Some of the biggest domestic films have already reached the top of advance ticket sales in Korea, which bodes well for the beginning of the month and suggests that box office expectations are still high.

In addition to many action/adventure and historical dramas, numerous emotion-based features are opening at the same time, and those working within the industry will be watching closely to see if the excitement from the audience translates into continued attendance.

Per SBSStar, the Korean Film Council's integrated system for tracking box office sales shows that "The King's Warden," directed by Jang Hang Jun, is the most anticipated domestic film release of 2023 to date.

The movie had 125,420 advance ticket reservations as of February 3, making it the best-selling movie of all time. The historical drama is about King Danjong, the sixth ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. It shows what happens after he is overthrown and sent into exile, as well as the bond he forms with villagers who choose to protect and care for him.

Reports picked up by AllKpop indicate that excitement for "The King's Warden" grew after preview screenings. People who saw it early on liked the cast, which included Yoo Hae Jin, Park Ji Hoon, Yoo Ji Tae, and Jeon Mi Do.

A lot of people have commented on Park Ji Hoon's performance, noting how he demonstrated such an expressive gaze with many different levels of emotion as well as being emotionally grounded. The increased amount of word-of-mouth generated as a result of the fact that this has happened.

The next movie is Humint, an action thriller directed by Ryoo Seung Wan. It will come out on February 11, which is also the Lunar New Year holiday. The movie had 99,816 advance ticket reservations as of the same tracking date, putting it in second place.

The movie is a stylish spy thriller and the last part of Ryoo's overseas location trilogy, which includes The Berlin File (2013) and Escape from Mogadishu (2021). Jo In Sung, Park Jung Min, Park Hae Joon, and Shin Se Kyung are all in the cast, which raises hopes for a big turnout during the holidays.

Number One, directed by Kim Tae Yong, comes in third in advance sales with 40,320 tickets sold before its release. The movie has a more personal and emotional story, with home-cooked meals and a unique idea that lets characters see how much time is left in a person's life. Choi Woo Sik and Jang Hye Jin, who played mother and son in Parasite, are back together in this story. It focuses on their last moments together as they prepare to say goodbye.

These releases demonstrate the resurgence of the Korean film market, featuring a diverse array of genres and prominent actors collaborating at the box office.