Once Overlooked, Korean Film Surpasses 800K Viewers, Stuns with Surprise Box Office Surge

A Korean film is making waves at the box office, surpassing its break-even point just a month after its release. The movie is 'Secret: Untold Melody', a fantasy romance that has seen a remarkable surge in popularity through word-of-mouth.

Released on January 27, 'Secret: Untold Melody' officially surpassed its break-even point of 800,000 viewers, reaching a cumulative audience of 800,813 as of February 25. Initially overlooked, the film gradually gained traction thanks to strong audience buzz, eventually climbing to the No. 1 spot at the Korean box office.

A Magical Romance That Took Three Years to Reach the Big Screen

Directed by Seo Yoo-min and starring EXO's Do Kyung-soo(D.O), Won Jin-a, and Shin Ye-eun, 'Secret: Untold Melody' is a remake of the beloved Taiwanese film 'Secret'. The film, which completed production in 2022, finally met audiences nearly three years later.

The story follows Yoo-jun (Do Kyung-soo) and Jung-a (Won Jin-a), who experience a miraculous and fateful encounter in a mysterious campus music room that holds a secret about time. Their connection unfolds in a series of magical moments, blending fantasy and romance.

From Underdog to Box Office Phenomenon

Despite stiff competition from major releases like 'Hitman 2' and 'Dark Nuns', 'Secret: Untold Melody' made a strong impression from day one, debuting with the highest real-time audience ratings among current films. By its fourth day, it had already climbed to No. 1 in overall ticket reservations, a testament to its growing popularity.

The film’s momentum continued into its second week, maintaining its top spot in advance ticket sales despite the release of new competitors like 'Broken'. It then jumped to No. 2 at the overall weekend box office, proving its staying power with an unexpected resurgence.

By its third week, 'Secret: Untold Melody' had secured its position as the No. 1 Korean film at the box office, also ranking first in seat occupancy rates, solidifying its reputation as a long-running hit.

With its steady rise in popularity and enduring audience love, 'Secret: Untold Melody' is proving that sometimes, the most magical stories take time to be fully appreciated.

Now in its fifth week in theaters, 'Secret: Untold Melody' is proving its staying power, continuing to gain traction through strong word-of-mouth. The film’s steady success is largely fueled by glowing audience reviews and a growing trend of repeat viewings.

Currently, 'Secret: Untold Melod'y ranks No. 4 at the Korean box office, following Marvel’s blockbuster' Captain America: Brave New World', as well as 'Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning' and 'You Are the Apple of My Eye.'

However, given its steady climb in rankings and consistent audience love, the film is expected to maintain its momentum in the coming weeks, further solidifying its status as one of the biggest sleeper hits of the year.

Moviegoers have been raving about the film, leaving enthusiastic reviews such as how they couldn’t stop smiling throughout the movie because it was so heart-fluttering, how the music was incredible and a must-watch in theaters, and how Do Kyung-soo and Won Jin-a’s chemistry was amazing, leaving a lasting impression. Many also praised the remake for preserving the essence of the original while adding its own charm, with some saying it made them want to fall in love and others emphasizing how good the music was, making them want to hear it again. Some described it as the perfect film to warm the heart.

As of February 26, the film holds an impressive 8.8 rating on Naver Movies, nearing a 9.0 average, reflecting its strong audience approval.

With 'Secret: Untold Melody' surpassing 800,000 viewers, all major Korean films released during the Lunar New Year have successfully crossed their break-even points. 'Dark Nuns', which needed 1.6 million viewers to break even, has now reached 1.66 million, while 'Hitman 2', with a break-even point of 2.3 million, has recorded a total of 2.53 million viewers.

'Secret: Untold Melody' has been recognized as a well-crafted film that balances both artistic quality and mainstream appeal, earning praise for its flawless Korean reinterpretation of the original’s emotional depth. The film’s seamless blend of acting, music, and stunning cinematography has left audiences deeply moved, lingering in their hearts long after the credits roll.

Industry insiders see the film’s success as a promising breakthrough for Korean cinema, especially amid the industry’s recent struggles. Unlike many box office hits that rely on big-budget blockbusters or established IPs, 'Secret: Untold Melody' has proven that a strong narrative and solid direction alone can captivate audiences.

Despite a smaller marketing budget and fewer theater screens in its opening week, the film defied expectations, steadily climbing the box office rankings purely through word-of-mouth. Its unexpected surge has sparked discussions about new possibilities for Korean films, proving that compelling storytelling can drive success even without massive promotional backing.

With 'Secret: Untold Melody' already surpassing its 800,000 break-even point, the industry is now watching closely to see just how far this surprise hit will go.