Korean Film Surpasses 1 Million Overseas, Riding Word-of-Mouth to Global Box Office Success!

A Korean film is making waves internationally, surpassing its break-even point domestically before expanding its success abroad. The movie in question? None other than 'Dark Nuns', starring Song Hye-kyo.

Dark Nuns is an occult thriller that follows a forbidden ritual performed to save a child possessed by an evil spirit. It serves as a sequel to The Priests (2015), directed by Jang Jae-hyun, which attracted 5.44 million viewers in South Korea.

In the film, Sister Yunia (Song Hye-kyo) and Sister Michaela (Jeon Yeo-been) attempt to save a possessed boy using not only Catholic exorcism rites but also elements of Korean shamanism and Western divination tools such as tarot cards.

This unique fusion of elements has resonated globally, with the film surpassing one million cumulative admissions in Indonesia and dominating the Philippine box office for two consecutive weeks after its release.

International critics are also raving about the film. Indonesian media outlet Kompas described it as “a fresh take on the occult genre, introducing a new direction.” Meanwhile, IDN Times highly praised Song Hye-kyo’s deep emotional acting and her strong synergy with Jeon Yeo-been. Liputan6 highlighted the fresh combination of Korean shamanism and Western occult elements, while Filipino audiences lauded the film for “exploring a side of Korean cinema never seen before” and “Song Hye-kyo’s nuanced performance.” In Taiwan, GQ Taiwan commended Song Hye-kyo’s bold transformation, while ENews praised the gripping storyline and the cast’s outstanding performances.

Why Dark Nuns Is Winning Over Asian Audiences

The film's success in Asia can be attributed to the growing popularity of the occult genre and its fusion of traditional Korean elements. Countries like Indonesia and the Philippines have a strong affinity for horror films, with movies like The Medium gaining immense popularity in the past. Dark Nuns had already garnered significant buzz before its release, and its blend of Korean shamanism and Catholic exorcism brought a fresh perspective to the genre.

Standout Performances from the Cast

Song Hye-kyo delivers a striking performance as a smoking nun, marking a bold transformation in her acting career. To fully embody the role, she reportedly spent time conversing with real nuns and observing their daily lives in meticulous detail. Jeon Yeo-been also shines in her role as a trauma-ridden nun, delivering a compelling portrayal of internal struggle, while Moon Woo-jin leaves a lasting impression as the possessed child, delivering a chilling and unforgettable performance. Following its release in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Laos on February 6, and North America and Myanmar on February 7, Dark Nuns continues to receive glowing reviews.

The film is set to premiere in Singapore and Malaysia on February 13, followed by Vietnam on February 21 and more regions worldwide.

With its haunting storyline and powerful performances, Dark Nuns is poised to maintain its global momentum and extend its box office success. Meanwhile, the film remains in theaters across South Korea.