[Dispatch=Lee Myung-joo] Evolving zombies have infected Asia's box office.

Distributor Showbox announced on the 2nd that "'Collective' (Director Yeon Sang-ho) topped the box office in Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Hong Kong."

It has swept across Asia beyond South Korea. In Malaysia, it surpassed 'Exhuma' just three days after its release. It recorded the third-highest box office performance of Korean films in history.

That's not all. As of the 30th of last month, 'Collective' earned a cumulative box office of 16.8 million ringgit (approximately 6.035 billion won). It ranks second all-time, following 'Train to Busan'.

It's also hot in Taiwan. Since its release on the same day as Malaysia, it recorded cumulative earnings of 115 million Taiwan dollars (approximately 5.556 billion won) as of the 31st.

In the Philippines, following its release on the 27th, it achieved approximately 68.5 million pesos (approximately 1.681 billion won) in cumulative earnings in five days. It rose to second place, following 'Train to Busan'.

Singapore also surpassed 715,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 846.75 million won) after its release on this day. It is on the verge of entering the top 3 all-time, surpassing 'Exhuma'.

In Hong Kong, it made its debut on the 28th. On its opening day, it achieved approximately 1.4 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately 270.53 million won). This is the highest opening record for a Korean film.

The film also showed bright prospects in countries outside Asia. 'Collective' met French audiences on the 27th. It ranked second at the box office among new releases.

Meanwhile, 'Collective' tells the story of survivors confronting evolving infected individuals inside a sealed building.

<Photo provided by Showbox>