Released January 21st Project Y began simultaneous VOD service on February 6, just 16 days after its theatrical debut. Such a rapid transition is considered extremely rare for Korean films. As of February 9, the film had attracted approximately 136,000-140,000 viewers, reaching only about 13-14% of its estimated break-even point of 1-1.1 million viewers.
The film initially opened at No. 2 on the box office chart, but quickly dropped to fifth place in its first weekend before dropping out of the top 10 altogether. Prior to its release, Project Y generated strong buzz after being invited to major international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, London East Asia Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival. With Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo leading a solid supporting cast and an unconventional premise, expectations were especially high.
However, public reception proved harsh. The film currently holds a Naver user rating in the mid-range of 6, a sharp drop from its initial score of 8 points, while CGV’s Egg rating sits at around 83%.
Upon his release, Project Y it immediately faced a fierce wave of criticism over its content and execution. The film has been accused of excessive use of over 18 elements, with many scenes deemed sensational and in poor taste, lacking clear artistic intent. Meanwhile, the plot was criticized as thin and disjointed. Many viewers argued that the film was disguised as a story about feminism or action, but in reality revolved around shock value imagery, portraying the lives of female characters in a negative and stereotypical way. In major online forums, numerous voices expressed deep disappointment, and some even called for a permanent ban, arguing that the film not only failed artistically, but also left audiences feeling uncomfortable and disgusted.
Viewers who expected a tense crime thriller and chase-driven plot commented on it “tension drops sharply after the midpoint,” while others argued that the film relied too much on flashy concepts without a strong narrative backbone. Some critics have gone so far as to label it “an empty noir focused more on style than substance.”
The film’s depiction of the nightlife industry and its explicit content also sparked discomfort among some viewers. Although marketed as a female-led story, detractors argued that the characters were ultimately sensationalized rather than meaningfully explored.
Despite having all the credentials, top-notch casting, film festival recognition and a bold approach, Project Y failed to deliver the solid storytelling and emotional resonance increasingly required of theatrical releases in the OTT era. As a result, the much-hyped dual-lead project starring Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo was forced into an early release in theaters less than three weeks after release, marking a sobering achievement for what was once considered a major box office contender.
Sources: Naver
