Yeon Sang-ho’s ultra-low-budget thriller ‘Paradise Lost’ opened at No. 2 on the South Korean box office on October 21, finishing just behind the Japanese animation ‘Chiikawa the Movie,’ according to Sports Chosun citing Korean Film Council ticketing data.
‘Paradise Lost’ drew 20,625 admissions on day one, for a cumulative 23,987 including previews — only 8,361 tickets behind ‘Chiikawa.’ It ranked No. 1 among Korean releases that day, carrying over its pre-release run as the most-reserved Korean film before opening.
The standout detail is the budget: produced by WOWPOINT, the film was completed for roughly 500 million won (about $350,000). Yeon proved the model last year with ‘The Face,’ a 300-million-won-range production that also reached No. 1 — a win carried by acting and story alone, with no creatures or monsters on screen.
The thriller stars Kim Hyun-joo and Bae Hyeon-seong in a mystery about a mother who lost her child in a camping-school bus disappearance nine years ago — until the child returns, nine years later, all grown up. Yeon, best known for ‘Train to Busan’ and ‘Peninsula,’ has drawn praise for the lead performances, with audiences saying the film stays with them after the credits roll.
No official statement was available.
With opening-day reviews spreading fast and word of mouth building toward repeat viewings, ‘Paradise Lost’ is expected to ride its momentum into the first weekend — more proof that a small budget is no barrier at the Korean box office.
