Ne Zha 2 box office breaks 2 bln US dollars, first in Asia

The total box office revenue of the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," including presales, surpassed 2 billion U.S. dollars as of Monday afternoon, according to box office tracker Maoyan Data, making it the first Asian film to reach this milestone.

With its record-breaking success, it is now the highest-grossing animated film of all time globally and the seventh highest-grossing film ever. As the movie's box office revenue continues to surge, "Ne Zha 2" is expected to surpass "Avengers: Infinity War" (which grossed about 2.05 billion U.S. dollars) to claim the sixth spot.

In addition, in Hong Kong and Macao, the total box office of the animated film, which debuted in local cinemas on February 22, has surpassed 32 million Hong Kong dollars (about 4.1 million U.S. dollars) as of Sunday, setting a new record for the highest-grossing Chinese mainland film in the regions.

As of March 2, "Ne Zha 2" was still being screened in over 800 showings across Hong Kong and Macao, with more than 600 screenings scheduled for March 3 and 4.

The film's popularity has sparked a "Ne Zha fever" in Hong Kong, with local businesses embracing the trend. Restaurants have introduced themed meal sets, while many Hong Kong moviegoers are watching the film multiple times and sharing their appreciation on social media, calling it an "energy booster."

To echo its popularity, Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) aired Ne Zha 1 during prime time on February 28, offering audiences both Mandarin and Cantonese dubbing options.

China is open to positive cultural exchanges with South Korea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.

Guo's remarks came in response to a media inquiry about a South Korean boy band's upcoming performance in Fuzhou City next month, which will mark the first K-pop concert in the Chinese mainland in nine years.

"I would like to emphasize that we are open to engaging in beneficial cultural exchanges and cooperation with South Korea, and we hope both sides will work together to advance bilateral exchanges and cooperation across various fields," said Guo.