Netflix Shocker: Underdog Korean Film Surges Past Song Joong-ki & Jung Hae-in to Claim #1

In an unexpected turn of events, a lesser-known Korean film has defied the odds, surpassing Love in the Big City, Bogotá: City of the Lost, and Veteran 2 to take the #1 spot on Netflix Korea’s movie rankings.

The film in question is You Will Die in 6 Hours, directed by Lee Yoon-seok, which originally hit theaters on October 16, 2023. The mystery-thriller follows Jung-yoon (Park Ju-hyun), who is warned by a mysterious man, Joon-woo (Jung Jae-hyun), that she will die in six hours. Racing against time, she embarks on a mission to alter her fate by uncovering the culprit. The film is based on the novel of the same name by renowned Japanese author Takano Kazuaki.

As of February 23, Netflix Korea ranked You Will Die in 6 Hours as the top movie in its “Today’s Top 10.” Love in the Big City slid to second place, followed by Bogotá: City of the Lost in third, Veteran 2 in fourth, and Lim Young-woong: I’m Hero the Stadium in fifth. The rest of the top ten included Amazon Hwalmyungsoo (6th), A Sweet Place (7th), Back in Action (8th), Despicable Me 3 (9th), and Ghost in the Shell (10th).

Featuring Jung Jae-hyun, Park Ju-hyun, and Kwak Si-yang, the film had already gained critical recognition, winning Best Actress (Park Ju-hyun) and the Audience Award at the 28th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival last July.

Jung Jae-hyun made his big-screen debut through this project, proving his acting potential, while Park Ju-hyun further cemented her status as a rising star in both film and television. Kwak Si-yang’s commanding performance also added depth to the thriller, with the trio forming a gripping ensemble that captivated audiences.

Reflecting on the project, Jung Jae-hyun shared during a press conference, “When I first got the script, I read it in one sitting—it was that compelling. My character, Joon-woo, appears calm, but internally, he’s burdened by the weight of witnessing death without being able to prevent it. That complexity was what drew me to the role.”

Netizens have reacted enthusiastically to the film’s Netflix success, commenting:

"Park Ju-hyun’s acting is next level!"

"Such a thrilling movie—I loved it!"

"As a fan of mystery thrillers, this was a must-watch."

"Jung Jae-hyun, fighting! His tone and delivery were amazing."

"The cinematography and atmosphere were incredible!"

Meanwhile, in Netflix Korea’s “Today’s Top 10 Series” category, the top three spots went to:

1️⃣ Melo Movie

2️⃣ The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

3️⃣ The Witch

With an underdog success story like You Will Die in 6 Hours, all eyes are now on whether the film can sustain its momentum in the coming days.