By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Since making Korea's largest ever release in the United States Sept. 14, ``D-War'' has grossed 1,057,000 dollars (9.3 billion won) in just three weeks, according to Box Office Mojo, an American box office reporting service.
Also known as ``Dragon Wars,'' the science fiction flick made a surprising international debut, ranking fifth in the American box office on its first day. Now showing on 1,376 screens, down from 2,246, the much-contested film has slipped down to 17th place from its number 10, which it held for over a week.
Comedian-turned-director Shim Hyung-rae has announced the making of the sequel, ``D-War 2,'' scheduled for release in 2009. Meanwhile, ``D-War,'' awaits its Japanese premiere, the date is yet to be announced.
The blockbuster is one of the highest grossing movies in Korean cinema history, and created a sensation for its polarized critical responses, controversial ``patriotism'' marketing tactic and extravagant computer graphic features.