[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] The movie “Hope” has surpassed 2.8 million cumulative viewers and is expected to reach the 3 million viewer milestone sometime today (the 25th).

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network on the 25th, “Hope” drew 153,814 viewers on the 24th alone, bringing its cumulative total to 2,802,160. The film has continued its box office success, holding the top spot for 10 consecutive days since its release.
It has also widened the gap with its box office competitors. “Minions” drew 19,959 viewers on the 24th, bringing its cumulative total to 465,012, while “Moana” drew 16,041 viewers, bringing its cumulative total to 838,278. Following them, “The Eye” reached a cumulative total of 1,484,012 viewers, while “Toy Story 5” reached 2,792,604.
If the current trend continues, it is highly likely that the cumulative audience count will surpass 3 million by the 25th. The films are maintaining their box office momentum thanks to a steady influx of viewers since their release, combined with the effect of the summer peak season.
Analysts attribute the film’s success to word-of-mouth driven by its artistic merit and the ongoing buzz it generates even after viewers leave the theater. Various interpretations and discussions regarding the film’s symbolism and ending are ongoing in online communities and on social media, and “repeat conversations”—where viewers continue to discuss the film even after leaving the theater—are spreading. In addition, the film’s premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival fueled anticipation even before its release, and the government’s movie discount coupon policy is credited with supporting audience turnout during the summer peak season and contributing to its box office success.
Competition for tickets is also fierce. As of 9:00 a.m. on the 25th, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” leads the pack with 447,104 tickets sold. “Hope” maintained second place with 214,840 tickets sold. Despite the onslaught of new Marvel releases, it continues to post high ticket sales, fueling expectations for a long-term box office run.
The film industry is watching closely to see if “Hope” can surpass 3 million viewers this weekend and sustain its box office momentum through the summer vacation season. In particular, whether it can maintain its current audience draw even after the release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on the 29th is expected to be a turning point for its long-term box office performance.