LEE Byung-hun definitively proved his power as a superstar in this summer’s Korean theaters, which are filled new blockbusters. According to the Integrated Computer Network of the Korea Film Council on July 22nd, Red 2 starring LEE and Bruce Willis topped the weekend box office chart by recording 832,276 admissions at 738 screens across the nation for three days from July 19th to 21st. Red 2 has been praised for a highly effective ensemble between big-name Hollywood actors and actresses such as Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Helen Mirren and LEE. The action blockbuster recorded 965,076 admissions for four days, getting closer to one million. 

 

Cold Eyes starring SEOL Kyung-gu and HAN Hyo-joo continued to stay hot at the box office. The film exceeded two million admissions in its first seven days since its premiere on July 3rd. Cold Eyes began its long run by attracting over four million spectators by July 19th. The film held second place by selling 576,350 tickets at 623 theaters for the same span. Up to now, Cold Eyes has chalked up 4,574,913 admissions. So it is highly likely that the crime thriller will record over five million admissions across the nation. Cold Eyes is enjoying positive responses not only in Korea but also in foreign countries. 

 

According to NEW, the distribution company of the film, Cold Eyes presold to six Asian nations such as Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei and international airlines at the 66th Cannes International Film Market. “The presales of Cold Eyes to those countries and international airlines are a remarkable feat and prove overseas countries’ interest in the film,” said a spokesperson at United Pictures in charge of overseas sales of the film. “At present, not only Asian nations but North America and Europe are showing more interest in Cold Eyes. Thanks to its good box performances in Korea, China and Taiwan, we anticipate additional sales of the film.”

 

On the other hand, the much anticipated Mr. Go, a Korean-style 3D blockbuster directed by KIM Yong-hwa (Take Off and 200 Pounds Beauty) ended up in third place, recording 540,411 spectators on its opening weekend. Mr. Go recorded 730,959 admissions for its first five days.