The Korean comedy-action film "Boss" emerged as the undisputed winner of this year's Chuseok holiday box office competition, maintaining its number one position for five consecutive days and establishing a new benchmark for Korean films released in October since the coronavirus pandemic began. The movie's remarkable performance has demonstrated the Korean film industry's recovery and audiences' appetite for original, entertaining content during major holiday periods.
Released on October 3rd, "Boss" achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one million ticket sales faster than any other Korean film released in October since 2020. On Tuesday alone, the film recorded an impressive 322,760 admissions, bringing its total accumulated attendance to 1,308,140 viewers. This exceptional performance showcases the movie's broad appeal and successful marketing strategy during one of Korea's most important holiday seasons.
The film's success was particularly notable given the strong competition it faced from other high-profile releases. "Boss" managed to outperform acclaimed director Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" and the highly anticipated Japanese animation "Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc," establishing itself as the most widely appealing choice for families seeking entertainment during the traditional holiday period. This victory demonstrates the film's ability to attract diverse audience demographics.
The movie's popularity stems from its highly original and unconventional premise that turns traditional gangster film tropes on their head. Rather than depicting gang members fighting ruthlessly for power and control, "Boss" presents a refreshing scenario where high-ranking gang members are desperately trying to pass the leadership position to one another so they can pursue their individual personal dreams and aspirations. This ironic twist on the conventional organized crime genre has resonated strongly with audiences seeking fresh storytelling approaches.
The film features an ensemble cast of talented actors who bring depth and humor to their unconventional characters. Jo Woo-jin delivers a compelling performance as Soon-tae, the reluctant second-in-command whose secret dream is to become the country's finest Chinese food chef. Jung Kyung-ho portrays Kang-pyo, another mob figure whose hidden ambition is to excel as a professional tango dancer. Park Ji-hwan adds comedic chaos to the mix as Pan-ho, the organization's third-ranking member who ironically finds himself desperately seeking the boss position that others are trying to avoid. Lee Kyu-hyung rounds out the cast as Tae-gyu, an undercover police officer whose mission becomes increasingly complicated due to his long-held and conflicting loyalties within the organization.
Directed by Ra Hee-chan, "Boss" has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike as a fresh and visually entertaining comedy-action experience that successfully distinguishes itself from generic gangster films. The movie's ability to consistently deliver laughs and surprising plot twists, combined with its brisk 98-minute runtime that appeals to modern viewers' preferences, has made it the preferred choice for families seeking a shared cinema experience during the holiday season.
According to audience feedback collected by the film's production company, Hive Media Corp, viewer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. Representative audience comments include: "Anyone who likes comic-action is guaranteed to be satisfied with this film," and "I got rid of my stress in a refreshing way after a long time. It's definitely a movie for the whole family to laugh with and enjoy during the holiday." These testimonials highlight the film's success in achieving its goal of providing accessible entertainment for all age groups.
The broader box office performance during the Chuseok period reflected the strong competition among quality films. "No Other Choice" held the second position at the box office on Tuesday, drawing 180,812 admissions and demonstrating its own staying power since its September 24th release, with cumulative attendance exceeding 2.2 million viewers. The third-place position was secured by "Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc," which attracted 114,266 viewers on Tuesday and has accumulated a total audience of over 1.26 million since its release, proving the continued appeal of Japanese animation among Korean audiences.
