The highly anticipated Japanese anime film "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - Infinity Castle" has broken pre-sale records in South Korea, even as its release timing has sparked controversy due to its proximity to Korea's Liberation Day. The film, distributed by CJ ENM, has generated unprecedented advance ticket sales despite concerns about cultural sensitivities surrounding Japanese entertainment during Korea's most significant historical commemoration.
The movie's commercial success highlights the complex relationship between Korean audiences and Japanese popular culture, particularly anime content that has gained massive followings across age groups. Industry observers note that the record-breaking pre-sales demonstrate the strong appeal of the Demon Slayer franchise, which has become a global phenomenon since its initial manga publication and subsequent anime adaptation.
The timing controversy stems from the film's release schedule coinciding with Korea's Liberation Day period, a time when anti-Japanese sentiment traditionally runs higher due to historical memories of Japan's colonial occupation from 1910 to 1945. Critics have questioned whether it's appropriate to promote Japanese entertainment content during this sensitive period, while supporters argue that cultural products should be evaluated separately from political and historical issues.
Despite the ongoing debate, the strong pre-sale performance indicates that Korean audiences remain enthusiastic about quality anime content regardless of its country of origin. The success of "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" reflects the continued growth of anime popularity in Korea and suggests that entertainment value often transcends historical and political considerations in consumer choices.
