Despite challenging circumstances, including the closure of the iconic Daehan Theater and prolonged industry stagnation, Korean cinema persevered. Here are this year’s top 8 box office hits, hoping for even more Korean films to win audiences’ hearts in 2025. (numbers as of December 29th)
8. Handsome Guys
Handsome Guys follows the misadventures of Jae Pil (Lee Sung Min) and Sang Gu (Lee Hee Jun), who live like blood brothers, after they move to a remote village. This Korean adaptation of Eli Craig’s Tucker and Dale Vs Evil pays homage to and parodies horror fan favorites like Evil Dead and Scary Movie, delivering B-grade horror comedy entertainment. Lee Sung Min and Lee Hee Jun earned praise for their nuanced portrayal of two men whose rough appearances contrast with their innocent personalities. With a break-even point of 1.1 million, the film drew 1,777,008 viewers.
7. Harbin
Released on December 24th, Harbin secured seventh place in this year’s box office. Based on true events, it chronicles Ahn Jung Geun’s assassination of Ito Hirobumi in 1909, planned alongside independence fighters. The collaboration between director Woo Min Ho of Inside Men and The Man Standing Next fame and Hyun Bin garnered attention, with audiences particularly resonating with its timing during the martial law crisis. Despite a high break-even point of 6.8 million, it has already attracted 2,385,436 viewers.
6. Escape
Escape depicts a high-stakes chase between Gyu Nam (Lee Je Hoon), a North Korean sergeant attempting to defect to South Korea, and Hyun Sang (Koo Kyo Hwan), a ruthless major pursuing him. Gyu Nam’s desperate last resort to defect before his military discharge is vividly portrayed through intense pursuit sequences. Song Kang’s special appearance created additional buzz. The production team enlisted a young North Korean military defector as a dialogue coach to accurately reflect contemporary North Korean speech patterns used by younger generations. With a break-even point of 2 million, it reached 2,561,872 viewers.
5. Firefighter
Firefighter dramatizes the 2001 fire tragedy that claimed six firefighters’ lives and injured three others. It follows rookie firefighter Chul Woong (Joo Won) as he overcomes grief and loss after losing his brother-like colleague Yong Tae (Kim Min Jae) with help from fellow firefighters. While praised for honoring fallen firefighters, it received criticism for all-too-familiar character narratives and storyline. However, its basis in a well-known true story helped maintain steady audience numbers. With a break-even point of 2.5 million, it drew 3,216,623 viewers.
4. Pilot
Pilot follows Han Jung Woo (Jo Jung Suk), an unemployed pilot who successfully secures reemployment by disguising himself as a woman. Based on the Swedish film Cockpit, it earned acclaim for its humorous yet realistic portrayal of gender issues in Korean society. Jo Jung Suk, who previously performed as a drag queen in the musical Hedwig, skillfully executed his cross-dressing role, driving the film’s success. With a break-even point of 2.2 million, it attracted 4,718,036 viewers.
3. I, THE EXECUTIONER (aka Veteran 2)
Detective Seo Do Chul (Hwang Jung Min), known for his catchphrase “We might be broke, but we’ve got pride!”, returned after nine years in this sequel to Veteran. The villain role previously played by Cho Tae Oh (Yoo Ah In) is now filled by rookie detective Park Sun Woo (Jung Hae In). I, THE EXECUTIONER maintains the crime action genre’s intensity while adopting a darker tone than its predecessor. It notably criticizes the public’s fascination with sensational media and social media trials. Director Ryoo Seung Wan revealed plans for the third installment of the franchise during promotional interviews. With a break-even point of 4.99 million, it reached 7,525,339 viewers.
2. The Roundup: Punishment
Ma Dong Seok‘s crime action series The Roundup: Punishment dominated this year’s box office again. Detective Ma Seok Do, the unstoppable force who has previously crushed various vicious crimes, faces off against Baek Chang Ki (Kim Moo Yeol), a former mercenary running an illegal online gambling operation. Jang Yi Soo (Park Ji Hwan), who appeared in the third film’s post-credits scene, returns to assist Ma Seok Do. While some critics note the repetitive pattern of action and humor across the franchise, Ma’s signature powerful combat scenes remained impressive. With a break-even point of 3.5 million, it drew 11,502,779 viewers.
1. Exhuma
Exhuma revolutionized K-occult mystery films, proving Korea’s capability in the genre. Following supernatural events surrounding a geomancer, mortician, and shamans after excavating a suspicious grave, the film earned praise for creating horror without relying only on jump scares. Kim Go Eun‘s performance as the shaman Hwa Rim, particularly her knife dance and exorcism ritual scenes, received enthusiastic responses. Director Jang Jae Hyun is currently developing a film incorporating Eastern Orthodox Christianity, vampires, and Dracula. With a break-even point of 3.3 million, it attracted 11,914,766 viewers.
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Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
