The Train to Busan fever remains strong as its sequel Trip to Busan: Peninsula drew in the most number of moviegoers to the cinema on its opening day since the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Korean zombie film opened in Korean theaters on July 15 and drew in a total of 352,930 moviegoers on its first day.
The number is considered very significant since the entertainment industry has been suffering from a slump since February when theaters and businesses were forced to close down to stop the spread of the COVID-19.
As theaters in Korea reopened with the easing of some restrictions on social distancing, the box office performance of Peninsula marked a positive sign for the industry as a whole, All Kpop reported.
In his statement, director Yeon Sang Ho said that they consider the positive response to their movie as a meaningful achievement, especially since Train to Busan: Peninsula was released at a difficult time.
The film takes place in the same universe as 2016's global hit Train to Busan but the story happens four years after the events of the first movie. The film also features an entirely new cast of characters.
Kang Dong Won said that, upon reading the script, he realized that the film had very little to do with the first movie, apart from being in the same universe. The lead actor said he agreed to the role easily and tried to do his best to live up to the expectations of the fans of Gong Yoo's Train to Busan.
As he shared his thoughts about his role, Kang Dong Won said the strength of the movie is in its portrayal of human beings. He said that the story will be very relatable to the audience because the characters all have the same desires and objectives as normal people.
His character, in particular, is a veteran soldier who grows jaded about the world and is saved by the hope he found with Min Jung's character.
Before the release of the movie in theaters, the Peninsula team said the theaters implemented serious protective measures to ensure the health of moviegoers. Still, they asked audiences to add extra precautions such as the wearing of masks while enjoying the movie, Soompi reported.
Park Shin Hye and Yoo Ah In's zombie movie Alive also did well when it opened to 204,071 moviegoers on its opening day in June.
