South Korea's box office revenue jumped 41.9% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven by local hits including 'The King’s Warden,' 'Colony,' and 'Salmokji: Whispering Water,' according to figures released by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC). Total revenue reached between $396.6 million and $399.1 million, depending on the exchange rate, with 57.05 million admissions—a 34.2% increase year-on-year.
Local films accounted for the bulk of the growth, generating KRW370.2 billion in revenue. 'The King’s Warden' was the top-grossing local title, leading a recovery that made the first half of 2026 the best since the pandemic disrupted the industry. Imported films, led by 'Project Hail Mary,' also contributed but were outpaced by domestic productions.
The KOFIC data underscores a strong rebound for South Korea's film industry, which had struggled with lower attendance in recent years. The 41.9% revenue increase is a sharp turnaround, reflecting sustained audience interest in local content.