Seoul, South Korea – South Korea's film industry experienced a slight downturn in 2023, with total movie attendance dipping 1.6% compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Korean Film Council. While the overall number of cinemagoers reached 123.13 million, it marked a modest decline from the previous year.

Despite this slight decrease, Korean films continued to perform strongly, bucking the trend of declining overall attendance. Domestic films accounted for 58% of the market share, a significant increase from the previous year. Hits like "Pamyoo" and "Crime City 4," which both surpassed 10 million admissions, helped drive this growth.

The decline in overall attendance was attributed to several factors, including a lack of blockbuster hits during the summer season and a weaker performance by foreign films. The absence of large-scale Hollywood productions led to a decrease in special screenings, such as those in IMAX theaters, which typically command higher ticket prices.

"The Korean film industry has shown remarkable resilience in the face of these challenges," said [Name], [Title] at the Korean Film Council. "The success of domestic films like 'Pamyoo' and 'Crime City 4' demonstrates the enduring appeal of Korean cinema."

While the overall box office performance was slightly down, there were some bright spots. The month of December saw the highest monthly attendance for the year, driven by the release of several popular Korean films. Additionally, independent and art house films also contributed to the overall box office.