Actors Joo Won, right, and Yoo Jae-myung in a scene from the movie "Firefighters" / Courtesy of BY4M Studio

"Firefighters," a film based on a 2001 arson incident that claimed the lives of six firefighters, wrapped up filming in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the release was repeatedly delayed due to the pandemic and a drunk driving incident involving lead actor Kwak Do-won, ultimately leaving the film shelved. In Korea, films like this are often referred to as "warehouse movies."

The film was released in theaters on Dec. 4 but faced another challenge: President Yoon Suk Yeol's unexpected declaration of martial law the night before, which sparked widespread street protests. This became a critical blow to the film industry's efforts to draw audiences to theaters during the winter season.

Contrary to expectations that it would fade away like many other shelved films, the movie's compelling portrayal of firefighters' dedication resonated with audiences through word-of-mouth, allowing it to hold the top spot at the box office for 18 consecutive days until Saturday.

As of Sunday at 1 p.m., the film had surpassed 2.5 million cumulative viewers, according to data from the Korean Film Council's Korea Box Office Information System. Its production company, BY4M Studio, said that this milestone represents the break-even point and noted that, at its current pace, the film could surpass 3 million viewers.

"'Firefighters' has joined the ranks of successful films like 'Exhuma,' 'The Roundup: Punishment,' 'I, the Executioner' and 'Pilot,' in line with this year's box office trend that features professional occupations," BY4M Studio said Sunday.

"At this rate, 'Firefighters' could become the first film to reach 3 million viewers since 'I, the Executioner' in the sluggish Korean film market."

A scene from the movie "Firefighters" / Courtesy of BY4M Studio

BY4M Studio is running a campaign to donate 119 won per viewer — 119 being the emergency number for fire and medical services in Korea — to support firefighters. The funds raised will go toward the National Fire Hospital, set to open next year.

Production and distribution companies have been steadily releasing their shelved films this year, even at the risk of incurring losses. However, the box office performance of these warehouse movies has been mixed.

Director Kim Min-soo's "Dirty Money" and director Kim Tae-yong's "Wonderland" were released six and four years after filming, respectively, but failed to attract significant audiences, drawing only about 85,000 and 620,000 moviegoers each.

"Devils Stay," which finished filming in 2020 and was initially scheduled for release the following year, opened in November. Despite expectations due to the success of occult genre films like "Exhuma," it only attracted around 190,000 viewers.

On the other hand, some films like "Firefighters" have become unexpected hits. "Handsome Guys," a Korean remake of the 2010 American black comedy horror film "Tucker & Dale vs. Evil" released in June, drew about 1.7 million viewers, achieving significant success relative to its low production costs.