Movie 'Face' Garners Over 3.7 Billion KRW in Box Office Despite 200 Million KRW Budget; Star Park Jung-min's No-Salary Status Sparks Discussion

The film 'Face' is gaining significant traction, reclaiming the top spot at the box office in its second week of release, earning widespread acclaim as a return to director Yeon Sang-ho's signature storytelling.

'Face,' directed and written by Yeon Sang-ho, tells the compelling story of Im Young-gyu, who becomes a master craftsman in seal engraving despite being blind, and his son Im Dong-hwan as they uncover a mystery surrounding his mother's death 40 years prior. Since its release on September 11th, the movie has received unanimous praise from critics and audiences alike, surpassing 300,000 viewers in its opening week and subsequently overtaking 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Swordsmith Village' to claim the overall box office number one position.

Currently, the film has surpassed 350,000 total admissions, with cumulative revenue exceeding 3.7 billion KRW. Notably, 'Face' is a low-budget production with a total budget of 200 million KRW, despite being a commercial film. The participation of lead actor Park Jung-min and other cast members on a no-salary basis has drawn significant attention.

This success is a testament to the growing audience enthusiasm for 'Face.' The film is being lauded for its quality, performances, and message, achieving a high CGV Golden Egg score of 94%, reflecting viewer satisfaction. Audiences have left reviews such as, “A film that deeply immerses you with its actors' performances and the director's vision! Even more profound revelations on a second viewing!” and “A beautiful movie that lingers long after the credits roll, constantly replaying in my mind.” The trend of multiple viewings is already evident, indicating a burgeoning box office hit.

'Face,' a passion project for director Yeon Sang-ho conceived before 'Train to Busan,' is expected to see its box office momentum surge further with various events like Q&A sessions and fan meet-and-greets planned for its second week. This indicates a strong audience connection and anticipation for the film's continued success.

Park Jung-min is recognized for his versatile acting, seamlessly transitioning between independent and commercial films. His nuanced emotional performances and ability to fully embody his characters have earned him critical and popular acclaim. His decision to work without a salary for 'Face' underscores his deep commitment to the project.