Lukewarm in Korea, But a Smash Hit Overseas—This Korean Film Is Surging in Global Markets

Despite a lukewarm reception in Korea, Dark Nuns is making waves internationally, with particularly strong box office success in Southeast Asia.

The occult thriller, a sequel to the 2015 hit The Priests (which drew 5.44 million domestic viewers), follows a forbidden ritual performed to save a boy possessed by a powerful demon.

Box Office Boom in Indonesia & the Philippines

As of February 10, Dark Nuns has already surpassed 1 million admissions in Indonesia, sparking a box office phenomenon. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the film held the #1 spot for two consecutive weeks, proving its strong appeal in the global horror market.

The film’s overseas expansion is still underway, having already debuted in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Laos on February 6, followed by North America and Myanmar on February 7. Additional releases are scheduled in Singapore and Malaysia (Feb. 14) and Vietnam (Feb. 21), signaling further global success.

International media outlets have praised the film for its fresh take on the occult genre.

Indonesia’s Kompas: “Dark Nuns reinvents occult horror with a unique concept and gripping narrative.”

The Philippines: “A rare approach to the genre in Korean cinema, making it a truly fresh experience.”

Taiwanese press: “Song Hye-kyo’s performance is a revelation, bringing depth to her character with a captivating presence.”

Viewers in the Philippines echoed these sentiments, with comments like:

“Song Hye-kyo’s nuanced acting gives her character, Younia, an emotional weight that lingers.”

“The storytelling is intense, blending horror with psychological depth.”

Meanwhile, Back Home… Not So Much

While Dark Nuns is thriving internationally, its domestic reception has been underwhelming.

Korean audience rating (Naver): 6.53/10

Current box office total in Korea: 1.63 million viewers

Korean viewers criticized the film’s direction, pacing, and screenplay, with many pointing out weak storytelling and lack of tension. Some of the harsher reviews include:

“This film lacks suspense—something you don’t expect from an occult thriller.”

“The dialogues are hard to hear, and the pacing is painfully slow.”

“Compared to the first movie, this is a huge downgrade.”

Despite mixed domestic reviews, Dark Nuns continues to gain momentum overseas, further proving the growing global demand for Korean horror and thriller films. The question remains—will its international success change how it's perceived in Korea?