From Box Office Flop to Netflix Triumph: Korean Film Shoots to No. 1 Right After Release

A Korean movie that initially recorded only 340,000 cumulative theatergoers has staged an unexpected comeback on Netflix, quickly rising to the top spot in the platform’s movie category. Just one day after its release, the film reversed its theatrical misfortune by becoming the No. 1 film in Korea on Netflix.

The film in question is About Family (Daegajok), directed by Yang Woo-suk, which was originally released in theaters on December 11, 2024. Known for politically-charged hits like The Attorney and the Steel Rain series, this was Yang's first work focused on everyday family life rather than political themes. Set in a Buddhist temple, the quirky family drama intrigued some, but failed to generate strong buzz in theaters.

According to the Korean Film Council’s box office data (KOBIS), About Family drew only 343,060 viewers, far short of breaking even. With a reported production cost of ₩9.2 billion and a break-even point of 2.6 million admissions, it was widely seen as a commercial failure. Despite a high-profile cast including Lee Seung-gi, Kim Yoon-seok, Kim Sung-ryung, Kang Han-na, and Park Soo-young, the film struggled to connect with moviegoers.

One month after its release, the film became available on VOD platforms in January 2025. Since then, it’s been accessible via Coupang Play, U+ Mobile TV, Wavve, Watcha, and Apple TV. It was added to Netflix on April 11, and by the next day—April 12—it had claimed the No. 1 spot on “Today’s Top 10 Movies in South Korea,” showcasing a surprising surge in popularity.

As of 10 a.m. on April 13, About Family ranked No. 1 on Netflix Korea, followed by Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning at No. 2, Firefighter at No. 3, Venom: The Last Dance at No. 4, and Apocalypse at No. 5. Rounding out the top 10 were Lim Young-woong | I’m Hero: The Stadium, The Equalizer 2, No Good Deed, The Equalizer, and Jules. Beating out high-profile competitors like Firefighter and Apocalypse within 24 hours is seen as a remarkable feat.

About Family is a heartfelt family comedy about Moo-ok (Kim Yoon-seok), the head of a once-renowned dumpling restaurant who laments the end of his family line after his only son Moon-seok (Lee Seung-gi) becomes a Buddhist monk. When unexpected grandchildren suddenly appear, claiming Moon-seok is their father, Moo-ok embarks on a chaotic yet touching cohabitation experience that upends his quiet life.

But the story goes deeper than laughs. The character Moo-ok, a self-made man running a long-standing eatery, grapples with generational tension and evolving notions of family. When Moon-seok’s supposed children arrive, Moo-ok experiences an emotional shift, revealing themes of reconciliation and newfound bonds. The film’s subtle unfolding offers both humor and emotional depth.

The film currently holds a viewer rating of 7.88 on Naver. Audience reviews have been glowing:

“Kim Yoon-seok’s performance is phenomenal.”

“A warm, tear-jerking film that made me crave mandu soup.”

“It’s been a while since I cried like that during a movie.”

“Now I understand the meaning behind the title. It made me reflect on how I treat my dad.”

“A film that reminds you of what family truly means.”

“The title takes on a deeper meaning after watching.”

“I’m definitely going to show this to my parents.”

“A humble, soul-soothing movie that feels like it's made from honest ingredients.”

Lee Seung-gi notably shaved his head for the first time in his acting career to play the role of the monk Moon-seok. He shared, “The great script, Kim Yoon-seok sunbaenim, and director Yang Woo-suk’s direction left no room for hesitation.” He added, “Ironically, the hardest part came after filming—my hair didn’t grow back as quickly as I expected.” This scene is now regarded as one of the most iconic moments in the film and a turning point in Lee’s acting career.

There are several reasons behind About Family’s newfound popularity on Netflix. Director Yang Woo-suk’s pivot from heavy political narratives to everyday familial themes resonated more with OTT viewers than with theatrical audiences. What may have felt too subdued for the box office translated into comforting warmth in the home viewing environment.

Additionally, the film’s multi-generational appeal adds to its strength. Avoiding heavy-handed drama, the story focuses on humanity, generational conflicts, and the healing power of unexpected relationships—elements that resonate across age groups.

Ultimately, About Family has found a second life through Netflix. Though it initially reached just 300,000 viewers, it now has a chance to touch hearts not just in Korea but around the globe.

About the Film – ‘About Family’ (2024)

Release Date: December 11, 2024

Rating: Suitable for ages 12 and up

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Runtime: 107 minutes

Distributor: Lotte Entertainment

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