Korean movies had their weakest box office performance in 2008 in over seven years.

According to 2008 movie industry statistics released by multiplex chain CJ CGV, only 42 percent of the 149 million domestic moviegoers who went to the movies last year watched a Korean film. This is down from 62 percent in 2007.

The figure hit a record high 64 percent in 2006 but fell into the 40 percent range last year for the first time since 2002.