August release of any kind to achieve that level of attendance. The results make Nolan the first director to land two non-franchise international films above 10 million admissions in Korea.
Premium screens and promotional records
“The Odyssey” set multiple records across Imax and Dolby Cinema formats, holding the Imax format record as it extended its run into its 10th week. Imax screenings sold out continuously through the fifth week of release, representing the longest run of sellouts on record.
Ahead of its theatrical run, the film recorded the year’s highest advance ticket sales, leading Korean presales for 43 consecutive days through Sept. 14. Its local promotional tour also registered several post-pandemic milestones, including a Seoul press conference that drew 209 journalists and a CGV premiere event that generated 32,411 applications.
