Girls’ Generation’s YoonA is making her big-screen return in the new horror-comedy film Pretty Crazy, reuniting with director Lee Sang-geun, who previously helmed the box office hit EXIT in 2019. The pair’s last collaboration brought in 9.42 million moviegoers, and now they’re set to capture audiences once again with this unique genre-blending film.
According to the Korean Film Council’s real-time box office ranking on August 1, Pretty Crazy is currently in 3rd place in advance ticket sales with a 6.9% booking rate—even two weeks ahead of its August 13 release. It trails behind My Daughter Is a Zombie (1st) and F1: The Movie (2nd), while outperforming the 30-billion-won production Omniscient Reader: The Prophet (4th).
Plot Summary: A Comedy With a Demonic Twist
Pretty Crazy follows Gil-goo (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), an unemployed man who lands a bizarre part-time job watching over Seon-ji (YoonA), a woman who turns into a demon every night. The film blends comedy, horror, and heart in an unpredictable story. The cast includes YoonA, Ahn Bo-hyun, Sung Dong-il, and Joo Hyun-young, with director Lee Sang-geun once again at the helm.
Interestingly, Lee Sang-geun had long dreamed of making Pretty Crazy his directorial debut, drawn by the script’s originality and charm.
Viral Hype Ahead of Premiere
Still cuts released by CJ ENM on July 29 show YoonA’s demonic alter ego with hollow, haunting eyes, contrasting sharply with Gil-goo’s timid expression as he clutches a trash bag—sparking curiosity about their unusual dynamic. Other teaser stills offer offbeat moments from the film, such as YoonA smiling while jumping, and Gil-goo clumsily leaping into a river, hinting at quirky chemistry between the leads.
One striking image features Gil-goo collapsed in a bamboo pile, sweating and desperate, while another shows Sung Dong-il’s character emotionally holding Gil-goo’s hand, teasing deeper emotional stakes in the story.
Can YoonA’s Comedy Charm Top Jo Jung-suk’s Movie?
Jo Jung-suk and YoonA, who led EXIT to box office success in 2019, are now starring in separate summer releases. My Daughter Is a Zombie—based on a viral webtoon with over 500 million global views—has already shattered records. Its advance ticket sales surpassed Exhuma, 2023’s biggest Korean hit, and Hollywood blockbusters like Mickey 17 and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning.
Against this backdrop, Pretty Crazy is showing surprising strength in pre-release anticipation, even before its August 13 premiere. A press screening is scheduled for August 6, which could further impact audience sentiment and ticket sales.
While the industry naturally frames YoonA vs. Jo Jung-suk as a box office showdown, YoonA expressed only positive feelings. At a press event on July 9, she said, “It’s been six years since EXIT, and it’s meaningful to greet audiences again this summer—even if it’s through different films.”
She added, “I hope Jo Jung-suk’s film does well and brings people into theaters—then they’ll come for ours too.”
Sung Dong-il & YoonA: A Legendary Comedy Duo?
Expectations are high for the comedic synergy between YoonA and veteran actor Sung Dong-il. Known for playing iconic dads in the Reply series, Sung Dong-il has earned the nickname “Nation’s Father” with his on-screen daughters like Eunji, Go Ara, and Hyeri. YoonA now joins that legacy.
YoonA shared, “I was happy to be considered part of that ‘daughter’ lineage. Sung Dong-il really looked after me and made filming fun.”
Sung Dong-il praised YoonA as a joyful and committed actor, saying, “Even during tough shoots, she never complained. Personally, I think a daughter who’s a demon is even more charming.”
Fans Already Hooked on the Trailer
Early responses to the trailer have been overwhelmingly positive, with comments like:
- YoonA’s comedy is so underrated—this looks hilarious.
- Director Lee Sang-geun and YoonA are back? Instant ticket purchase!
- This is the kind of summer comedy we’ve been waiting for.
- The chemistry between YoonA and Ahn Bo-hyun looks amazing.
- Haven’t laughed this hard at a trailer in ages. Definitely watching this.
With viral buzz, star power, and a unique plot, Pretty Crazy is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most talked-about Korean films.
Sources: Wikitree
You must be logged in to post a comment.