‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Slays The Korean Box Office

According to statistic released by KOFIC, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” topped the Korean box office with opening weekend ticket sales that exceeded $23 million. The Hollywood production opened in 44 territories and seized the top spot in all markets, prior to its roll out for U.S. audiences.

Moviegoers in Korea poured out to take a gander at scenes which were filmed in Seoul, with some audiences surprised at the limited number of exterior shots that prominently featured the city. "Avengers: Age of Ultron" extensively shot scenes in Seoul, which were edited into action sequences which largely propel the plot. Some of the most moving scenes were those which involved the laboratory of Dr. Helen Cho (Claudia Kim), a character whose inclusion left a strong impression on Korean fans.

Before the first screenings occurred, the film demonstrated record-breaking early reservation sales of $8.6 million. Interest in the movie was bolstered by a Korean press junket that was held prior to its premiere. Top stars from the film including Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo and Chris Evans joined Claudia Kim for the event.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” displaced “Fast & Furious 7,” which slipped to second place. “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is on track to exceed the total ticket sales of “Fast & Furious 7,” which racked up $23.7 million since its April 1 premiere in Korea.

The domestic film “Salut d’Amour” maintained its third place slot. The film, which premiered on April 9, brought it $625, 926 to bring its total sales to $7 million.

“Twenty,” the coming-of-age juggernaut starring Kim Woo Bin, Kang Ha Neul and 2PM’s Junho slipped to sixth place. However, the film garnered $22 million in domestic sales since its March 25 premier, solidifying the box office potential of its rising stars.