[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Audiences drawn to theaters by the film’s cute characters are responding enthusiastically to the story’s plot twists and lingering emotional impact. “Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island” has surpassed 600,000 cumulative viewers just five days after its release. After initially attracting audiences with the characters’ popularity, the film continues its box office success as positive reviews of the narrative pour in following screenings.

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network on the 5th, “Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island” had recorded a cumulative audience of 604,730 as of the previous day. Released on the 30th of last month, it drew 120,000 viewers on its opening day and topped the overall box office on the 3rd.
The pace at which it reached 600,000 viewers is faster than that of “Chainsaw Man: The Legend,” which drew 3.46 million viewers last year, and “Super Mario Galaxy,” which attracted 1.64 million viewers this year. While it is too early to predict the film’s final box office performance, this record demonstrates its strong ability to draw audiences in the early stages of its release.
The film depicts the adventures of Chiika and her companions as they set off for an unknown island, lured by an invitation promising 100 times the usual reward even for a simple extermination mission. The screenplay was written by the original creator, Nagano, and the film was directed by Kei Oikawa.
Audience reactions highlight the contrast between the characters’ cuteness and the unexpected plot twists. While the characters’ familiar appearance may have drawn viewers in, the island’s hidden secrets and the film’s conclusion are what prompt discussions after the screening. Reviews shared by the distributor also noted how the content can be interpreted differently by children and adults, as well as the thought-provoking ending.
Audience ratings have also been high. According to data released by the distributor, the CGV Egg Index stands at 95%, while Lotte Cinema and Naver user ratings are 9.3 and 9.1, respectively. Converting existing fans’ interest into actual satisfaction with the film is expected to be key to its long-term box office success.
Events where audiences could meet the characters in person also generated additional interest. Following an appearance on a special stage for Mnet’s “M Countdown,” the cast held a weekend stage greeting wearing character costumes. These events extended the experience of meeting the on-screen characters into a live theater experience.