The film The Assassin(s) has surpassed 3.4 million cumulative moviegoers, officially breaking even.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing computer network, The Assassin(s) recorded a cumulative audience of 3,401,825 as of 7:00 a.m. today (October 29), crossing its break-even point. While it was previously rumored that the break-even point for The Assassin(s) was around 3.3 million, the exact figure was confirmed today as the investment and distribution company officially announced that it had surpassed the threshold.

After drawing 3 million moviegoers within 20 days of its release, the film demonstrated its box office power by ranking among the top 4 box office hits for South Korean films in 2026. In particular, it maintained a long-term box office run by claiming the number one spot in weekly Korean film box office sales for five consecutive weeks up to its fifth week of release, ultimately achieving the meaningful milestone of breaking even in its sixth week.

Revolving around the subject of a First Lady assassination attempt, The Assassin(s) faced severe backlash upon its early release amid controversies over historical distortion. With all-out political attacks pouring in, the film's box office run faced hurdles, alongside personal attacks against the actors and obstacles placed against invitations to overseas film festivals.

However, audience interest in the film could not be stopped. Amid a continuous stream of diverse viewpoints and interpretations surrounding the work following its release, audiences have been visiting theaters in person to confront the story within the film and share their own impressions.

Acclaim from prestigious international film festivals also added momentum to its box office success. After being named the runner-up for the People's Choice Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, the film achieved the remarkable feat of being selected as the opening film for the 37th Singapore International Film Festival, a first for a Korean film in 22 years. Selling out all seats from the opening screening to the second screening and proving intense local interest, The Assassin(s) earned praise from a festival programmer who called it "one of the notable achievements accomplished by South Korean cinema today," gaining recognition for its cinematic quality not only at home but around the world. Furthermore, the film received consecutive invitations to the 28th Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, the 21st Paris Korean Film Festival, and the 46th Hawaii International Film Festival, with tickets for the Paris Korean Film Festival selling out completely within just three minutes of opening.

Having successfully surpassed its break-even point, The Assassin(s) is expected to continue its long-run screening.

 

(SBS Star News, Reporter Kim Ji-hye)