'Peninsula,' follow-up to 'Train to Busan,' soars in Asian box-office

The movie's strong performance in select Asian markets is welcome news for the film business amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

South Korean filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho’s Peninsula — a follow-up to the 2016 cult zombie action flick Train to Busan — scored $19 million to $20 million in its international debut in a much-needed boost for the box office, according to early industry estimates.

That includes more than $13 million to $14 million in South Korea despite capacity limitations and ongoing concerns amid the novel coronavirus. The film also launched over the weekend in four other Asian markets, including Taiwan.

While cinemas remain shuttered in the U.S., theaters in many regions overseas are reopening, albeit it with social distancing measures in place such as staggered seating.

Yoen's film helped propel Imax to its first $1 million weekend box office since the coronavirus pandemic struck earlier this year, including $750,000 from 45 screens the five Asian markets. South Korea led with $365,000 from 18 locations. That result is the fourth-best opening weekend ever for a Korean local-language title in Imax. (The Hollywood Reporter)

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