Film on 1597 Victory Against Japan Storms to Top of South Korean Box-Office

The South Korean box office has been set on fire by a film depicting a famous 16th century naval victory against Japanese invaders.

The South Korean box office has been set on fire by a film depicting a famous 16th century naval victory against Japanese invaders. The film has been drawing the largest audience and has become the first local movie to take more than $100 million.

"Myeongryang" ("Roaring Currents") attracted 13.62 million viewers as of Saturday after 18 days of screening, distributor CJ Entertainment.

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The previous frontrunner, Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar", drew 13.61 million Korean cinema goers over a span of four months.

As of Friday, the movie had earned 102.4 billion won ($100.2 million) in ticket sales, becoming the first homemade film to top 100 billion won (or $100 million) in revenue.

Starring Choi Min-Sik as Chosun Dynasty Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, the film depicts Yi's decisive 1597 naval victory against Japan in the Battle of Myeongryang.

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Yi, who had 12 ships under his command, defeated more than 130 Japanese warships.

Choi also starred in a 2003 hit thriller "Old Boy".

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Relations between South Korea and Japan are currently at their lowest ebb for years over disputes related to Tokyo's 1910-45 rule over the Korean peninsula.

Source-AFP