This winter’s unexpected breakout has officially arrived.
The romance film Once We Were Us, starring Moon Ga Young and Koo Kyo Hwan, has held onto the No.1 spot at the overall box office for a second consecutive day, cementing its status as the first major Korean box office success of 2026.
Just seven days after its release, Once We Were Us pulled off a surprise reversal, overtaking Avatar: Fire and Ash to claim the top spot. On January 8th, the film successfully defended its No.1 ranking, proving that word of mouth—not opening-day hype—is driving its momentum.
What began as a quiet winter release has quickly turned into a must-see romance. With winter break and holiday travel season bringing more moviegoers into theaters, its box office run is expected to heat up even further.
Audience reactions have fueled the surge. Viewers have shared responses like “Watching this made me think of you. I hope you’re doing well,” and “The romance was relatable, but as a job seeker, I really connected with Eun Ho and Jung Won’s reality.” Others praised the performances and storytelling, calling it “the best love story I’ve seen in a long time” and “a return to classic romance, like ‘Architecture 101.'”
The film follows Eun Ho and Jung Won, former lovers who unexpectedly reunite after ten years, revisiting the memories and choices that shaped their lives. Blending emotional realism with a grounded take on love and timing, Once We Were Us taps into everyday relationship struggles that resonate far beyond the screen.
>> Koo Kyo Hwan and Mun Ka Young’s Romantic Film Gets December Premiere Date With New Trailer
Source: Showbox
