Korean Box Office Report – August 2025

Zombie Daughter tops the charts as Demon Slayer and F1 boost foreign films to yearly high

The Korean box office rebounded in August 2025, achieving its strongest performance since January 2024 thanks to the success of Zombie Daughter, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, and F1: The Movie. According to the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), total revenue reached KRW 135.6 billion (USD 112 million) with 13.45 million admissions, marking a 16.2% increase in revenue (+KRW 19.0 billion) and a 14.2% rise in admissions (+1.67 million) from the same period last year. Compared to July, revenue jumped 18.1% (+KRW 20.8 billion) and admissions 14.6% (+1.72 million).

Despite fewer new releases compared to August 2024, the government’s distribution of 1.43 million discount tickets boosted audience turnout.

Korean films recorded KRW 60.5 billion with 6.3 million admissions, up 46.0% (+KRW 19.1 billion) and 44.0% (+1.93 million) month-on-month thanks to the breakout hit Zombie Daughter. However, compared to August last year, domestic films declined 15.0% in revenue (-KRW 10.7 billion) and 12.7% in admissions (-920,000).

Foreign films posted their strongest results of the year. Revenue rose to KRW 75.2 billion, up 65.0% (+KRW 29.6 billion) year-on-year, while admissions climbed to 7.15 million, a 56.8% rise (+2.59 million). The surge was driven by Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and F1: The Movie.

Webtoon adaptation Zombie Daughter led the August box office with KRW 44.8 billion (4.65 million admissions). By the end of the month, it had grossed KRW 50.7 billion with 5.35 million admissions, becoming the first Korean release of 2025 to surpass both the KRW 50 billion and 5 million viewer milestones.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, released on August 22, amassed KRW 34.1 billion and 3.15 million admissions in just 10 days, ranking second overall. The film surpassed its predecessor Mugen Train (KRW 21.4 billion, 2.22 million admissions), attracting not only anime fans but also general audiences.

F1: The Movie, which opened on June 25, maintained momentum with KRW 22.2 billion and 2.05 million admissions in August, placing third. Its cumulative gross reached KRW 51.1 billion and 4.76 million admissions, making it the top-grossing film of 2025 so far. With premium formats (IMAX, 4D, ScreenX, Dolby Cinema) accounting for 30% of its total revenue, the film out-earned Zombie Daughter despite fewer admissions.