Han So Hee has encountered an unexpected setback with her latest film Project Y, which failed to meet box office expectations despite strong pre-release buzz. The noir thriller, co-starring Jeon Jong Seo, drew attention early on thanks to the pairing of two high-profile actresses, but its theatrical performance proved disappointing. According to Twig24, the production team has since shifted focus to the home-viewing market in hopes of recovering some of the costs.
Project Y was released on video-on-demand (VOD) platforms starting February 6, just about two weeks after its theatrical debut. Distributor Plus M Entertainment confirmed that the film is now available across major OTT platforms, including IPTV, Home Choice, KT Skylife, Wavve, Apple TV, and Coupang Play. Such a rapid transition from cinemas to streaming is considered unusual for a newly released Korean film and reflects the urgency behind the decision.
The move comes after weak box office results. To date, Project Y has sold roughly 140,000 tickets far below its estimated break-even point of around one million admissions. Faced with this shortfall, the production opted to capitalize on the VOD market to reach a broader audience and offset losses.
Set in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, Project Y is a noir film centered on two close friends who devise a plan to steal gold bars worth 8 billion won. Han So Hee plays Mi Sun, a woman juggling multiple jobs to survive after losing her life savings to a scam. Though fragile in appearance, Mi Sun is driven by a fierce survival instinct that pushes her into the risky heist. Jeon Jong Seo portrays Do Kyung, Mi Sun’s impulsive best friend who acts largely on instinct.
The film marked Han So Hee’s first leading role in a feature-length movie, following her rise to fame through successful television dramas. Expectations were high, especially after Project Y earned recognition on the international festival circuit. It was invited for a special screening at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, won Best Film at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival, and received an official invitation to the 30th Busan International Film Festival. These achievements positioned it as one of the most anticipated releases of the year’s first half.
However, audience reactions after release were mixed. Viewers criticized the screenplay for lacking logical flow and emotional buildup, while others felt the film leaned too heavily on shocking scenes at the expense of narrative cohesion. The movie currently holds an average rating of 6.57 out of 10 on Naver, reflecting divided opinions. Many believe these factors contributed significantly to its box office struggles.
Despite its commercial disappointment, Project Y remains a notable milestone in Han So Hee’s career, representing a bold transition from television to film. Whether the VOD release can help the project find new appreciation remains to be seen.
Sources: Znews
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