Director Na Hong Jin’s latest film Hope, starring Hwang Jung Min and Zo In Sung, has officially surpassed 1 million moviegoers just three days after its release.
Distributor Plus M Entertainment announced on July 17 that Hope had exceeded the 1 million admissions mark that afternoon. The achievement makes it the fastest film released this year to reach the milestone. Previously, director Yeon Sang Ho’s Colony had held the record after attracting 1 million viewers in four days.
Despite its impressive box office performance, Hope has generated sharply divided reactions from audiences. Produced with a budget of approximately 50 billion won, the film has been widely praised for its intense action sequences, while its complex and unconventional storyline has drawn criticism from some viewers. As of 5 p.m. on July 17, the film held a verified audience rating of 7.17 on Naver, lower than The King’s Warden (8.87) and Colony (7.87).
However, Na Hong Jin’s previous works also received mixed reactions immediately after release before gradually earning stronger acclaim. As audience numbers grew, discussions surrounding the films deepened, leading to a wide range of interpretations and encouraging repeat viewings. Industry observers believe Hope, which has already been described as one of the most experimental blockbusters in Korean cinema, may receive a more balanced critical consensus once it reaches at least 3 million admissions.
Others argue that the polarized responses are actually fueling the film’s popularity. Discussions analyzing the movie’s themes, symbolism, and hidden meanings have rapidly spread across YouTube channels and blogs, encouraging audiences to join what many are calling the “*Hope phenomenon”* by sharing their own interpretations and returning for additional screenings.
Sources: Daum
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