'Kokuhou,' directed by Zainichi Korean filmmaker Lee Sang-il, has become Japan's No.1 highest-grossing live-action film of all time.

According to distributor Toho, the film recorded 12.31 million admissions as of November 24. Its total revenue reached 17.37 billion yen (about 163 billion KRW).

It now holds the top spot in Japanese live-action box office history. The previous record was set by Bayside Shakedown 2 (2003), which earned 17.3 billion yen.

Based on the novel by Yoshida Shuichi, Kokuhou tells the story of a kabuki actor born into a yakuza family who rises to the status of a national treasure.

Directed by Lee Sang-il, the film drew strong audience support despite its unusual subject and three-hour runtime. It surpassed 10 million viewers on its 102nd day of release.

Kokuhou opened in Korea on November 19 and recorded 64,971 admissions as of the 24th.