The Japanese game-to-film adaptation Exit No. 8 continues to make waves at the Korean box office, achieving remarkable milestones. According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing data, the thriller surpassed 300,000 cumulative viewers during its second weekend, cementing its status as the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film in Korea this year. On Saturday alone, it attracted 31,903 moviegoers, ranking third at the box office, with total admissions reaching 322,993—surpassing the previous record-holder A Place in Kinki, which ended its run at 272,651. Since premiering on September 22, Exit No. 8 has yet to claim the daily top spot but has maintained steady growth thanks to strong word-of-mouth. Critics have praised its faithful recreation of the game’s eerie atmosphere while adding fresh narrative depth. The film’s artistic acclaim was further validated when it screened in the Midnight section at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Exit No. 8 follows a man trapped in a mysterious underground passage where he must move forward or backward based on supernatural cues, confronting bizarre phenomena and uncovering the chilling truth behind his confinement.
Exit No. 8 has captivated audiences with its inventive concept, stylish direction, and powerhouse performances. Despite its confined setting and minimal cast, the film thrives on the strength of its actors—Kazunari Ninomiya, Yamato Koichi, and Nana Komatsu—whose gripping portrayals anchor the tension and elevate the narrative. Korean viewers have praised it as a meticulously executed thriller that surpasses the original game, redefining standards for video game adaptations. The film’s momentum extends to Japan, where it has drawn 3.57 million viewers and grossed over 5 billion JPY (approximately 33.5 million USD) as of September 29. With steady box office growth and widespread acclaim across Asia, Exit No. 8 continues its successful theatrical run, solidifying its position as one of the most acclaimed cross-cultural releases of the year.
