Korean Horror Film "Salmokji: Whispering Water" Tops Weekend Box Office
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The horror-thriller "Salmokji: Whispering Water" was the top film at the South Korean box office for the weekend of April 24–26, 2026, earning $2.4 million. The film has now grossed a cumulative $13.9 million since its release earlier in the month. The overall weekend market gross was $6.2 million.
Facts First
- "Salmokji: Whispering Water" earned $2.4 million from 343,461 admissions, capturing a 39.29% revenue share.
- The film has a cumulative gross of $13.9 million from nearly 2 million admissions since its April 8 release.
- "Project Hail Mary" placed second, earning slightly over $1 million for the weekend.
- The overall market gross was $6.2 million, a slight decrease from the previous week's $6.6 million.
- "The King’s Warden" remains a major historical success, now the second most-watched film in South Korean history.
What Happened
According to the Korean Film Council's tracking service (KOBIS), the horror-thriller "Salmokji: Whispering Water" was the top film at the South Korean box office for the weekend of April 24–26, 2026. The film, directed by Lee Sang-min and starring Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won, earned $2.4 million from 343,461 admissions, representing a 39.29% revenue share. It has now grossed a cumulative $13.9 million from nearly 2 million admissions since its release on April 8. The science-fiction film "Project Hail Mary" placed second, earning slightly more than $1 million over the weekend. The comedy-drama "Audition 109" debuted in third place with $752,735.
Why this Matters to You
If you enjoy Korean cinema, this box office result indicates strong audience interest in a new, locally-produced horror film, which may lead to more screenings and potentially influence what types of films get greenlit in the future. The continued success of the historical drama "The King’s Warden" shows a sustained public appetite for domestic storytelling, which could encourage similar productions. For moviegoers, the diverse lineup—from horror and sci-fi to comedy and documentary—offers a wide range of entertainment choices.
What's Next
"Salmokji: Whispering Water" may continue to perform well in the coming weeks given its strong opening hold. "Project Hail Mary" is likely to maintain steady viewership as it approaches 2.5 million total admissions. The debut performances of "Audition 109" and the documentary "Ran 12.3" will be watched to see if they can build audience momentum. The overall market trend... will be an indicator of whether cinema attendance is stabilizing or if new releases are needed to boost numbers.