Not a Box Office Giant, but Bong Joon-ho Loved It—The Korean Film That Won His Praise

It wasn’t a 10-million-viewer blockbuster, yet this Korean film, which garnered 1.77 million admissions, recently caught the attention of director Bong Joon-ho, who praised it as an exceptionally well-made and entertaining work.

On February 16, a post titled “The Korean Movie Bong Joon-ho Recently Enjoyed” surfaced on online communities like Theqoo, sparking heated discussion among netizens. Many users shared their thoughts, commenting:

“I watched this too—it was hilarious!”

“Brutal, but incredibly funny.”

“One of the best movies I saw in theaters last year.”

“Handsome Guys is a riot. Totally unpredictable.”

“I read the original, but this version is even better.”

“A crazy movie—laughed non-stop for two hours!”

Bong Joon-ho’s remarks came during a recent interview with JTBC News. When asked about a film that had left a lasting impression on him, he first mentioned Japanese director Sho Miyake’s And Your Bird Can Sing, calling it “striking” after watching it via streaming.

Then, he paused before adding, “Oh, that one was fun,” referring to Handsome Guys, a film by a Korean debut director.

Discussing Handsome Guys, Bong elaborated, “It starred Lee Sung-min and Lee Hee-jun. It was bizarre, unpredictable—like junk food, but surprisingly meticulous. A really well-made, entertaining film.”

Released on June 26, 2023, Handsome Guys recorded 1.77 million admissions. The film, a Korean adaptation of the American cult horror-comedy Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, follows Jae-pil (Lee Sung-min) and Sang-gu (Lee Hee-jun), two men who dream of a peaceful countryside life—only to unleash a sealed evil spirit lurking in their basement.

Lee Sung-min and Lee Hee-jun delivered fantastic chemistry as the rough-edged yet earnest Jae-pil and the more sensitive Sang-gu. Supporting actors including Gong Seung-yeon, Park Ji-hwan, and Lee Kyu-hyung added even more charm to the film, which blended classic B-movie horror with slapstick comedy.

Despite its modest budget of 4.9 billion KRW, Handsome Guys surpassed its break-even point and achieved unexpected success through word of mouth, drawing over 1.7 million viewers. Initially overlooked as a major contender, the film’s unique genre mix of occult horror and comedy ultimately won over audiences.

Even within the entertainment industry, Handsome Guys earned recognition. In a 2024 survey conducted by JoyNews24—featuring 200 industry professionals including entertainment company executives, broadcasters, and journalists—the film ranked third in the “Top Movies of the Year” poll, following 12.12: The Day (1st) and Exhuma (2nd).

Meanwhile, Bong Joon-ho is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated new film Mickey 17, his first project in nearly six years.

Based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the film follows an expendable worker named Mickey who is repeatedly “printed” after each death—until a crisis arises when Mickey17 is presumed dead, only for Mickey18 to be printed in his place.

Following its London premiere and debut at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, Mickey 17 has received strong praise from international critics. The film is set to hit Korean theaters on February 28, followed by a North American release on March 7.