[Edaily Reporter Lee Youn-jung ] The Japanese animated film “Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island” has reclaimed the top spot at the box office, overtaking “Assassin(s).”

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network for movie ticket sales on the 4th, “Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island” (directed by Kei Oikawa) drew 204,394 viewers the previous day to claim the No. 1 spot at the box office. Its cumulative audience total stands at 463,610.

Released on the 30th of last month, “Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island” debuted at No. 1, drawing over 120,000 viewers on its opening day. It subsequently ceded the top spot to “Assassin(s)” but reclaimed the lead on the 3rd, which was National Foundation Day.

“Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island” is the first theatrical film based on the popular manga series “Chiikawa,” serialized by Japanese illustrator Nagano. In Korea, the series is also well known by the nickname “Munjakgwi,” which means “something small and cute.” The work depicts a world inhabited by the adorable characters ChiiKawa, Hachiware, and Usagi, and has expanded its fan base in Korea through character merchandise and animated series.

The feature film is based on the “Siren Arc,” a popular long-form episode from the original series. It follows ChiiKawa and her friends as they set off for an unknown island after receiving an offer of 100 times their usual pay, only to find themselves embroiled in a suspicious extermination mission.

“The Assassin(s)” (directed by Heo Jin-ho) dropped to second place after drawing 155,086 viewers the previous day. Its cumulative audience total stands at 2,045,499, surpassing the 2 million mark just 11 days after its release on the 23rd of last month. Starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho, “Assassins” is inspired by the August 15, 1974, assassination attempt on the First Lady and follows the investigation into the suspicions and forces behind the incident. Despite controversy over historical distortion since its release, the film has continued to draw audiences.

Third place went to “Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub” (directed by Choi Guk-hee). With 110,960 viewers on the day, it recorded a cumulative total of 1,236,933 viewers. Starring Byun Yo-han and Noh Jae-won, the film—despite its “No Minors Allowed” rating—has maintained a top position at the box office since its release.

Christopher Nolan’s *The Martian* ranked fourth, drawing 46,412 viewers. With a cumulative total of 11,945,227 viewers, it is on the verge of surpassing the 12-million mark. “The Resurrected Man: The Red” (directed by Baek), starring Koo Kyo-hwan, drew 44,944 viewers to take fifth place. Its cumulative total stands at 145,075 viewers.