Netflix’s animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters" (directed by Maggie Kang) stormed the North American box office, debuting at No. 1 on the strength of special-event screenings.
According to Box Office Mojo on the 25th, the film pulled in $18 million over the June 23-24 weekend from about 1,700 theaters. This wasn’t a traditional wide release; the rollout centered on sing-along screenings that encouraged audiences to belt the soundtrack. Major chains like AMC sat it out, with most playdates at small and midsize venues ― many of which sold out.
Despite playing on roughly half the screens of No. 2 title "Weapons" ($15.6 million, 3,631 locations) and No. 3 "Freakier Friday" ($9.2 million, 3,190 theaters), "KPop Demon Hunters" still led the field by a wide margin.
The action-fantasy follows K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey ― idols onstage, secret guardians off it ― as they protect the world behind the glitz and lasers. Released on Netflix in June, the film has become the streamer’s most successful animated title to date and its No. 2 most-watched movie overall.
Per Netflix’s June 20 viewership report, "KPop Demon Hunters" has amassed 210.5 million views and 350.9 million hours watched, putting it within striking distance of "Red Notice" (230.9 million views, 454.2 million hours) for the all-time lead.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)