Romance Film Sets Korean Box Office Record Christmas

On December 25, 2025, the Korean film industry found itself abuzz with excitement as 'Tonight at Night, This Love Will Be True in the World' took the spotlight in theaters across the country. According to reporting from Ajunews, the film achieved a daily attendance of 63,926 viewers on Christmas Eve, bringing its cumulative audience to 66,803 and securing the top spot among Korean film screenings for the day. This surge in popularity wasn’t just a fleeting moment—it marked a new milestone, setting the highest opening record for a romance melodrama released in 2025, surpassing the previous record set by 'Love Without Words,' which had drawn 53,890 viewers on its opening day.

But the accolades didn’t stop there. The movie also edged past the record established by the 2019 hit 'Youth's Musical Album,' cementing its place in the pantheon of successful Korean romance melodramas. In a nod to the enduring appeal of first-love stories, its opening day numbers closely mirrored those of the legendary 2012 film 'Architecture 101,' which had 66,580 viewers on its debut. Such parallels have not gone unnoticed by industry watchers and fans alike, who see in this latest release a continuation of Korea’s love affair with heartfelt cinematic romance.

The film’s momentum was further reflected in its box office performance. On Christmas Eve, 'Tonight at Night, This Love Will Be True in the World' posted a remarkable seat sales rate of 30.9%, a figure that placed it among the top two films for the holiday alongside 'Abata: Unfinished' (which led with 31.7%) and ahead of 'Jutopia 2' (23.0%). These numbers, provided by the Korean Film Screening Association, are especially impressive given the fierce competition during the festive season, traditionally one of the most crowded periods for moviegoers in South Korea.

The excitement wasn’t limited to ticket sales. On Christmas Day itself, the film’s cast and crew brought the holiday cheer directly to audiences. As reported by Job-Post, a special screening and stage greeting took place at the COEX Megabox in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, at 6:20 PM. Lead actress Shin Si-a, director Kim Hyun-ho, and other cast members attended the event, engaging with fans in a warm, festive atmosphere that captured the spirit of the season.

Shin Si-a, in particular, drew attention for her playful and charming presence. Sporting a Rudolph-themed hair accessory and a surprised expression, she delighted attendees during the photo session, her candid gestures and natural charisma lighting up the room. The moment, as captured by photographers, perfectly encapsulated the film’s blend of romance and whimsy, and it resonated with the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers.

“It was a moment that brought the actors and audience closer together,” observed one attendee, reflecting the sentiment that the event was more than just a promotional activity—it was a genuine celebration of connection, both on and off the screen. The live talk and Q&A session that followed allowed fans to interact directly with Shin Si-a and director Kim Hyun-ho, deepening the sense of intimacy and shared excitement surrounding the film’s release.

As the film continued its run through the holiday period, similar events were held at other major theaters, including CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall and Lotte Cinema. These gatherings, part of the movie’s opening day festivities, further fueled the buzz and contributed to the film’s strong word-of-mouth momentum. According to Job-Post, each stop on the promotional tour was met with positive responses, as audiences embraced the film’s emotional storytelling and the approachable charm of its cast.

What’s behind the movie’s remarkable appeal? At its core, 'Tonight at Night, This Love Will Be True in the World' is a romantic melodrama—a genre that has long held a special place in the hearts of Korean viewers. The film’s narrative, though not detailed in the reports, is widely understood to tap into themes of first love, longing, and the bittersweet passage of time. These are universal emotions, and the film’s ability to evoke them with sincerity is likely a key factor in its success.

Industry analysts point to the timing of the release as another contributing factor. The Christmas and year-end period is traditionally a time when audiences seek out films that offer comfort, nostalgia, and emotional resonance. By positioning itself as the season’s must-see romance, the film managed to capture the zeitgeist and draw in both young couples and older fans who remember the heyday of classic Korean melodramas.

The film’s strong debut is also significant from a business perspective. With the Korean box office still recovering from the disruptions caused by the pandemic in previous years, such a robust opening provides a much-needed boost to theaters and distributors. The success of 'Tonight at Night, This Love Will Be True in the World' demonstrates the enduring vitality of the domestic film industry and its ability to produce hits that resonate with local audiences.

For the cast and crew, the response has been both gratifying and motivating. Director Kim Hyun-ho, speaking at the COEX event, expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “We are deeply moved by the audience’s love and enthusiasm. It’s a wonderful feeling to see so many people connecting with our story, especially during the holidays.” Shin Si-a echoed this sentiment, adding, “Sharing this moment with everyone here makes it even more special. Thank you for being part of our journey.”

As the holiday season continues, all eyes are on whether the film can sustain its momentum and perhaps even surpass the total box office tallies of its illustrious predecessors. With its record-breaking start, enthusiastic fan engagement, and the palpable chemistry between its stars and audience, 'Tonight at Night, This Love Will Be True in the World' seems poised to become one of the standout cinematic stories of 2025.

In a year marked by uncertainty and change, the film’s success is a reminder of the enduring power of love stories—and the magic that happens when audiences and filmmakers come together to celebrate them.