As I continued my journey through Korean cinema, the one thing that remained consistent, apart from the compelling narratives, was the impressive cast that brought these stories to life. The actors and actresses in Korean films are known for their ability to connect emotionally with the audience, which is why the industry has seen an exponential rise in popularity globally. Beyond the performances, these films have also achieved significant success at the box office, contributing to Korea’s ever-growing film industry.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the talented cast and the earnings that followed these cinematic gems.
Spring, Again: A Subtle Yet Powerful Cast
Cast:
- Lee Chung-Ah as Eun-Jo
- Hong Jong-Hyun as Ho-Min
- Park Kyung-Hye as Hye-Jung
“Spring, Again” was not a blockbuster in terms of box office earnings, but it made a lasting impact with its heartfelt storytelling and Lee Chung-Ah’s emotional portrayal of a grieving mother. This film was more of a critical success, earning recognition for its ability to explore time and memory in a profound way.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩200 million (~$170,000)
- International Streaming Rights: Added revenue through global platforms like Viki and Netflix
While not a major earner, Spring, Again has gained a loyal following over time, particularly among viewers who appreciate emotionally driven stories.
The Box: A Musical Journey Led by Chanyeol
Cast:
- Park Chanyeol as Ji-Hoon
- Jo Dal-Hwan as Min-Soo
Being a film centered around music, The Box gained attention particularly from fans of Chanyeol, a member of the globally popular K-pop group EXO. His first major film role, combined with the music-driven plot, was enough to attract a significant fan base to cinemas.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩1.4 billion (~$1.2 million)
- International Streaming: The movie found additional success through streaming services and overseas rights, particularly in Japan and China.
The film saw moderate box office success but became a streaming favorite due to its universal theme of music and self-discovery.
Lingering: Eerie Performances and Earnings in the Horror Genre
Cast:
- Lee Se-Young as Yoo-Mi
- Park Ji-Young as Gyeong-Sun
- Park Hyo-Joo as Se-Yeon
Lingering might not have broken records at the box office, but its impact as a psychological horror film cannot be overstated. Lee Se-Young’s gripping performance as a woman confronting her past in a haunted hotel was widely praised, and the film’s success in the horror genre helped cement her as a leading actress in Korean cinema.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩2 billion (~$1.7 million)
- Streaming Platforms: Like many Korean films, Lingering found a larger audience on platforms like Netflix, where horror fans worldwide could enjoy the supernatural suspense.
The international streaming revenue made Lingering more successful globally than domestically, showing how Korean horror resonates with global audiences.
Black Money: Big Numbers for a Gritty Thriller
Cast:
- Cho Jin-Woong as Prosecutor Yang Min-Hyuk
- Lee Ha-Nee as Kim Na-Ri
- Kang Shin-Il as Park Soo-Myung
Black Money was one of those films that drew large crowds with its fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat narrative. Cho Jin-Woong’s portrayal of a determined prosecutor battling financial corruption gripped viewers, and the film’s timely subject matter made it a box office hit.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩9.7 billion (~$8.3 million)
- International Box Office: ₩1 billion (~$860,000)
The film’s ability to tap into a contemporary issue such as financial scandals, along with its stellar cast, contributed to its significant earnings.
The Prayer: A Dystopian Drama with a Soulful Cast
Cast:
- Ye Soo-Jung as Robot caretaker
- Lee Yoo-Young as Jung-In
- Yoo Da-In as Moon-Young
The standout in The Prayer was Ye Soo-Jung’s portrayal of the robotic caretaker, which lent a melancholic depth to the movie’s exploration of life, faith, and suffering. Though it wasn’t a major box office hit, the film garnered a lot of attention for its philosophical themes.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩1.1 billion (~$950,000)
- Streaming Success: This film was particularly popular among niche audiences in Europe and Southeast Asia, with Netflix and independent streaming platforms adding to its revenue.
