Moon Ga-Young and Koo Kyo-Hwan “Defy Expectations” at the Box Office With Their New Romantic Film “Once We Were Us”
- Disha Paul
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
There is a new Korean romance film that is grabbing hearts all over Asia and beyond. Once We Were Us has become one of the most talked-about love stories of 2025 and 2026, with moviegoers calling it deeply emotional, very relatable, and one of those films that stays with you long after you finish watching.
The movie is a Korean remake of the well-loved Chinese film Us and Them, and since its release, it has been creating waves at the box office and online discussions alike.
Here is everything you need to know, from what the movie is about, how it is performing, and where you can watch it now!
What Once We Were Us Is About
Once We Were Us tells the story of Eun-ho and Jeong-won, two young adults who fall in love during a time of struggle and hope. Years after their first relationship ends, they meet again by chance and begin to revisit memories they once left behind.
Instead of flashy plot twists, this movie focuses on real feelings, strong memories and quiet emotional moments. It shows how first love can shape a life, even when people have moved on or taken different paths.
The way the story is told reminds many viewers of the Chinese original, but the Korean film adds its own depth and tone that resonates with audiences.
Who Stars in It
The film is directed by Kim Do-young, known for her sensitive storytelling style. The two main characters are played by Koo Kyo-hwan and Moon Ga-young, both of whom have been praised for bringing the emotional weight of the story to life with their performances.
Their chemistry and realistic acting help the audience feel as though they are watching parts of their own past love story unfold.
When Was It Released
Once We Were Us was first released in South Korean cinemas on December 31, 2025. From the beginning, it drew attention for its quiet but powerful storytelling, and many people went to theaters to watch it in the first weeks of 2026.
By early January, the film became the first Korean movie of 2026 to reach over 1 million moviegoers, and it continued to dominate the box office for weeks.
It also surpassed the box office total of several major Hollywood films and became one of the most successful Korean romance movies in recent years.
How the Film Is Performing
Unlike many summer blockbusters, Once We Were Us is a quiet, emotional film, but that did not stop it from gaining huge popularity. It stayed at the top of the Korean box office for several weeks and surpassed 2 million admissions, making it one of the biggest romantic hits in recent years.
That kind of performance is rare for this genre, especially at a time when action and franchise films usually dominate theatres. Many critics and audiences praised it for telling a love story that feels real, deep, and tragically beautiful, something many viewers said made them reflect on their own experiences with love and loss.
Where You Can Watch It Now
After its successful theatrical run, Once We Were Us has started to become available on streaming platforms in some regions. In many countries, the movie is now listed on Apple TV for digital rental or purchase.
Availability on subscription platforms like Netflix and others varies from country to country, so fans outside Korea might need to check their local library or wait for a wider international release.
As licensing for international streaming expands, the movie will likely appear on more platforms soon, especially after the strong reaction it has received worldwide.
Why It Is Trending and Making Fans Emotional
Unlike typical romance films that focus on dramatic twists or larger-than-life moments, Once We Were Us thrives on small, relatable scenes, the kind of quiet memories that stay with you long after they pass.
Many viewers have compared it to recent emotional films that left audiences in tears, and it has been described as a deeply human exploration of first love, missed chances, personal growth, and the way memories change with time.
Some fans online are even calling it part of a ring of heartbreaking love stories, alongside other recent films known for their emotional impact. This is sending new viewers to see it in theatres or search for it on streaming platforms, making it one of the most discussed films of the year.
Final Thoughts
Once We Were Us is more than just a romantic movie. It is an experience that stays with you. It reminds us how our past relationships shape who we become and how the most ordinary memories can carry extraordinary meaning.
If you have ever loved, lost, wondered what if, or felt the pull of memory, this is a movie worth watching when you are ready to feel deeply.
Have you seen Once We Were Us yet, or are you planning to watch it soon? What part of the story are you most curious about?