[Dispatch=Kim Ji-ho] The box office momentum of the film 'Swarm' (Director Yeon Sang-ho) is remarkable. Following the highest opening score among films released this year, it claimed the number one spot at the box office for the opening weekend.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated system, 'Swarm' drew 575,850 viewers on the 24th. Accumulating 1.499 million viewers on its fifth day of release, it took first place at the opening weekend box office.

This is the highest opening weekend score among films released this year. From the 22nd to the 24th, 1.281 million viewers watched the film. It surpassed records from 'The Man Who Lives with the King', 'Project Hail Mary', 'Michael', 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', and others.

'Swarm' is a zombie suspense thriller. It tells the story of isolated survivors in a sealed building confronting evolving infected individuals. The infected move in groups, share information, and deliver fresh horror.

It is receiving praise as a new concept zombie film on a different level from existing zombie films. While the appearance of zombies was somewhat familiar, what unfolds afterwards is a moment that leaves audiences speechless. The zombies walk like beasts, evolve to walk on two legs, and mimic human behavior.

The tense psychological warfare led by villain Seo Young-chul (played by Koo Kyo-hwan) also pressures the heart. The suspense of finding a solution to the zombie crisis is likewise intense and original. Adding to this are the action sequences of Ji Sun (played by Kwon Se-jung) and Jang Wook (played by Choi Hyunsuk) as points of interest.

'Showbox's' track record for box office hits is also impressive. Following hits from 'What If We', 'The Man Who Lives with the King', and 'Salmokeji', 'Swarm' has been released. The break-even point for 'Swarm' is approximately 3 million viewers. Should it surpass this, it will achieve four consecutive hits.

Meanwhile, 'Michael' took second place in the daily box office on the 25th. It drew 122,567 viewers on the 24th. Its cumulative viewership stands at 1.074 million. Third place goes to 'Super Mario Galaxy'. The previous day saw 27,574 viewers visit theaters. Its cumulative viewership is 1.538 million.

<Photo courtesy=Showbox>