Thirst Nears 1 Mil. in 5 Days

Ticket sales for the South Korean film "Thirst" (Bakjwi) were expected to top 1 million Monday, five days after the Cannes-nominated movie was released here, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The blood-soaked vampire film, created by director Park Chan-wook, had drawn 960,500 viewers as of Sunday and will likely pass 1 million by the end of Monday, said the movie's producer, Moho Film. One million is considered the yardstick for a box office hit here.

"Speed Scandal," which has drawn the largest number of moviegoers here among this year's releases, topped the 1 million viewer mark nine days after it hit screens.

"Thirst" has already sent waves across the global film scene, receiving a nomination as one of the 20 films competing for the top prize at the Cannes International Film Festival, which opens on May 13.

This is the second time Park has aimed for the top honor at the French contest, after his 2004 win with "Oldboy."