Film draws crowds at rapid pace since May 21 opening; Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young offers congratulations

A still from the film "Colony" [Showbox]
A still from the film "Colony" [Showbox]

By Jung Yoon-hee, The Herald Business

Director Yeon Sang-ho's zombie film "Colony" surpassed 5 million admissions Saturday, becoming the second film released this year to reach that mark after "The King's Warden."

Distributor Showbox announced Saturday morning, the film's 24th day in cinemas, that "Colony" had crossed the 5 million threshold.

"Colony" opened May 21 and hit 1 million admissions on its fourth day, 2 million on its fifth, 3 million on its 10th and 4 million on its 14th — the fastest pace of any film released this year.

However, it reached 5 million more slowly than "The King's Warden," which crossed that mark on its 18th day. As of Friday, "The King's Warden" had logged approximately 16.895 million admissions.

"Colony" follows survivors trying to stay alive inside a sealed building amid an outbreak of infection. It is Yeon's latest entry in the zombie genre, following "Train to Busan" (2016) and "Peninsula" (2020). The cast includes Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-been, Kim Shin-rok and Ko Soo.

The film screened at the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes International Film Festival last month.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young marked the milestone Saturday by posting on social media, sharing photos of herself mimicking an infected character alongside Jun Ji-hyun.

"I have the deepest admiration for the contemporary dancers, choreographers and actors who portrayed the infected with spine-chilling performances," Choi said. "The overwhelming expressions and movements — unlike anything seen anywhere else — were nothing short of art. I offer my wholehearted applause."


yuni@heraldcorp.com