Indonesian spectators have shown huge interest and immense support for the Korean films, Parasite (2019) and The Childe (2023), the newest top two best-selling Korean films of all time in Indonesia.
Parasite (2019), starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, and Jang Hye-jin, sold around 700,000 tickets in Indonesia four years ago, according to CNN Indonesia. It was shown twice in the country, attracting more moviegoers during its second run after the movie won several awards, including Oscars.
To date, Parasite (2019) remains the highest-grossing Korean film in Indonesia. The thriller film follows a poor family and their crazy schemes to enter the home of a wealthy family by posing as unrelated, highly-skilled employees, written and directed by Bong Joon-ho.
The Childe (2023) starring Kim Seonho, Kang Tae-joo, Kim Kang-woo, and Go Ara has officially become the second highest-grossing Korean film of all time in Indonesia, next to Parasite (2019) after garnering 233,000++ admissions. It also continues to reign as the no. 1 best-selling Korean film in the country in 2023, surpassing The Roundup: No Way Out (2023), Soulmate (2023), and The Devil’s Deal (2023).
According to CBI Pictures, The Childe (2023), which is rated R-18 in South Korea but R-17 in Indonesia, sold 50,000 tickets on June 23rd, crossed 100,000 audiences on June 25th, and reached 233,000++ admissions on July 11th. It premiered on June 21st in Indonesia, same opening day as South Korea and Taiwan.
Indonesian moviegoers commented about the film: “One of the best action Korean movies in 2023”, “Kim Seonho’s flawless acting is the main highlight of this film”, “Kim Seonho is really good at acting”, “A must-watch!”, “A refreshing film noir by Park Hoon-jung”, “Kim Seonho in an iconic and one-of-a-kind titular character”, “Intriguing and surprisingly bloody!”, “Kim Seonho in his best performance!”, “The most thrilling noir film”, “Highly recommended!”
The Childe (2023) is an action, noir film that highlights the mad pursuit of an aspiring Korean-Filipino (Kopino) boxer by a strange nobleman and other mysterious forces whose unknown mission is but to chase him and make his life a mess. It is written and helmed by Park Hoon-jung, the Korean director best known for his original and distinct style of noir action films.
Other Korean films besides Parasite (2019) and The Childe (2023) that made it to the Top 5 best-selling movies in Indonesia include Decibel (2022), The Battleship Island (2017), and Train To Busan (2016).
Meanwhile, The Childe (2023) premiered on June 21st in South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia, June 23rd in Vietnam, June 29th in Singapore and Malaysia, June 30th in USA and Canada, and July 5th in the Philippines. It is also showing in Hongkong on July 13th and Thailand on July 27th.
Congratulations, The Childe!
Images: CJ Entertainment, NEW
KORB 