Ryu first Korean actor to star in four 10-million ticket sellers

Ryu Seung-ryong is the first Korean actor to attract over 40 million moviegoers. Korea Times file

By Dong Sun-hwa

Veteran actor Ryu Seung-ryong is the first Korean to star in four movies that have drawn over 10 million viewers each.

The honor comes as his latest comedy movie, “Extreme Job,” surpassed 10 million in ticket sales Thursday, the 15th day of its run. It is the 18th film to reach the landmark for a top-grossing film. The 111-minute movie revolves around five anti-drug cops who set up a fried chicken restaurant as part of sting operation.

“It has been highly rewarding for me to see the audiences laughing and feeling happy as they watch 'Extreme Job,'” Ryu said in a recent interview. “I cannot say anything else except for 'thank you.'”

In 2014, he featured in the historical movie “Roaring Currents” with A-list actors Choi Min-sik and Cho Jin-woong. It also garnered more than 10 million viewers. His comedy “Miracle in Cell No. 7” and historical movie “Masquerade” reached the milestone in 2012.

Ryu's achievement breaks the record of Song Kang-ho, who has attracted 30 million viewers thanks to “A Taxi Driver,” “The Host” and “The Attorney.”

Ryu, who made his debut in the film “Someone Special” in 2004, is also appearing in Netflix Korean zombie series “Kingdom,” which premiered on Jan. 25. The drama has been gathering positive reviews from Netflix viewers.