[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] The Japanese animated film "Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" (Chiikawa) continues its box office success, maintaining its top spot at the domestic box office.

According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network on the 20th, “Chiikawa” drew 24,229 viewers as of the 19th, ranking first at the box office. Its cumulative audience stands at 1,853,136.

“Chiikawa” is an animated film depicting a mysterious expedition in which Chiikawa and her companions, lured by the sweet temptation of 100 times their usual pay, set off for an unknown island to uncover the secrets hidden there. The original author, Nagano, wrote the screenplay, and director Kei Oikawa helmed the project.

“Assassins” took second place. It drew 16,278 viewers that day, bringing its cumulative total to 3,265,450.

Third place went to “Tazza: The Song of Beelzebub,” which drew 13,716 viewers. Its cumulative attendance stands at 1,924,906. “The Odyssey,” which has enjoyed a long-running box office run, ranked fourth with 7,892 viewers, bringing its cumulative total to 12,275,556.

“Whalefall: The Man Eaten by a Whale,” which opened on the 14th, ranked fifth with 3,973 viewers. Its cumulative attendance stands at 60,336.

“Chiikawa” is also leading in advance ticket sales. As of 8:12 a.m. on the 20th, it had recorded 46,391 advance tickets sold.

“Paradise Lost,” set to open on the 21st, took second place with 20,889 advance tickets sold. “Clayface,” also opening on the same day, ranked third with 19,394 advance tickets sold.

“The Final Interview,” scheduled for release on the 4th of next month, ranked fourth in advance ticket sales with 13,290 tickets sold. “Variety,” opening on the 22nd, took fifth place with 11,130 tickets sold.