Not 'Mickey 17' or 'Snow White' — This R-Rated Korean Thriller Surprised Everyone and Topped the Box Office on Day One

Korean thriller film 'Streaming' is making unexpected waves in theaters. On its opening day, March 21, the film drew over 33,700 moviegoers, seizing the No. 1 spot at the Korean box office, ahead of high-profile global titles like Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 and Disney’s live-action Snow White.

According to data from the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network on March 22, Streaming managed this feat despite its R-rating, defying expectations with its immersive format and gripping performances. The buzz is strong, with the film quickly emerging as a dark horse in March’s movie lineup.

🎥 What Is 'Streaming' About?

Starring Kang Ha-neul (Squid Game 2 actor) in a chilling lead performance, Streaming unfolds entirely in the form of a live broadcast, capturing the disturbing descent of its main character, Woo-sang, in real time. The film simulates a live-streaming platform experience, complete with ad breaks, chatroom comments, and viewer donations, adding layers of realism and tension.

Critics and audiences are especially praising Kang’s “madness-fueled” one-man performance. His portrayal is both unsettling and magnetic, earning comparisons to a live acting tour de force. Viewers have called it “Kang Ha-neul’s rediscovery,” highlighting the actor’s impressive emotional range and his bold character transformation.

⭐ Viewer Reactions

The movie currently holds a 7.2/10 rating on Naver, with user reviews saying:

“Kang Ha-neul carried the whole film. Incredible performance.”

“Felt like watching an actual livestream—intense and immersive.”

“Didn’t expect much, but it was wildly entertaining and surprisingly deep.”

“Time flew by—I was so focused, I’ll watch it again.”

🔍 Themes and Standouts

'Streaming' explores the darker side of internet culture—particularly the hyper-competitive world of one-person media and content creators. The fictional platform 'WAG', where the story takes place, mirrors real-world streaming services with its obsession over views, donations, and shock value.

Three key aspects make this film stand out:

- Live-broadcast storytelling from start to finish

- Raw exploration of human nature through manipulation, fame, and online voyeurism

- Unpredictable psychological tension, with Woo-sang’s mysterious counterpart Matilda (played by Ha Seo-yoon) and a shadowy figure Lee Jin-sung (played by Kang Ha-kyung) adding to the suspense

🎙️ What the Cast and Director Said

At the press screening on March 17, director Jo Jang-ho and lead actor Kang Ha-neul discussed the film’s intentions. Jo said:

“Watching YouTube made me realize how easily unfiltered opinions are consumed—and how much they can influence us.”

Kang added:

“Not all one-person media is bad. Some content is harmful, but others can be helpful and healing. I think it’s about balance.”

Jo emphasized that the film doesn’t push a single message but rather invites viewers to develop a critical and independent lens when consuming online media. “I hope audiences can distinguish between what to embrace and what to filter out.”

🎬 Final Thoughts

Blending social commentary with thriller suspense, Streaming offers more than just adrenaline—it asks tough questions about online ethics, digital fame, and human isolation.

Now playing in theaters nationwide, the film is being hailed as one of Korea’s most daring thrillers of 2025.

Snow White and Mickey 17 are also playing in theaters.