The much-anticipated film 'Veteran 2' is aiming to join the illustrious 10 million club after a successful solo release during the Chuseok holiday. The sequel has quickly exceeded its break-even point, drawing an impressive 445,353 viewers in under a week. With a strong performance during the holiday period, 'Veteran 2' has retained the top spot at the box office, capitalizing on the anticipation built from its predecessor, which attracted 13.41 million viewers.
'Veteran 2' features the relentless detective Seo Do-cheol, portrayed by Hwang Jung-min, as he teams up with rookie detective Park Sun-woo, played by Jung Hae-in, to pursue a sensational serial killer. The film’s popularity has soared, with an increase in theater attendance during this year's Chuseok, marking a 50% rise from last year's figures. Over five days, approximately 4.66 million viewers flocked to cinemas, compared to just over 3.11 million in the previous year.
However, opinions on 'Veteran 2' are mixed. Critics have pointed out that the dynamic between director Ryu Seung-wan and the lead actors may not have met expectations, resulting in a moderate rating of 6.61 as of September 19. Despite its strong opening, many viewers feel that the sequel lacks the charm of its predecessor, creating a contrasting reception to earlier box office trends.
The ongoing success of series films like 'Veteran 2' and 'Crime City 4' is closely tied to the performances of their earlier installments. Although 'Veteran 2' has sparked interest for a potential sequel, any future films must overcome the high bar set by their predecessors. As the film industry watches closely, the challenge lies in sustaining the momentum without disappointing fans of this beloved franchise.