Driven by the success of “Roaring Currents” and “The Pirates,” Korean films saw the highest monthly records in August: a total of 32.17 million admissions and KRW 249.7 billion in sales with Korean movies accounting for 77.9% of total admissions. Compared with figures for last year, the number of admissions rose by 3.03 million and revenues by KRW 44.2 billion.

Korean films accounted for 25.06 million admissions and KRW 194 billion in sales. They are the highest monthly figures to date, rising by 3.1 million admissions and KRW 37.9 million in sales compared with last year. Foreign movies brought in 7.11 million moviegoers and KRW 55.7 billion, falling by 70,000 admissions but increasing by KRW 6.3 billion from last year.

In terms of distribution, CJ E&M dominated the market with 17.71 million admissions (55.2%) with seven movies, including “Roaring Currents,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” and “Detective Conan: Dimensional Sniper.” Next in line was Lotte Entertainment with 7.27 million admissions (22.6%) with 5.5 movies (co-distribution included), including “The Pirates,” “Expendables 3,” and “Turkey.” Sony Pictures Releasing Walt Disney Studio Korea came third with 1.56 million admissions (4.9%) for “Guardians of Galaxy” and four other movies. Next Entertainment (NEW), distributor of two movies including “Haemoo” which drew in 1.45 million admissions, came fourth with 4.5% followed by Showbox/Mediaplex with 2.6% for four movies, including “KUNDO: Age of Rampant.” 
Another issue of the August cinema was the popularity of “Begin Again.” John Carney’s music-based film “Begin Again” drew in 810,000 moviegoers and topped the chart.