[Dispatch=Reporter Jung Tae-yoon] I went to see the cute little creature, but encountered an eerie mystery. The adventure unfolded by round-shaped characters left a chilling aftertaste rather than healing.

From 'Midsommar' to 'Memories of Murder', unexpected works were summoned as points of comparison. The word-of-mouth about the twist led to box office success.

'Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island' held the top spot at the weekend box office for three consecutive weeks. Last weekend (23-25), it drew 320,309 viewers. Cumulative viewership stands at 2.24 million.

In Korea, it is known as a cute little creature. It gained popularity through short episodes lasting about one to two minutes and endearing characters, and also drew merchandise interest.

The theatrical film is based on the 'Siren Arc' among the manga serialized by author Nagano on X. It was an episode that sparked numerous interpretations on SNS at the time of serialization.

The story is simple. Chiikawa and friends, tempted by a reward 100 times over, set out to a mysterious island, where they encounter unexpected secrets.

An island full of blue seas, warm tropical climates, and delicious food. However, the atmosphere turns chilling as it is revealed that a giant siren is taking away residents one by one.

Rather than direct depictions of brutality, it stimulates the imagination. Particularly, the post-credits scene leaves an uncomfortable aftertaste.

In Japan, it is already a syndrome. It opened in July and surpassed 10 million cumulative viewers in 52 days. It is the top film at the Japanese box office this year.

In Korea, audiences in their 20s and 30s led the box office. Word-of-mouth spread about viewers arriving to see the cute characters but being surprised by the unexpected twist.

It drew 120,000 viewers on opening day, marking the highest opening for an animated film released this year. It surpassed 1 million viewers in 10 days and 2 million in 24 days.

Among films that exceeded 2 million viewers this year, 'Toy Story 5' and 'Chiikawa the Movie' are the only animations.

It was a topic outside theaters as well. It made a surprise special stage appearance on Mnet music show 'M Countdown' and conducted unique promotions.

An M Countdown representative told Dispatch, "Chiikawa is popular among the main viewership of M Countdown. The production team has been interested in and watching it."

"While we are expanding the various possibilities that can be shown on music broadcasts, we decided to conduct the stage together to add fresh entertainment," they added.

Beyond just the stage, it also participated in 'relay dance' content. During the opening weekend, it also met audiences through a mascot character appearance.

Riding on its popularity, 4DX screening has been confirmed. The CGV 4DX team told Dispatch, "Since it is an IP loved not only by women in their 20s and 30s but also by children, we carefully adjusted the strength of effects so that various age groups can enjoy it."

The key is the contrast between cuteness and eeriness. The 4DX team said, "We delicately expressed the wriggling movements unique to the cute creature and its small gestures," and "In scenes featuring the giant-bodied siren and action sequences, we provided dramatic contrast through intense motion."

"In Usagi's singing scene, the seats move in sync with the music's beat. It elevates the work's unique upbeat rhythm," they added.

Starting with a cute face and leaving an eerie aftertaste, 'Chiikawa'. After Japan, its twist succeeded in Korea as well. The invasion of the cute little creatures into theaters continues.

<Photo source=QTORY inc., Mnet capture>