20B Won Korean Film Dethrones 560B Rival—And Drops the Most Talked-About Kiss Scene

Director Kang Hyoung-chul’s long-awaited action-comedy HI-FIVE—a 20 billion KRW production—finally hit Korean theaters today (May 30), shaking up the box office with its fresh, chaotic energy.

The story centers on five characters who gain bizarre superpowers through organ transplants, leading to a wild mix of comedy and action. Even before its release, HI-FIVE managed to top the overall reservation charts on May 28, surpassing even the Hollywood giant Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. As of release day, it’s running second in ticketing share (19.7%) and boasts a stellar 9.98 rating on Naver Movies.

Although filming wrapped in 2021, the movie’s release was delayed due to a high-profile drug investigation involving lead actor Yoo Ah-in in early 2023. After a four-year hiatus, HI-FIVE has finally made it to screens.

One of the film’s most buzzed-about moments? A surprise kiss between Ahn Jae-hong and Yoo Ah-in. At a roundtable on May 29, Ahn clarified, “It’s more of a CPR scene.” In the film, he plays Ji-sung, a man who gains the ability to control air after receiving a lung transplant. “Ji-sung is extremely selfish at first,” Ahn said. “But during the story, as the team forms, this scene marks his first selfless act.”

Ahn explained that the moment was shot in a single take. “I haven’t heard reactions from friends yet, but during the premiere, the audience gasped and even applauded. I think it caught people off guard in a fun way.”

Veteran actor Shin Goo adds gravity to the film as the main villain, playing Yeong-chun, a sinister cult leader who gains youth-absorbing powers after a pancreas transplant. Director Kang called working with Shin “a privilege,” saying, “Everything he says feels like a cinematic moment.” Actor Park Jin-young, who plays Yeong-chun’s younger self, said, “I tried to mirror his posture, tone, and expressions—it was an honor.”

On social media, anticipation has been huge. A short featuring Lee Jae-in’s action scenes as the taekwondo girl Wan-seo (who gains super strength after a heart transplant) garnered over 9.47 million views. Viewers are also hyped about the father-daughter dynamic between Wan-seo and her dad Jong-min (Oh Jung-se), Ji-sung’s unique lung-powered beatboxing, and the villain Yeong-chun’s eerie aura.

Prominent directors are raving. Kim Sung-soo called it “a superhero movie redefined by Kang Hyoung-chul’s explosive imagination,” while Choi Dong-hoon said, “This was pure fun—Taekwondo rocks!” Other praise poured in: “Unreal joy with incredible music” (Kim Seong-hun), “Is this really made by humans? Mind-blowing!” (Min Kyu-dong), and “The birth of true Korean superheroes” (Lee Won-suk).

Actors were equally enthusiastic. Park Bo-young said, “Adorable superpowered beings—this movie gave me joy!” Lee Do-hyun shouted, “Let’s go, HI-FIVE!” Shim Eun-kyung praised it as “a love letter to cinema,” especially noting Lee Jae-in’s performance. Chun Woo-hee called it “time-flying, max-fun K-superhero content.” Park Jin-joo cheekily added, “Director Kang used superpowers again—you literally can’t not laugh.” Lee Hye-ri asked, “When’s Season 2? I need a rewatch already.” Park Se-wan joked, “Movie of the summer. Where’s my belly button?” and Lee Sun-bin declared, “My kind of hero? It’s you, HI-FIVE!” Kwak Sun-young raved, “You must see this. Full power recharged!” while TWICE’s Dahyun chimed in with, “Wishing you a refreshing, laughter-filled summer with HI-FIVE!”

HI-FIVE tells the story of five unlikely heroes fighting back against forces trying to steal their transplant-granted powers. With Kang’s signature wit (from hits like Scandal Makers, Sunny, Tazza: The Hidden Card, and Swing Kids) and a wildly unique cast, the film is carving out a new path for Korean-style superhero cinema.

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