‘The Box’ Starring EXO’s Chanyeol Beats ‘Minari’ as No. 1 Box Office Movie

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BY Geca Wills Mar 25, 2021 01:15 AM EDT

"The Box," which stars EXO's Chanyeol, officially ranks number one in the box office, eclipsing "Minari" movie's reign.

In a new report, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) shared that the recently premiered film sold 29,274 tickets on its first day.

"The Box" Outstrips "Minari's" Reign in the Box Office

Moreover, Chanyeol's "The Box" has managed to earn 208,269 USD on its debut while it sold 31,905 tickets and garnered 234,373 USD on the pre-screening days.

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With this, the musical film surpassed the Oscar-nominated movie "Minari" in its 21-day winning streak as the number one box office movie across South Korea.

To recall, Variety previously cited that the award-winning film's cumulative total has reached 5.63 million USD since its debut.

Meanwhile, the Japanese anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie-Mugen Train" sits on the third spot with 11,589 tickers sold and cumulative earnings of 94,422 USD.

It was followed by the horror-thriller film "Hypnosis" starring Lee David and Johyun, which sold 5,825 tickets and earned 44,633 USD.

Capping off at top five is the epic fantasy adventure movie "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," with 2,495 and a total gross of 27,955 USD.

"The Box" Cast and Synopsis

Premiered last March 24, the much-awaited musical drama was directed and written by Yang Jung-Woong which stars Park Chanyeol and Jo Dalhwan.

"The Box" depicts a coming-of-age musical film that revolves around the life of an aspiring musician Ji-hoon played by the EXO member.

Unfortunately, he has self-doubts and can sing only when he is behind a box until he had a chance to meet a formerly well-known music producer of Pomsaeng Form, Min-su, portrayed by Cho Dal-hwan.

With him, Ji-hoon attempts to overcome his insecurities and fear as he comes out from behind his box.

In their recently concluded press conference, Cho Dal-hwan revealed why he said yes to the project. At the time, he mentioned that he took the offer because of the 28-year-old idol.

"By the time I was cast in the film, Chanyeol was already a global music star, and I've always had a desire to take part in a musical film like Begin Again or Once. I was also excited about the idea of traveling across the country and trying regional specialty dishes," he explained.

Meanwhile, "The Box" director shared why he chose Chanyeol to be the lead cast in the musical film.

In the press conference dated March 18, he revealed that his skills as an improvisational rapper made him a perfect actor for the role.

The success of "The Box" premiere came weeks before SM Entertainment confirmed that the EXO member is set to have his mandatory military enlistment dated March 29, 2021

"His enlistment location and time will not be revealed, and no special events will take place," the agency added.

With this, he will be the fifth member of the boy group to join enlistment.