The Japanese animation "Chiikawa The Movie: Secret of the Mermaid Island" claimed the top spot at the weekend box office, overtaking "The Assassin(s)" in its second week of release.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing computer network on October 12, "Chiikawa The Movie: Secret of the Mermaid Island" drew 407,895 moviegoers nationwide from October 9 to October 11. Its cumulative audience reached 1,281,485.

Released on September 30, "Chiikawa The Movie: Secret of the Mermaid Island" finished second at the box office during its opening weekend, trailing "The Assassin(s)" by a margin of about 7,000 viewers. However, in its second week, it successfully edged past "The Assassin(s)" by a margin of 215 viewers to claim first place.

"Chiikawa The Movie: Secret of the Mermaid Island" is an animated film depicting a suspicious subjugation mission in which Chiikawa and friends, lured by the sweet temptation of 100 times the regular pay, head to an uncharted island and uncover hidden secrets there. It is based on the popular feature-length episode "Siren Arc" from the manga "Chiikawa" serialized by Japanese illustrator Nagano.

Meanwhile, "The Assassin(s)" attracted 405,966 viewers over the same period, finishing its fourth weekend at the box office in second place.


(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kim Ji-hye)