Korean Thriller Explodes in Popularity—700K+ Trailer Views Just Days Before Release

With just six days left until its theatrical release, the upcoming Korean thriller Streaming is already making waves, surpassing 700,000 views on its trailer and signaling a box office hit.

Starring Kang Ha-neul, cast of global Netflix hit series Squid Game 2, Streaming follows “Usang,” the top crime-streaming content creator, who stumbles upon crucial clues in an unsolved serial murder case. Determined to uncover the truth, he livestreams his pursuit of the suspect, intensifying the suspense in this gripping thriller.

Kang Ha-neul’s character, Usang, is South Korea’s most influential crime streamer, captivating viewers with his sharp profiling skills and charismatic on-air presence. Always dressed in sleek suits, Usang exudes intelligence and professionalism, but when his live broadcast tracking the “Hemline Serial Killer” takes an unexpected turn, he faces increasingly perilous decisions.

As the chase escalates, Usang is drawn deeper into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game. He eventually collaborates with a rising but obscure streamer known as “Matilda,” whose hunger for fame and influence challenges Usang’s dominance in the field. However, Matilda’s sudden abduction by an unknown figure shifts the stakes. The mysterious captor sets a time-sensitive challenge—Usang must locate Matilda before it’s too late.

With an enormous reward on the line and an unpredictable audience watching, Usang finds himself pushed to the edge. As the livestream unfolds in unexpected ways, curiosity grows about the true identity of the serial killer and those manipulating Usang’s every move.

Streaming maximizes tension by blending real-time live streaming elements with fast-paced chase sequences. Director Cho Jang-ho enhances the immersive experience of the synopsis by employing long-take, unedited filming techniques, creating a gripping and authentic atmosphere.

Kang Ha-neul highlighted the realism behind the production, saying, “We approached every scene with the goal of making it feel as genuine as possible.” Director Cho echoed this sentiment, adding, “The majority of the film plays out like an actual live broadcast. Watching it on the big screen will only heighten the intensity.”

Recently, the production team released new stills of Usang’s past, showing his struggles as an unknown streamer desperately working toward fame. The images depict his early days—performing on a popular channel, broadcasting alone in a modest studio, and meticulously honing his profiling techniques.

Determined to dominate the crime-streaming world, Usang refines his methods by studying real FBI profiling strategies and recreating crime scenes in detail. His relentless pursuit of success eventually earns him the title of the nation’s No.1 crime streamer.

Massive Trailer Buzz & Anticipated Release

On March 5, a 30-second teaser for Streaming was released, amassing over 700,000 views in just nine days—an impressive feat that foreshadows strong box office numbers.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the film, with online comments including:

“Kang Ha-neul keeps proving his range as an actor.”

“This storyline is seriously intriguing.”

“Definitely watching this—it feels like a vlog thriller!”

“We need more movies like this.”

“Kang Ha-neul never disappoints—count me in!”

Streaming is set to premiere in theaters on March 21, with a series of stage greeting events planned:

March 21 (Opening Day): CGV Yongsan, Megabox COEX, Lotte Cinema World Tower

March 22: CGV Yongsan, CGV Wangsimni, Lotte Cinema Konkuk Univ., Megabox COEX, Lotte Cinema World Tower

March 23: Lotte Cinema Gimpo Airport, Megabox Sangam World Cup Stadium, CGV Yeongdeungpo, Lotte Cinema Yeongdeungpo, CGV Yongsan

Kang Ha-neul and director Cho Jang-ho will personally greet fans at screenings throughout the opening weekend.

Once an overlooked small-time streamer, Usang has climbed to the top—but how far will he go to stay there? With Streaming set to hit theaters soon, audiences are eager to see just how far he’ll push the limits.

Current Real-Time Box Office Rankings (As of March 15, 2:40 PM KST)

Mickey 17 (20.5%)

Attack on Titan: The Final Chapter – The Last Attack (18.3%)

Snow White (8.3%)

Streaming (8.1%)

The Match (5.0%)

Whiplash (3.9%)

Conclave (3.8%)

Intrusion (3.7%)

Exorcism (3.6%)

The Awakening Dead (2.7%)

With its unique concept and high anticipation, Streaming is shaping up to be one of the most intense and immersive thrillers of the year.