Actors Koo Kyo-hwan, left, and Mun Ga-yeong in a scene from “As soon as We Have been Us” / Courtesy of Showbox
“As soon as We Have been Us,” a romance movie launched on the final day of 2025, has defied expectations by taking the No. 1 spot on the native field workplace, successful over audiences with a relatable story of affection and loss relatively than flashy visible results and motion.
Directed by director Kim Do-yeong, the movie recorded over 1.15 million admissions, edging out the Hollywood blockbuster “Avatar: Hearth and Ash,” based on knowledge from the Korean Movie Council, Tuesday.
The film additionally topped the general reservation fee for the primary time in 75 days for a home movie, which is a feat not seen since “The First Experience” led the charts on Oct. 31, 2025.
As a remake of the 2018 Chinese language movie “Us and Them,” the film follows Eun-ho (Koo Kyo-hwan) and Jeong-won (Mun Ga-yeong), who had been as soon as deeply in love however compelled to half because of the harsh realities of life. The story occurs 10 years later once they meet once more by chance and begin to keep in mind their previous love.
Actors Mun Ga-yeong, left, and Koo Kyo-hwan in a scene from “As soon as We Have been Us” / Courtesy of Showbox
The movie’s rising reputation seems to be pushed by sturdy phrase of mouth.
Viewers have praised the film for its emotional depth as a result of many see themselves within the characters. This contains individuals who have skilled a painful breakup or job seekers struggling in opposition to life’s harsh realities. By specializing in experiences that really feel actual and attainable, the movie has efficiently captured the hearts of audiences.
One other key issue within the movie’s success is the lively participation of the lead actors in promotional actions.
Since its launch, Koo and Mun have been touring throughout the nation, together with cities removed from Seoul, to carry stage greetings. These occasions permit the actors to personally thank the viewers and share transient conversations earlier than the screenings.
Actors Koo Kyo-hwan, prime, and Mun Ga-yeong in a scene from “As soon as We Have been Us” / Courtesy of Showbox
On Monday, the movie’s distributor, Showbox, introduced that the actors will proceed their nationwide tour into the third week of launch to fulfill with followers.
Business officers stated that such dedication from lead actors is a vital factor within the film’s success.
“Having actors personally thank the viewers a number of instances ultimately creates viral advertising and marketing that spreads the phrase to extra individuals,” an business official stated on situation of anonymity.
“Additionally it is an opportunity for them to point out their real love for his or her work, which creates a really constructive impact.”
It stays to be seen if the success of “As soon as We Have been Us” will assist different upcoming home movies acquire momentum. A number of extremely anticipated works by big-name administrators are scheduled to hit theaters subsequent month, together with Ryoo Seung-wan’s “Humint” and Zhang Cling-jun’s “The King’s Warden.”
