The film The Master of the World has surpassed 120,000 cumulative viewers, becoming the top-grossing Korean independent art film of 2025.

Despite a limited number of screens, the film continues its strong five-week run, boosted by support screenings from celebrities such as Kim Hye-soo and Kim Tae-ri.

Directed by Yoon Ga-eun, the film was the first Korean entry ever invited to the Toronto International Film Festival’s competition section, and also won two awards at the Pingyao International Film Festival along with the FIPRESCI Award at the Warsaw International Film Festival.

It has further drawn global attention by securing a rare early distribution deal in China, despite ongoing restrictions on Korean cultural content.

Widely regarded as a breakout success in the independent film scene, the industry now watches to see whether it will surpass 150,000 viewers.