Korean 19+ film becomes first to cross 1 million viewers at box office

The South Korean film Hidden facedirected by Kim Dae Wooreached an impressive milestone of exceeding one million viewers. This makes it the first Korean adult film in five years to reach this number of viewers.

Based on data from the Korea Film Council’s ticketing system, the film had 1,000,014 viewers as of 3:45 pm on December 22.

The psychological thriller follows the story of Seong Jin, a man desperate to find his missing girlfriend, Soo Yeon. As he digs deeper, Soo Yeon’s young colleague Mi Joo comes into play, and a shocking discovery about Soo Yeon trapped in an unexpected place unfolds.

The film’s captivating plot and powerful performances resonated strongly with audiences, driving its success through rave reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. Hidden face stood out as a unique hit among 19+-rated South Korean films, a category that has struggled to make a significant impact in recent years. It is now the only Korean adult film released this year to reach this milestone.

This achievement is particularly significant as it revitalizes the performance of adult films in South Korea, a genre that has remained relatively dormant since the release of Mug: One-Eyed Jack in 2019. Exceeding the threshold of one million spectators, Hidden face set a new benchmark for adult films in the industry.

Currently playing in theaters across the country, the film continues to attract audiences, with many praising its gripping plot and unexpected twists. As the film enjoys sustained success at the box office, it is cementing its place as a standout release in the South Korean film industry this year.