The film "THE EYES," starring actor Shin Mina, has crossed the 80 percent mark toward reaching its break-even point.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater admissions on the 13th, "THE EYES" drew 257,816 viewers nationwide from the 10th to the 12th, maintaining its position at number 2 at the box office. The cumulative number of viewers is 1,277,263.

"THE EYES," which was released on June 24, surpassed 1 million viewers in 16 days and exceeded 1.2 million viewers in its third week of release. It has approximately 530,000 viewers left to reach its break-even point of 1.8 million.

"THE EYES" gained momentum through word of mouth after rising to number 1 at the box office in its second week, beating "Toy Story 5." Although the film has been noted for its somewhat lacking completion, the fact that it is the only thriller and horror film suitable for the summer season has captured the hearts of the audience. It also benefited from a 6,000 KRW discount coupon distributed on the 8th.

Having crossed the 80 percent mark toward the break-even point, the box office performance of "THE EYES" this week is more important than ever. This is because the highly anticipated film "HOPE" is scheduled for release on the 15th. "HOPE" is currently recording a 63.6 percent reservation rate and 410,000 pre-sale tickets. It is certain to surpass 500,000 pre-sale tickets before its release.

When a massive blockbuster is released, the films currently at number 1 and 2 at the box office take the biggest hit. "Moana" and "THE EYES" currently occupy the most screens in theaters. However, it is expected that a large number of screens will be shifted starting on the 15th, when "HOPE" is released.

The film must gather as many viewers as possible this weekend, its fourth week, to get closer to the break-even point. This is because if "HOPE" creates a box office sensation, the room for other films will become even narrower.

If "THE EYES" reaches its break-even point, it is expected to be recorded as a surprise hit of the first half of this year, alongside "Salmokji: Whispering Water," which was released in April and drew 3.24 million viewers.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)