“Worst Movie of the Year?” A K-Film with Brutal Reviews Suddenly Becomes a Netflix Hit

A Korean film that flopped at the box office last year is now making an unexpected comeback.

According to Netflix’s TUDUM website, 'You Will Die in 6 Hours' has taken the No. 1 spot on this week's Korea Top 10 Movies, surpassing 'Demon City' and 'Love in the Big City'. Following in second place is 'Demon City', with 'Love in the Big City', 'Contraataque', and 'Veteran' rounding out the top five.

From Box Office Disaster to Netflix Hit

Based on the best-selling novel by renowned mystery writer Takano Kazuaki, 'You Will Die in 6 Hours' was released in theaters in October 2023. Despite high expectations, it disappeared from cinemas after barely reaching 50,000 total admissions, marking a dismal performance. At the time of release, the film received a respectable 7.36 out of 10 rating from real audience scores on Naver.

However, written reviews told a different story as harsh criticisms flooded in, with comments pointing out that the acting was weak, the storyline was boring, and the overall execution felt like a low-budget web drama. Some viewers criticized the film for cramming too many plotlines into too little time, leading to a lack of coherence and weak plot twists. Despite the initial backlash, the film is now experiencing an unexpected resurgence on Netflix, drawing renewed attention.

Despite the initial backlash, the film is now experiencing an unexpected resurgence on Netflix, drawing renewed attention.

A Second Chance for NCT’s Jung Jae-hyun

The movie starred Jung Jae-hyun of NCT, alongside Park Ju-hyun and Kwak Si-yang. Notably, this marked Jung Jae-hyun’s silver screen debut, sparking excitement among fans. Previously, he made his acting debut in the drama 'Dear. M.' Currently serving in the military, he is set to be discharged on May 3, 2026.

Two key factors seem to be driving its unexpected success on Netflix:

1. A Thrilling Narrative That Unfolds Like a Puzzle

Rather than relying on typical horror tropes, the movie crafts a meticulously structured mystery. The protagonist initially dismisses a cryptic phone call predicting his death in six hours—until people around him start dying in eerily similar ways. As the clock ticks down, he races to uncover the truth before time runs out.

What makes the film particularly engaging is its layered storytelling. Clues are subtly woven into the narrative, encouraging viewers to piece together the mystery. The tension builds relentlessly, keeping audiences hooked until the very end.

2. Stylized Cinematic Techniques & High-Impact Visuals

The film's stylish direction enhances the suspense. Techniques like fast-forward time-lapse effects, dramatic close-ups, and ticking clock motifs amplify the urgency. The moody lighting and bold color contrasts create a striking visual experience, making the film as aesthetically gripping as it is intense.

Though You Will Die in 6 Hours may have floundered at the box office, its newfound popularity on Netflix proves that some films just need a second chance. Whether this is a short-lived viral moment or the beginning of a cult following remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this once-forgotten thriller is now impossible to ignore.