A Korean movie has taken the top spot on Netflix Korea’s movie charts, proving its appeal through word-of-mouth success. About Family, a heartwarming film about family bonds, has held the number one position for nine straight days since its streaming release. Though it faced challenges in theaters, the movie’s emotional story and strong performances have won over audiences on OTT platforms.
Story and Cast of A Big Family
About Family tells the story of siblings Min-guk (Kim Si-woo) and Min-sun (Yoon Chae-na), the biological children of Ham Moon-seok (Lee Seung-gi). They visit Ham Mu-ok (Kim Yoon-seok), the owner of a manga store called Pyeongmanok, whose family line ended when his only son, Moon-seok, became a monk. The film explores themes of family, generational differences, and unexpected connections.
The movie features a talented cast, including:
- Kim Yoon-seok as Ham Mu-ok, the manga store owner
- Lee Seung-gi as Ham Moon-seok, a monk and Mu-ok’s son
- Kim Sung-ryung as a key supporting character
- Kang Han-na in a supporting role
- Park Soo-young as part of the ensemble
Directed by Yang Woo-seok, known for films like The Attorney and Steel Rain, the movie blends humor, emotion, and relatable family moments.
Theater Performance and Challenges
About Family was released in theaters in 2024 but struggled to attract large audiences. According to the Integrated Computer Network for Movie Tickets (KOBIS), the film drew a cumulative audience of 343,060 viewers. With a production cost of approximately 9.2 billion won and a break-even point of 2.6 million viewers, the movie did not meet box office expectations. Despite positive reviews, it was considered a commercial failure in theaters.
Viewers who watched it in theaters praised its emotional depth. Comments included:
“Kim Yoon-seok’s acting is truly outstanding.”
“This kind of warmth in a movie that makes you laugh and cry, a movie that is deeply moving.”
“It’s been a long time since I cried while watching a movie.”
“I thought of my parents the whole time watching the movie. I especially liked it because I could think about the meaning of family.”
Despite these reactions, the film’s calm and family-focused story did not draw the crowds needed for theatrical success.
Netflix Success and Word-of-Mouth Popularity
Since its release on Netflix on April 11, 2025, About Family has seen a remarkable turnaround. The movie claimed the number one spot on Netflix Korea’s TOP 10 Movies in Korea Today list on April 12, just one day after its debut. It has held this position through April 21, beating out strong competitors like:
- Stella
- Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning
- iHostage
- Hyoja
- Firefighter
- Venom: The Last Dance
- My Hero Academia Movie: Your Next
- Revelations
- Dream Palace
The film’s success on Netflix is also mirrored on other OTT platforms, including Coupang Play, U+ Mobile TV, Wave, Watcha, and Apple TV, where it began its VOD service in January 2025.
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Why A Big Family Resonates on OTT
Several factors explain the movie’s popularity on streaming platforms. Director Yang Woo-seok, known for tackling heavy political and social themes, took a new approach with this film. Instead of a serious narrative, A Big Family focuses on everyday life and family relationships. This shift resonated with OTT viewers seeking comfort and warmth.
The movie’s family-centered story appeals to all generations. Its lighthearted yet touching moments draw sympathy from a wide audience. Viewers have shared reactions like:
“I wondered why it was a big family, and now I realize why it is a big family, and I reflect on myself for being cold to my dad.”
“A movie that makes you think of family just as the title suggests.”
“I thought it was a comedy with a shaved head, but it was unexpectedly warm and touching.”
“I have to show this to my parents too.”
The film’s relatable dialogue and Yang Woo-seok’s skillful direction have been key to its word-of-mouth success. Many viewers noted its ability to make them laugh, cry, and reflect on their own family relationships.
Lee Seung-gi’s Bold Transformation
A notable highlight of A Big Family is Lee Seung-gi’s performance as Ham Moon-seok, a monk. For the role, Lee Seung-gi shaved his head, marking a first in his acting career. This transformation became a hot topic before the movie’s release.
Lee Seung-gi shared his experience, saying:
“Thanks to the good script and senior Kim Yoon-seok and director Yang Woo-seok’s direction, I didn’t have any worries about shaving my head.”
He added:
“I actually had a hard time because my hair didn’t grow as well as I thought after filming.”
This bold choice is seen as a turning point in Lee Seung-gi’s career, with his performance earning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Audience Reactions and Emotional Impact
The movie has touched viewers with its universal themes. Many have shared how it prompted them to think about their own families. Comments from moviegoers include:
“A movie that is flavored with a few simple toppings, brewed with the natural flavor of the ingredients without any MSG.”
“I thought it was a comedy with a shaved head, but it was unexpectedly warm and touching.”
The film’s ability to balance humor and heartfelt moments has made it a favorite for family viewing. Its simple yet powerful storytelling has struck a chord with audiences on Netflix.
A Big Family’s journey from a theatrical disappointment to a streaming sensation highlights the power of OTT platforms in giving films a second chance. Its success shows how word-of-mouth and relatable storytelling can connect with audiences worldwide. The movie’s focus on family and human connections has made it a standout in Netflix Korea’s competitive lineup.
Also Read: Heavenly Ever After and Resident Playbook Hit Record-High Ratings in Latest Episodes
To know the latest developments about A Big Family, keep an eye on Top K-News.
Source: Nate
