“Exhuma” Breaks Record with 1 Million Ticket Sales in Just Three DaysSouth Korea Secures Bronze at World Table Tennis Championships After Semifinal Loss to China
SEOUL — “Exhuma,” a supernatural mystery thriller, has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 1 million in attendance within just three days of its release, setting a new record for the fastest film to reach this milestone in the current year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the film’s local distributor, this achievement underscores the film’s significant appeal and success among audiences.
Starring the renowned Choi Min-sik, “Exhuma” delves into the eerie and mysterious world of a geomancer, an undertaker, and a young shaman duo who encounter a series of enigmatic events after exhuming the grave of an ancestor from a wealthy family in exchange for a large sum of money. The film, also known in Korean as “Pamyo,” has captivated viewers with its intriguing plot and suspenseful atmosphere, contributing to its rapid accumulation of ticket sales.
BUSAN — South Korea’s men’s national table tennis team clinched a bronze medal at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Team Table Tennis Championships on Saturday, following a closely contested match against China in the semifinals. The host nation demonstrated formidable skill and team spirit, narrowly losing to the 10-time defending champion with a score of 3-2.
According to Yonhap News Agency, as there is no third-place match in the world championships, both semifinal losers are awarded bronze medals. This year’s achievement marks South Korea’s fourth consecutive bronze medal in the men’s team category. Meanwhile, China advances, aiming for its 11th consecutive men’s team title and 23rd overall.
The match, lasting 3 1/2 hours, was hailed as an instant classic by spectators and participants alike. South Korea’s head coach, Joo Sae-hyuk, praised both teams for their exceptional performance, highlighting the unexpectedly strong showing from his players and the excellent teamwork they displayed.
The battle commenced with South Korea’s Jang Woo-jin, ranked 14th globally, defeating world No. 2 Wang Chuqin in a match that set an electrifying tone for the rest of the competition. Despite a series of ups and downs, South Korea managed to maintain a competitive edge, with Lee Sang-su’s victory over Ma Long marking a high point and momentarily putting South Korea ahead.
However, China’s Fan Zhendong and Wang Chuqin secured the final two matches against South Korea, ensuring their progression to the final. Fan’s consistent performance and Wang’s decisive victory in the last game underscored China’s resilience and strategic prowess.
Reflecting on the match, Lee, the elder statesman of the South Korean team, expressed gratitude for the home crowd’s support, which he credited with buoying the team’s spirits throughout the intense competition. Lim, who faced defeat in the deciding match, acknowledged the narrow margin of the loss and voiced his determination to learn from the experience for future competitions.
The event underscored the high level of international table tennis competition and the thin margins that can separate victory from defeat. With their bronze medal win, South Korea has reaffirmed its position as a formidable force in the sport, promising exciting prospects for future championships.