“Yadang: The Snitch” Surpasses 3 Million Viewers, a Milestone for Adult-Rated Films

In a notable achievement for South Korean cinema, the action-packed police thriller Yadang: The Snitch has captivated audiences, becoming the frist film restricted to adults in six years to surpass 3 million viewers nationwide. This box office success signals a potential shift in audience preferences and the viability of mature-themed content in the South Korean film market.

The film’s distributor, Plus M Entertainment, confirmed that Yadang: The Snitch reached this milestone on Monday, marking 26 days since its premiere on April 16th. The film stars Kang Ha-Neul, Yoo hae-Jin, and Park Hae-Joon.

A Resurgence of Popularity for Gritty Crime Dramas

The last South Korean adult-rated film to achieve similar success was the Gangster, the Cop, the Devil in 2019, released before the COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted cinema attendance. The success of yadang: The Snitch suggests a renewed appetite for gritty crime dramas among South Korean moviegoers.

Globally, crime and thriller genres continue to perform strongly. For example, recent data shows that thriller films accounted for approximately 28% of total box office revenue in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a sustained international interest in this type of storytelling.

Plot Overview: Ambition and Intrigue in the Underworld

Directed by Hwang byeong-Guk, Yadang: The Snitch delves into the complex relationships between a cunning criminal informant, an aspiring prosecutor who enlists his help, and a determined detective risking everything to dismantle a major drug trafficking operation. the film’s narrative explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the blurred lines between justice and corruption.

Box Office Dominance and future Projections

As its release, Yadang: The Snitch has consistently topped the local daily box office charts, with the exception of May 5th, when Warner Bros.’ Minecraft Movie briefly took the led. During the six-day holiday period ending on May 6th, Yadang: The Snitch drew an extraordinary 831,000 viewers, solidifying its position as the most-watched South Korean film of the year, surpassing hitman 2, which garnered 2.54 million viewers.

Industry analysts predict that Yadang: The Snitch is poised to overtake Bong Joon-Ho’s Hollywood production, Mickey 17, which accumulated 3.01 million viewers,to become the highest-grossing film of the year in South Korea.