Double Patty: A Tale of Friendship That Struck a Chord
Cast:
- Shin Seung-Ho as Kang Woo-Ram
- Irene (Bae Joo-Hyun) as Lee Hyun-Ji
Starring Irene from Red Velvet, Double Patty was highly anticipated, especially by K-pop fans. The chemistry between Shin Seung-Ho and Irene was a major selling point for the film. Despite being a simple story, it resonated with young adults struggling to make their way in the world.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩4.5 billion (~$3.9 million)
- International Popularity: The film did well in South Korea but saw its biggest impact in international markets, especially with the K-pop fan base supporting it through online streaming.
Seobok: A Sci-Fi Powerhouse
Cast:
- Gong Yoo as Ki-Hun
- Park Bo-Gum as Seobok
Seobok brought together two of South Korea’s most famous stars: Gong Yoo and Park Bo-Gum. The blend of sci-fi and action attracted a wide audience, and both actors’ fanbases made the film a box office success.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩19.2 billion (~$16.6 million)
- International Box Office: ₩5.4 billion (~$4.6 million)
With its high production value and star power, Seobok was one of the higher-grossing films of the year, proving the draw of Gong Yoo and Park Bo-Gum.
Midnight: A Tense Thriller with Intense Performances
Cast:
- Jin Ki-Joo as Kyung-Mi
- Wi Ha-Joon as Do-Shik
This nail-biting thriller saw Jin Ki-Joo deliver a standout performance as a deaf woman pursued by a serial killer, portrayed by Wi Ha-Joon. Midnight became a surprise hit, primarily due to its edge-of-your-seat tension and captivating performances.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩7 billion (~$6.1 million)
- International Streaming: Found global acclaim through platforms like Amazon Prime, where it gained a cult following.
The 8th Night: Supernatural Drama that Stunned Audiences
Cast:
- Lee Sung-Min as Park Jin-Soo
- Park Hae-Joon as Kim Ho-Tae
With its deep exploration of supernatural mythology, The 8th Night captivated audiences with a unique mix of horror and fantasy. Lee Sung-Min’s performance was hailed as one of his best, and the film’s eerie atmosphere drew in fans of supernatural thrillers.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩10 billion (~$8.7 million)
- Streaming Earnings: The film performed exceptionally well on Netflix, contributing significantly to its international success.
Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned – A Heartbreaking Journey
Cast:
- Gang Dong-Won as Sung-Min
- Shin Eun-Soo as Su-Rin
This fantasy drama’s unique premise of time manipulation and emotional storytelling made it a hit among audiences. The chemistry between Gang Dong-Won and the young actress Shin Eun-Soo was remarkable, and their performances brought a heartfelt depth to the film.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩4 billion (~$3.4 million)
- Streaming Rights: The film performed well in online streaming platforms, gaining recognition in international markets, especially in Japan and China.
Juror 8: A Gripping Courtroom Drama
Cast:
- Moon So-Ri as Judge Kim Joon-Kyeong
- Park Hyung-Sik as Juror No. 8
Moon So-Ri’s seasoned performance as a judge overseeing South Korea’s first jury trial was both gripping and insightful. The movie dealt with the intricacies of law and justice in a way that resonated with audiences.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩8 billion (~$6.9 million)
- Streaming Platforms: The film found an audience on global streaming platforms, contributing to its international earnings.
Hitman: Agent Jun: The Comedy-Action Film That Hit Big
Cast:
- Kwon Sang-Woo as Jun
- Jung Joon-Ho as Deok-Kyu
Kwon Sang-Woo’s performance as a webtoon artist-turned-action hero was an absolute riot, and his comedic timing, combined with thrilling action sequences, made Hitman: Agent Jun a big hit at the box office.
Earnings:
- Domestic Box Office: ₩15 billion (~$13 million)
- International Popularity: The film’s humor transcended borders, gaining popularity in international markets and adding to its success.
