[Diary Point = Reporter Park Bo-young] 'Chiikawa the Movie: Secret of the Mermaid Island' has held the No. 1 spot on Korea's daily box office chart for 14 consecutive days through October 27. According to data from the Korean Film Council's integrated box office system, the film drew 18,326 moviegoers on October 27 alone, bringing its cumulative audience to 2,286,581.
Over the weekend of October 23-25, the film sold roughly 320,000 tickets, topping the weekend box office for the third consecutive week. It also led advance ticket sales on the morning of October 28, showing sustained interest even as new releases hit theaters.
Popcorn Buckets Disappearing Faster Than Tickets
Another sign of the film's popularity is the demand for concession-stand merchandise. CGV's Chiikawa character popcorn buckets, sold in limited quantities, sold out quickly in previous rounds, prompting repeated restock announcements. CGV said it would open its fourth round of online pre-orders for the popcorn buckets starting October 28.
Part of the appeal is that the buckets aren't just movie-theater containers; they double as collectible character goods fans can keep using at home long after the credits roll. Buying a ticket and popcorn has turned into buying a piece of merchandise to keep, blurring the line between watching the film and collecting its characters.
What's driving this wave isn't limited to children's tastes. Chiikawa's cute design and short, easy-to-follow storylines make it approachable for kids, while parents find it an easy, low-pressure film to watch together as a family. Add in weekly theater giveaways and limited-edition merchandise, and a simple family outing has turned into a collecting experience.
Check Weekly Perks and Showtimes Before You Go
Popcorn buckets and weekly giveaways vary by retailer and theater, so stock levels differ. CGV and Megabox's fourth-week acrylic key rings and accordion postcards were available through October 27, Lotte Cinema is running some promotions through October 30, and CinéQ is giving away items while supplies last.
Families planning to watch the film together should check showtimes and merchandise stock separately through each theater chain's app. For the fourth round of popcorn bucket pre-orders, it's safer to check the sales terms and quantities on CGV's official event page before booking, rather than relying on resale prices or unofficial restocking rumors and paying a premium.
Chiikawa's current run shows how character-driven films are finding new ways to succeed at the box office. Beyond the film's own drawing power, family-friendly viewing, weekly perks and limited merchandise are combining to turn a single trip to the theater into repeat visits and a collecting habit. For parents choosing what to watch with their kids these days, it has become a case study in how character content is being consumed.