'Master of My Own', Crowned 2025's Top Korean Independent Film with Over 120,000 Admissions
The film 'Master of My Own' has officially claimed the top spot as the highest-grossing Korean independent and art-house film of 2025.
According to the Korean Film Council's Integrated Network for Admissions, 'Master of My Own' surpassed 120,000 cumulative viewers by the 22nd, cementing its position at the pinnacle of the year's independent film releases.
The movie tells the story of Ju-in, an eighteen-year-old high school student caught between being popular and craving attention, who begins receiving mysterious notes after being the sole dissenter in a school-wide petition.
Despite a limited number of screenings, 'Master of My Own' has achieved a remarkable long-term run, reaching its fifth week in theaters. This success is a testament to the film's intrinsic power and the strong word-of-mouth support from audiences, marking a significant triumph for Korean independent cinema.
The film is also garnering widespread acclaim and support from celebrities, including Kim Hye-soo, Kim Tae-ri, Kim Eui-sung, Park Jung-min, Song Eun-i, Lee Jun-hyuk, Kim Sook, and director Choi Dong-hoon, with a wave of special screening events and inquiries for group viewings and venue rentals continuing, suggesting sustained audience engagement.
The recently released special poster captures Ju-in's vibrant expressions and the supporting characters who form her world: her mother Tae-sun (Jang Hye-jin), who acts like a friend; Soo-ho (Kim Jeong-sik), a classmate who sparks conflict; her best friend Yu-ra (Kang Chae-yoon); and her close older friend Mi-do (Gong Min-si). The image of them all walking in the same direction, coupled with Ju-in's diverse outfits ranging from school uniforms to sportswear and casual wear, and her playful, mischievous poses, creates an infectious, upbeat atmosphere that delights viewers.
Netizens are expressing excitement, commenting, 'It's amazing how well an independent film is doing!', 'Seo Su-bin's acting is incredible, I was completely immersed,' and 'Hope the celebrity support events keep coming.'