The South Korean film industry continues to thrive with a mix of creativity, storytelling depth, and audience engagement.
One of the most talked-about films of 2025, The Ugly, has officially crossed a remarkable milestone by attracting over one million moviegoers.
Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Yeon Sang Ho, the movie brings together a stellar cast, gripping mystery, and emotional storytelling that have resonated deeply with audiences nationwide.
On October 5, 2025, the Korean Film Council confirmed that The Ugly had surpassed one million viewers at the box office, solidifying its position as one of the year’s early commercial and critical successes.
To celebrate the milestone, the film’s main cast — Park Jung Min, Shin Hyun Been, Kwon Hae Hyo, Han Ji Hyeon, and Im Seong Jae — gathered with director Yeon Sang Ho to record a cheerful and slightly chaotic thank-you video.
The clip, shared through various social media channels, showed the team expressing heartfelt gratitude to the audience for their overwhelming support and love.
Their enthusiasm and camaraderie in the video mirrored the collaborative spirit that went into making the film.
A Dark and Emotional Mystery
The Ugly tells a haunting story centered on Im Dong Hwan, the son of a blind but exceptionally talented artisan.
The narrative unfolds as he begins investigating the mysterious death of his mother, whose body had been secretly buried for forty years.
As he delves deeper into the truth, dark secrets and long-buried emotions resurface, leading to a tale of pain, guilt, and redemption.
The film blends psychological tension with human drama, exploring how the past continues to shape the present.
Director Yeon Sang Ho, best known internationally for his hit works such as Train to Busan, Peninsula, and Hellbound, takes a different but equally compelling approach in The Ugly.
While his earlier films leaned heavily on supernatural and apocalyptic themes, The Ugly is more grounded, focusing on the inner conflicts of its characters and the moral complexity of human relationships.
Critics have praised Yeon’s direction for its emotional depth and for drawing strong performances from his cast.
Outstanding Performances and Cast Synergy
Park Jung Min, who portrays the lead role of Im Dong Hwan, once again proves his versatility as one of Korea’s most reliable actors.
His portrayal of a conflicted son torn between love, anger, and the desire for truth brings raw intensity to the screen.
Park has previously impressed audiences with his work in Time to Hunt, Harbin, and Deliver Us from Evil, but The Ugly adds another powerful role to his growing list of achievements.
Shin Hyun Been, widely known for her roles in Hospital Playlist and Reflection of You, delivers a subtle yet impactful performance that complements Park Jung Min’s emotional energy.
Veteran actor Kwon Hae Hyo, actress Han Ji Hyeon — who continues to rise in popularity following her performance in Penthouse and recent drama Face Me — and newcomer Im Seong Jae also shine, creating a well-balanced ensemble that carries the film’s emotional weight.
Audience and Critical Reception
Since its release, The Ugly has received positive feedback for its storytelling, cinematography, and performances.
Viewers have praised the film for being both thought-provoking and emotionally stirring, describing it as a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Many have highlighted the film’s ability to tackle complex social and personal themes, such as familial duty, hidden trauma, and moral ambiguity, without resorting to clichés.
Film critics have noted Yeon Sang Ho’s mastery in pacing the mystery, revealing clues gradually while maintaining tension throughout.
The atmospheric visuals, paired with a haunting musical score, enhance the feeling of unease and melancholy that defines the film.
It is not merely a mystery but a reflection on human imperfection and the scars that families often hide.
Celebration of Success
The film’s achievement of surpassing one million viewers in just a short period demonstrates its strong connection with the audience.
The celebratory video released by the cast and director quickly went viral, as fans appreciated their genuine joy and gratitude.
The milestone also reinforces Yeon Sang Ho’s reputation as a director capable of crafting stories that appeal to both mass audiences and critics alike.
In addition to The Ugly’s success, Soompi and Viki highlighted other works from the film’s leading stars.
Fans were encouraged to revisit Park Jung Min’s previous historical drama film Harbin, as well as Han Ji Hyeon’s latest drama Face Me, both available with subtitles on streaming platforms.
These recommendations allowed viewers to further appreciate the versatility and talent of the cast members beyond their performances in The Ugly.
Looking Ahead
With the film’s impressive box office performance and growing word-of-mouth praise, The Ugly stands as one of the most significant Korean cinematic releases of 2025.
Its success demonstrates that audiences continue to value deep, character-driven stories that challenge emotions and provoke thought.
For Yeon Sang Ho, it marks another milestone in a career already filled with achievements across both film and television.
Ultimately, The Ugly is not just a mystery drama — it’s a powerful exploration of memory, guilt, and the lengths people go to uncover the truth.
Through its layered storytelling, exceptional acting, and striking direction, the film cements its place among the standout Korean films of the year.
As audiences continue to fill theaters, The Ugly proves that authentic storytelling and emotional resonance remain at the heart of cinematic success in Korea’s ever-evolving film industry.
