The film 'The Match' has officially surpassed 2 million moviegoers, becoming the second Korean film released in 2025 to hit that milestone—despite earlier controversy surrounding one of its stars, Yoo Ah In.
According to data from the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticket sales system on April 21, 'The Match' reached a cumulative audience of 2,000,933 on its 27th day in theaters.
It is now the second Korean film of 2025—following 'Hitman 2'—to surpass 2 million viewers. This achievement places 'The Match' in the top two among 2025 Korean box office hits, and third overall among all 2025 film releases, behind 'Mickey 17' and 'Hitman 2'.
This success is especially meaningful as it comes after a series of setbacks, including delays caused by co-lead Yoo Ah In’s drug use scandal, which initially jeopardized the film’s release. The film’s ability to overcome these challenges and perform strongly at the box office makes the achievement all the more significant.
To celebrate the 2 million milestone, 'The Match' team released a thank-you video and celebratory photos. In the images, cast members Lee Byung Hun, Go Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and director Kim Hyung Joo are seen holding “2 million” number balloons and smiling brightly. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to audiences for bringing energy and support to theaters, with a cheerful message: “Thank you for helping The Match reach 2 million viewers!”
'The Match' tells the story of Go (baduk) legend Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after losing to his own protégé, reignites his competitive spirit and attempts a dramatic return to the top.
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