Even with Korea’s movie theaters facing a tough year, the local film scene continues to thrive with creativity, big names, and unexpected hits. While no movie has managed to dethrone the record-breaking Exhuma (2024), several titles have already drawn millions to the cinemas — proving that the magic of K-films is still alive and well.
From the emotional chaos of My Daughter Is a Zombie to the eerie thrills of Dark Nuns and the supernatural action of Hi-Five, here are the most-watched Korean films of 2025 according to official box office data from KOFIC and KOBIS, via KoBiz.
🧟 1. My Daughter Is a Zombie — 5,120,321 viewers (and still showing)
Jung Hwan (Jo Jung Suk), a tiger trainer, struggles to connect with his rebellious daughter Soo Ah (Choi Yu Ri), who’s obsessed with dancing. When a zombie outbreak hits, Soo Ah becomes infected — but oddly, she still responds to music and familiar voices. Determined to save her, Jung Hwan takes her to his late wife’s hometown, using his skills from training wild animals to help his daughter stay “human.”
💬 A heartwarming zombie drama with unexpected humor and father-daughter emotions.
🕵️ 2. Yadang: The Snitch — 3,378,166 viewers
Lee Kang Soo (Kang Ha Neul) is wrongly imprisoned but offered a deal: become a “yadang” — a prison informant — in exchange for a reduced sentence. His intel shakes up a major drug investigation, earning prosecutor Gwan Hee (Yoo Hai Jin) a promotion. But detective Sang Jae (Park Hae Joon) senses something off and begins to dig deeper into the corrupt network behind it all.
💬 A gritty crime thriller packed with political intrigue and sharp performances.
💥 3. Hitman 2 — 2,547,598 viewers
In this hilarious sequel to Hitman: Agent Jun, Jun (Kwon Sang Woo), a former NIS agent-turned-webtoon artist, gets tangled in chaos when a terrorist group copies the plot of his own comic series. Wrongly accused, Jun must clear his name while dodging real-life villains straight out of his imagination.
💬 A fun mix of slapstick comedy, action, and self-parody.
♟️ 4. The Match — 2,146,380 viewers
The Match tells the true story of legendary baduk (Go) player Cho Hun Hyun (Lee Byung Hun), who attempts a comeback after losing to his former protégé Lee Chang Ho (Yoo Ah In). Determined to reclaim his title, Cho transforms his lifestyle — quitting smoking, training hard, and finding new motivation.
💬 A sports drama that’s quiet yet deeply inspiring.
⚡ 5. Hi-Five — 1,893,236 viewers
Five strangers receive organ transplants — and suddenly develop bizarre superpowers. Calling themselves Hi-Five, the group struggles to control their newfound abilities while being hunted by a cult leader who shares the same donor and wants their powers for himself.
💬 Think “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but weirder, funnier, and unmistakably Korean.
🔊 6. Noise — 1,707,602 viewers
Two sisters, Joo Young and Joo Hee, move into a new apartment only to be tormented by disturbing noises that drive them to madness. When Joo Hee disappears, her sister and Joo Hee’s boyfriend Ki Hoon start searching for her — while a furious downstairs neighbor threatens them with death.
💬 Claustrophobic and spine-chilling — a psychological horror that lingers.
✝️ 7. Dark Nuns — 1,670,559 viewers
A spin-off of The Priests, Dark Nuns stars Song Hye Kyo as Junia, a nun battling ancient demonic forces alongside her partner Michaela. Their mission? Save a possessed child before evil takes over completely.
💬 A stunning big-screen comeback for Song Hye Kyo, mixing faith, fear, and fierce exorcisms.
🌍 8. Omniscient Reader — 1,060,644 viewers
Kim Dok Ja, an office worker obsessed with a web novel titled Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World, suddenly finds himself inside the story. The novel’s hero, Joong Hyuk, also appears — and together, they must survive a world where death isn’t always the end.
💬 Fantasy, action, and meta-storytelling collide in this blockbuster adaptation.
🎹 9. Secret: Untold Melody — 824,156 viewers
Pianist Yoo Joon, a gifted but troubled student at a music academy, meets Jung Ah — a mysterious girl playing a haunting melody in an abandoned practice room. Meanwhile, In Hee, the school’s star violinist, gets caught between rivalry and admiration.
💬 A romantic, music-filled remake of the Taiwanese classic “Secret.”
🕊️ 10. The Pact — 788,239 viewers
After a mysterious tragedy strikes the Blue House, visitors begin offering pink plum blossoms — and eerie events start unfolding across the country. Each incident connects like pieces of a puzzle, leading to a shocking truth about a presidential candidate.
💬 A mystery-political thriller with supernatural undertones.
😈 11. Holy Night: Demon Hunters — 777,649 viewers
An exorcist team — Bau (the muscle), Sharon (the seer), and Kim-kun (the assistant) — is summoned to Seoul to confront a demonic cult. Psychiatrist Jung Won seeks their help to save his sister Eun Seo, who’s possessed by a vengeful spirit.
💬 Stylish horror-action with strong “Constantine” vibes.
💕 12. You Are the Apple of My Eye — 164,320 viewers (as of March 2025)
The Korean remake of the beloved Taiwanese film revisits first love and teenage nostalgia. Jin Woo (Jung Jinyoung), a mischievous but charming student, falls for Seon Ah (Dahyun of TWICE), the perfect class representative. Their innocent bond blossoms despite their differences — until reality pulls them apart.
💬 Sweet, nostalgic, and perfect for fans of school romance.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Despite stiff competition from Hollywood hits like F1 and the latest Demon Slayer installment, 2025 has proven that Korean cinema still captivates audiences with its mix of heartfelt storytelling, bold genres, and top-tier talent.
With titles like My Daughter Is a Zombie leading the charge, expect even more diverse and daring releases in the coming months.
