South Korean Comedy 'The Intern' Tops Admissions; 'The Odyssey' Leads Revenue

The South Korean film industry witnessed an interesting weekend as the local comedy-drama remake "The Intern" secured the top spot in ticket admissions from September 18 to 20, 2026. Despite the success of "The Intern," Christopher Nolan's blockbuster "The Odyssey" retained its position as the overall revenue leader. Based on data from KOBIS, the box office tracking service under the Korean Film Council, the debut of "The Intern" was met with enthusiasm from audiences, marking a significant achievement for the film. Its comedic elements and relatable storyline resonated well with viewers, leading to strong attendance figures. Although it did not outperform in terms of revenue, "The Odyssey" continued to dominate the box office earnings, showcasing the allure of Nolan's epic narrative. The film, released earlier, has maintained its financial success since its opening, indicating its broad appeal and critical acclaim. This weekend's box office results illustrate the varying preferences of South Korean moviegoers, with some gravitating towards local productions while others remain loyal to international blockbusters. The contrasting fortunes of these films reflect the dynamic nature of the film industry in South Korea, where both beloved remakes and major global films can coexist successfully. As the competition in the box office heats up, it will be intriguing to see how these films perform in the coming weeks. "The Intern" may continue to draw in audiences looking for light-hearted entertainment, while "The Odyssey" may attract those seeking an epic cinematic experience. This rivalry sets the stage for an exciting period at the South Korean box office, with diverse offerings appealing to different segments of the audience. With the ever-changing landscape of film preferences, industry analysts will be keeping a close eye on upcoming releases that could potentially shift the current balance of power in the box office rankings. The next few weekends are set to reveal more about the evolving tastes of filmgoers in South Korea, according to Variety.