A homegrown film about a 16th-century Korean naval hero's crushing victory over Japanese naval forces exceeded the 16 million-viewer mark on Sunday for the first time in local box-office history, the movie's investor-distributor said.

"Roaring Currents" reached the milestone at 8 a.m. on Sunday, the 26th day since it hit local screens, CJ Entertainment said.

The record came five days after it drew a cumulative 15 million viewers.

On Aug. 15, it became the most-watched movie at theaters in the country, breaking the previous record of 13.62 million viewers held by Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar."

Industry watchers said the movie is expected to exceed 17 million viewers.

Starring veteran actor Choi Min-shik, the historical drama tells the story of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) Admiral Yi Sun-shin's victory in the battle of Myeongnyang against Japan in 1597. In the decisive naval battle, Yi, who had 12 ships under his command, defeated more than 300 Japanese warships. (Yonhap)