The Film's Embrace of Korean Culture and Perspectives Strikes a Chord, Garnering Unprecedented Success

WALT DISNEY COMPANY KOREA

Pixar Studios' latest animation film, "Elemental," has left an indelible mark on the South Korean box office, recording a staggering 5 million moviegoers over the weekend. Directed and produced by Korean American talent Peter Sohn, the film has become the most beloved Pixar work to date in the country, surpassing the previous record-holder, "Inside Out" (2015), by drawing in 5.03 million viewers as of Monday, according to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network for movie theater tickets.

In an astonishing achievement, "Elemental" claims the third-highest viewership among all films released in Korea this year, following "The Roundup: No Way Out," which amassed 10.67 million audiences, and "Suzume," with 5.54 million viewers.

A striking revelation emerges when comparing "Elemental's" box office performance in North America with its incredible success in Korea. While the film faced sluggish results in the North American market, with Box Office Mojo reporting earnings of $137 million, it has sparked a sensation in South Korea, amassing a remarkable 49.7 billion won ($38.6 million) in revenue—making it the second-highest-grossing territory after North America.

This unprecedented popularity in Korea can be attributed to the seamless integration of Korean elements both in the storyline and behind the scenes. Directed by Peter Sohn, who boasts Korean American heritage, and led by head animator Korean American Lee Chae-yeon, "Elemental" embraces various Korean and immigrant perspectives. The film delves into themes of family relationships, their complexities, and the weight of expectations, resonating deeply with South Korean audiences. Additionally, it portrays the struggles of discrimination faced by the main character, Ember, and her family, providing a poignant reflection of societal challenges.

The film's genuine embrace of Korean culture, coupled with its heartfelt storytelling, has struck a chord with viewers, prompting a fervent response and a record-breaking audience turnout. As "Elemental" continues to captivate hearts across South Korea, its success stands as a testament to the power of representation and storytelling that speaks to the nuances of local audiences.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com