Demi Moore’s ‘The Substance’ Hits Box Office Milestone—Why Is This R-Rated Film So Popular in Korea?

After a steady box office run, The Substance has officially surpassed 500,000 moviegoers, setting a new record for R-rated independent films in Korea.

According to the Korean Film Council on February 24, The Substance recorded a cumulative audience of 500,854 as of that morning. The film had already crossed the half-million mark on February 22, just 74 days after its release—an exceptional achievement for an independent film with a restricted rating. This makes it only the fourth R-rated indie film in Korean history to reach this milestone.

Despite its arthouse appeal, The Substance has consistently ranked in the top tiers of the box office, fueled by strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. The film’s momentum is expected to accelerate further as it heads into the 97th Academy Awards (March 3, KST, March 2 local time), where it has secured nominations in five major categories:

🏆 Best Picture

🎬 Best Director

🎭 Best Actress

✍️ Best Original Screenplay

💄 Best Makeup & Hairstyling

Demi Moore’s Award-Winning Performance & Oscar Buzz

Lead actress Demi Moore has already made waves by winning her first-ever Golden Globe for Best Actress with her performance in The Substance. With strong Oscar buzz, her potential Academy Award win could further boost the film’s box office success, drawing even more viewers to theaters.

The film has been a festival circuit darling, securing 286 nominations and winning 115 awards worldwide. A bloody thriller, The Substance explores the battle between "Me and the Better Me," featuring stunning visuals and bold, provocative direction.

Adding to its local buzz, Korean actor So Ji-sub is credited as a co-producer, further sparking interest in the film within Korea’s entertainment industry.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticket sales network on the 6th, The Substance ranked 5th at the box office that day. The film generated 49,809,900 KRW in revenue, marking a 4.0% increase from the previous day, and attracted 5,217 moviegoers. With a cumulative audience of 401,972, the film has officially surpassed the 400,000 viewer milestone.

Box Office Rankings (As of the 6th):

1️⃣ Hitman 2 – 2,114,547 total viewers

2️⃣ Broken – 66,736 total viewers

3️⃣ Secret: Untold Melody – 436,245 total viewers

4️⃣ Dark Nuns – 1,516,774 total viewers

5️⃣ The Substance – 401,972 total viewers

6️⃣ Harbin – 4,880,233 total viewers

7️⃣ The Fall: Director’s Cut – 104,507 total viewers

8️⃣ Pororo Movie: Underwater Adventure – 393,563 total viewers

9️⃣ Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club: The Final Chapter Part 1 – 1,703 total viewers (New release)

🔟 Pokémon Movie AG: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew – 152,319 total viewers

The Substance maintains its top 5 box office position, and industry watchers are eager to see how its momentum continues in the coming weeks.

With its unexpected long-term success, The Substance has proven that independent films can break box office norms—and if it secures an Academy Award, the film’s momentum could skyrocket even further.