Disney’s latest animated film, Elemental, has shattered South Korea’s animated film record by surpassing 6 million admissions. This achievement makes it the first animated film since Frozen 2 in 2019 to reach this milestone in the country. Walt Disney Company Korea, the local distributor, announced this exciting news.
Elemental has gained immense popularity and has become the most-viewed foreign film released in South Korea this year. Since its release on June 14, it held the second position, trailing behind director Ryoo Seung-wan’s crime action thriller, Smugglers.
However, after the release of two other highly anticipated Korean films, director Kim Yong-hwa’s sci-fi film, The Moon, and director Kim Seong-hoon’s buddy action comedy, Ransomed, Elemental dropped to the fourth spot.
Directed by Korean American filmmaker Peter Sohn, the heartwarming tale of Elemental revolves around four elements—fire, water, land, and air—who live in a vibrant bayside city connected by bridges. Sohn revealed that the film was inspired by his own childhood in New York, where his parents, who had emigrated from South Korea, made sacrifices. This relatable theme resonated deeply with the Korean audience.
