"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" dominated South Korea's box office over the May 1-3 weekend, opening with $3.8 million across 575,467 admissions. The animated sequel claimed the top position, riding Mario's enduring popularity in the region.
"The Devil Wears Prada 2" landed in second place, proving that established franchises continue to drive Korean audiences to theaters. The weekend reflected a broader trend where international sequels outpace local competition during peak moviegoing periods.
The surge marks a notable recovery for South Korea's box office after a quieter stretch. High-profile studio releases clearly pull crowds, with both titles tapping into global recognition and established fanbases. "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" benefits from the character's gaming legacy and broad family appeal, while "The Devil Wears Prada 2" attracts audiences nostalgic for the original's fashion-forward glamour.
Korea remains a critical market for Hollywood studios. Weekend performance there signals whether international releases have staying power beyond opening weekends. These results suggest both films could sustain momentum in coming weeks, though competition from local releases typically intensifies as the summer approaches.