Knocking Song Joong-ki Off the Top… Korean Film Takes Netflix’s No. 1 Spot Upon Release

Just a day after its Netflix release on February 10, 'Love in the Big City' unexpectedly took the No. 1 spot, dethroning Song Joong-ki’s 'Bogotá: City of the Lost' after a six-day reign.

The film, which premiered in the Special Presentations section of the 49th Toronto International Film Festival, stars Kim Go-eun and model-turned-actor Noh Sang-hyun. It tells the story of free-spirited Jae-hee (played by Kim Go-eun) and socially distant Heung-soo (played by Noh Sang-hyun) as they navigate an unusual cohabitation.

The central plot revolves around Heung-soo’s closely guarded secret, which is unexpectedly discovered by Jae-hee, leading to a unique and heartfelt journey between the two.

Based on Park Sang-young’s novel of the same name, which was shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize, the movie adapts one of the four interconnected short stories, specifically the chapter 'Jae-hee.' In the original work, the male protagonist was named "Young," but the film changes his name to "Heung-soo." Director Lee Eun-hee shared, "This movie is about Jae-hee, who lives in the moment, and Heung-soo, who dreams of a future. The two meet in their 20s, form a bond deeper than love, and go through trials and errors as they transition into adulthood." A fan of the original novel, Lee wanted to reimagine Jae-hee’s story through her own lens.

Kim Go-eun revealed that she had waited two and a half years for this project, appreciating the straightforward and sincere narrative. Upon hearing about Noh Sang-hyun’s casting, she remarked, “I couldn’t help but think, where did they find someone so perfect for Heung-soo?” Known for her standout performance as the shaman Hwa-rim in the blockbuster 'Exorcism,' Kim transforms into a lively college student in 'Love in the Big City,' showcasing her versatility.

Noh Sang-hyun, despite being a rookie actor with a background in modeling, earned praise for his stable performance. After gaining attention for his role as Baek Isak in Apple TV+’s 'Pachinko,' this film marks his successful debut as a lead on the big screen. His chemistry with Kim Go-eun was well-received, with viewers commending the natural dynamic between the two.

With a production budget of 6 billion KRW, 'Love in the Big City' premiered on October 1, 2023, attracting 879,109 theatergoers and ranking 31st at the 2023 box office. Despite falling short of its breakeven point of 1.3 million viewers, the film received critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. The Toronto International Film Festival praised its ability to “deliver a fresh and emotional exploration of youth, identity, and love through captivating visuals,” adding that the film compellingly portrays “the journey of finding oneself within societal norms.”

Since December 2023, the film has been available on major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Coupang Play, Wavve, and Watcha. Its popularity is further amplified by the simultaneous release of a drama adaptation based on the same source material. Unlike the movie, which focuses on the 'Jae-hee' story, the drama covers all four short stories and is directed by Hur Jin-ho, Hong Ji-young, Son Tae-gyeom, and Kim Se-in.

Interestingly, the simultaneous release of the film and drama was unplanned, as production schedules coincidentally aligned. As of February 11, Netflix’s Top 10 Korean Films ranking shows 'Love in the Big City' at No. 1, followed by 'Bogotá' in second place, 'Veteran' in third, and 'Amazon Bullseye' in fourth.

While the film received a 15+ rating, the drama adaptation was given a restricted rating, marking a distinction between the two versions. The drama focuses on Ko Young (played by Nam Yoon-su) as the central character and delves deeper into the overarching themes of the original novel. The film also features performances by Jung Hwi and Oh Dong-min, with special appearances from Lee Sang-yi, Kwak Dong-yeon, Joo Jong-hyuk, and Lee Yoo-jin.