Entertainment
The Odyssey tops South Korean box office while Once Upon a Time in the Middle East leads in China
Christopher Nolan's epic retained the top spot in South Korea, as regional productions led weekend theatrical revenues across East Asia.
The short version
- Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' led the South Korean box office for the weekend of Aug. 21–23, bringing its local total to $56.8 million.
- In mainland China, domestic war comedy-drama 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' maintained the top spot, reaching $232.2 million in cumulative revenue.
- Overall weekend theatrical revenue in mainland China reached $103.1 million, while South Korean box office revenue dropped to $16.1 million.
- Year-to-date theatrical revenue in mainland China sits at $4 billion, representing a 28.6% decline compared to the same period in 2025.
Key facts
- 'The Odyssey' earned $10.6 million in South Korea over the weekend of Aug. 21–23 according to KOBIS data, holding the top spot ahead of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' ($2.9 million).[Variety]
- In mainland China, 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' ranked first with $43.9 million according to Artisan Gateway data, while crime drama 'V' debuted in second place with $18.9 million.[Variety]
- 'The Odyssey' ranked third in mainland China during its second weekend with $15.9 million, bringing its cumulative total there to $68.7 million.[Variety]
- South Korea's overall box office revenue for the weekend was $16.1 million, falling from $22.3 million the previous weekend.[Variety]
- Mainland China's box office revenue for 2026 reached $4 billion through the frame, a 28.6% decrease from the prior year's level.[Variety]