The Korean film “Once We Were Us” has made a strong impression at the box office early in 2026. On the afternoon of January 11, the Korean Film Council officially announced that the film had surpassed 1 million moviegoers, making it the first Korean release of 2026 to reach the milestone.
Originally released on December 31, the film achieved the mark in just 12 days, standing out among early-year releases. The rapid pace reflects steady audience interest and growing word of mouth for emotionally driven narratives.
To celebrate the achievement, lead actors Mun Ka Young and Koo Kyo Hwan, along with director Kim Do Young, shared handwritten messages expressing their gratitude to audiences for the warm support shown to the film. The gesture underscored the production team’s appreciation for viewers who chose to experience the story in theaters.
A remake of the Chinese film “Us and Them,” “Once We Were Us” follows the story of Eun Ho (Koo Kyo Hwan) and Jung Won (Mun Ka Young). Ten years after the end of their passionate relationship, the two unexpectedly reunite, revisiting memories from their past and confronting emotions shaped by time, distance, and unresolved feelings.
