“Killer Report” Dominates Korean Box Office, Fueled by Intense Performances & Novel Thriller Format
Seoul, September 5, 2025 – The Korean thriller “Killer Report” is off to a blazing start, securing the top spot in pre-booking rates despite being a new entry to the genre. Early reactions from press screenings are overwhelmingly positive, praising the film’s unique format and the captivating performances of lead actors Cho Yeo-jung and Jung Sung-il.
The film centers around a high-stakes psychological battle, with the “tight nerve war” between cho and Jung highlighted as a key draw for audiences. Steel images released by Sony Pictures entertainment Korea showcase the characters’ internal conflict and tension, set against a dark and urgent backdrop. Jung’s character delivers a chilling warning: “If you leave this room now, he dies,” while Cho’s character insists, “I’m not going to scoop. I’m going to save people.” The complex dynamic is further complicated by the role of Sang-woo, the lover of Cho’s character and a detective investigating the case, who pleads, “Just come out! Let’s get out of the arrest!”
Film critics have lauded ”Killer Report” as a fresh take on the thriller genre, describing it as an “interview thriller that is hard to see in Korean films” and a “new format thriller” that ”captivates the screen with the overwhelming overwhelming feeling that makes you can’t even breathe.”
The actors’ performances are also receiving notable acclaim. Reviews cite a “thrilling acting power show without one regret,” praising the “energy of Jo Yeo-jung and Jung Sung-il who performs the hot roll” and the “overwhelming enthusiasm” of the pair.One critic noted a “rediscovery of the sincerity, the believer of Jo-jung.”
This positive word-of-mouth is driving a surge in pre-booking volume, with industry analysts closely watching to see if the film can break existing thriller genre records during its opening weekend. Sony Pictures Korea has released promotional material, including a YouTube clip, further building anticipation.
