[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Director Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey” has surpassed 12 million cumulative viewers. It has surpassed “Train to Busan” and “Exhumation” in succession to rank 19th on the list of all-time domestic box office hits. Even as new releases continue to hit theaters, the film is maintaining its position among the top in advance ticket sales and continues its long-running box office success.

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network on the 5th, “The Odyssey” recorded a cumulative audience of 12,027,021 as of 12:11 a.m. that day. Having previously surpassed “Avengers: Infinity War” (11,233,176 viewers) to rank fifth on the list of all-time highest-grossing foreign films in Korea, it has now also surpassed the records set by “Train to Busan” (11,573,004 viewers) and “Exhumed” (11,916,041 viewers). It is also repeatedly breaking Director Nolan’s own domestic box office records.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy because it has sustained its initial box office momentum into a long-term run. Even as it approaches its two-month anniversary, *The Odyssey* ranks third in overall ticket sales (as of 9:00 a.m. on the 5th). This indicates that not only has it attracted a large cumulative audience, but demand for future viewings also remains high. In a cinema market where attention tends to gravitate toward new releases, the film continues to consistently win over audiences.
One key factor behind its success is the trust Korean audiences place in Director Nolan. His established reputation, built through films like “Interstellar,” is complemented by the visual spectacle of bringing a classic narrative to the big screen. It appears that the director’s name alone is a deciding factor for viewers, and their expectation that the film is worth experiencing in theaters has translated into actual ticket sales.
Demand for special theaters, particularly IMAX, is also noteworthy. “The Odyssey” was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, generating interest in theater selection even before its release. In particular, the CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall IMAX theater—the only venue in Korea to feature a 1.43:1 aspect ratio—has become a prime destination for audiences seeking to fully experience the film’s visuals.
In particular, demand for IMAX screenings can be seen as a factor supporting the film’s long-term box office success. This is because audiences may delay their visit to secure their preferred theater and seats, or return to a special-format theater after first seeing the film in a standard theater—a trend that could continue even after the film’s release. As “where to watch” becomes just as important as “which movie to watch,” the period during which theaters can attract audiences is also lengthening.
“The Odyssey” surpassing 12 million admissions demonstrates that the viewing experience unique to theaters can still generate massive demand. Films that combine trust in the director with the distinctive experience of special-format theaters are retaining audiences and climbing the box office charts even amid a barrage of new releases.