In an unexpected and disappointing turn of events, K-pop boy group THE BOYZ has announced the cancellation of two additional stops on their much-anticipated “THE BLAZE” world tour — Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
This announcement, made on October 5, 2025, follows earlier news that the group’s concerts in Macau and Taipei would also no longer take place.
The sudden wave of cancellations has left fans across the globe both heartbroken and confused, with many wondering about the circumstances that led to this situation.
Official Statement from ONE HUNDRED
The group’s agency, ONE HUNDRED, released an official English statement confirming the cancellation of the Kuala Lumpur concert, which was originally scheduled for October 18, and the Bangkok concert, set for November 1.
In its statement, the agency expressed sincere regret and apologized to fans who had been eagerly waiting for the performances.
However, the notice did not include specific reasons behind the cancellations, leaving room for widespread speculation and disappointment among fans and media outlets alike.
Tour Cut Short After Previous Cancellations
This is not the first time in recent weeks that THE BOYZ’s world tour plans have changed abruptly.
On September 25, ONE HUNDRED had already announced that the Macau and Taipei stops were being canceled.
Alongside this, the agency revealed that “THE BLAZE” world tour — which had initially promised additional cities and extended global stops — would now end prematurely with the Jakarta concert on November 8, 2025.
THE BOYZ (Credit: YouTube)
For many, this announcement marked a major shift from the group’s ambitious plans. The original vision for “THE BLAZE” included more cities across Asia and possibly other continents, symbolizing THE BOYZ’s growing global reach and success.
The sudden change has sparked concern that the cancellations may not be isolated incidents but part of a larger issue affecting the tour’s management or logistics.
Fan Reactions and Global Response
Fans, collectively known as THE B (Deobi), have responded with a mixture of disappointment, sadness, and concern.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Weverse, countless posts have surfaced expressing heartbreak over the cancellations.
Many fans who had already purchased tickets or made travel arrangements shared their frustration and financial losses, while others focused on sending messages of support and love to the group members.
Despite the disappointment, the majority of fans have emphasized understanding and compassion, posting messages such as “We just hope the boys are okay” and “Their health comes first.”
The tone of the online discussions suggests that the fandom is prioritizing the members’ well-being over performance schedules, a testament to the strong emotional bond between THE BOYZ and their fans.
Possible Reasons Behind the Cancellations
While ONE HUNDRED has not provided any detailed explanation, industry experts and fans alike have proposed several potential reasons.
Large-scale concert cancellations can occur due to logistical complications, safety issues, visa or venue problems, health concerns, or internal management conflicts.
Given the group’s otherwise successful tour and the relatively short notice for the changes, some observers believe that health or management issues might be at play.
Another factor that could have contributed is the recent controversy surrounding the group’s light stick design, which involved similarities between THE BOYZ’s and QWER’s official merchandise.
The issue required multiple public statements from ONE HUNDRED in September 2025, raising questions about the company’s internal stability and ability to manage overlapping crises.
Although the agency denied any direct connection between the controversy and the tour cancellations, the timing has drawn scrutiny.
Impact on THE BOYZ’s Global Momentum
THE BOYZ, known for their intense performances, synchronized choreography, and energetic stage presence, launched “THE BLAZE” as a celebration of their international rise.
The tour was meant to connect the group with global fans and showcase their musical growth following recent album releases.
The members’ dedication and creativity had already earned widespread praise, making the cancellations even more disheartening for both fans and industry watchers.
The decision to end the tour early means that thousands of fans in affected regions — including Macau, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok — will miss the opportunity to experience THE BOYZ live.
However, the final show in Jakarta on November 8 is still expected to go on, marking the official conclusion of “THE BLAZE.”
For many fans, this will now serve as both a farewell and a celebration of the group’s perseverance amid challenges.
Fans Call for Transparency and Support
As disappointment lingers, fans are urging ONE HUNDRED to provide clear communication about refunds, rescheduling, and the well-being of the members.
Transparency, they argue, is essential to maintaining trust in the long run. International fan unions and communities have also been actively coordinating messages of support, organizing hashtag campaigns, and expressing their willingness to wait patiently for future concerts once conditions improve.
The ongoing situation underscores how critical open dialogue and responsible management are in the fast-paced K-pop industry.
Many fans have emphasized that even though this chapter of “THE BLAZE” may be ending early, their loyalty to THE BOYZ remains unshaken.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, THE BOYZ’s journey is far from over. Their ability to connect with fans through music, charisma, and genuine emotion continues to define their success.
While fans may be missing out on live performances this time, they are hopeful that the group will take the time needed to rest, recover, and return stronger than ever.
As the Jakarta concert approaches, the emotional weight surrounding “THE BLAZE” tour is undeniable.
For both THE BOYZ and their fans, it represents not just a concert series but a shared experience of passion, resilience, and unity.
In the ever-demanding world of K-pop, where schedules can be grueling and expectations sky-high, moments like this serve as reminders that behind every stage performance are artists who deserve rest, respect, and understanding.
