'Can't Help It', which is invited to the competition section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and is the opening film of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, has risen to the top of the overall ticket sales rate 17 days before its release.
The film 'Can't Help It' tells the story of 'Mansu' (Lee Byung-hun), a company employee who felt that he had 'achieved everything' and was suddenly fired. To protect his wife and two children, and to keep the house he worked hard to acquire, he prepares for his own war towards re-employment, and it has now topped the overall ticket sales rate 17 days before its release.
According to the integrated computer network for movie tickets, 'Can't Help It' has captured attention by ranking first in the overall ticket sales rate 17 days before its release on September 7 (Sunday).
This is a remarkably fast pace, proving the hot interest in 'Can't Help It', compared to films that surpassed 10 million viewers, such as 'The Burial' (2024 box office No. 1), which achieved the top ticket sales rate 4 days before its release, 'Crime City 4' (2024 box office No. 2), which achieved it 10 days before its release, 'Seoul's Spring' (2023 box office No. 1), and 'Crime City 3' (2023 box office No. 2), both achieving it 10 days before their releases.
Meanwhile, 'Can't Help It' has been pre-sold to over 200 countries worldwide, achieving overseas sales results exceeding its net production cost, proving its global interest. Additionally, it was officially invited to the competition section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and received enthusiastic reviews from major foreign media right after its premiere screening.
Variety stated, "This is decisive evidence that Park Chan-wook is the most dignified director currently, and it is a captivating black comedy," while The Guardian noted, "The narrative's momentum showcases Park Chan-wook's unique fluid yet solid confidence. It is a shocking yet timely satire presented by Park Chan-wook, depicting the collapse of family, the crisis of the head of the family, and the current state of the nation," praising the director's unparalleled directing skills.
In addition, IndieWire remarked, "Lee Byung-hun's fluid performance is the core that supports Park Chan-wook's tragic yet comedic tone," and Deadline described it as "a work that captures Lee Byung-hun's amazing acting and proves his excellent comedic sense." Loud and Clear Reviews praised, "Lee Byung-hun delivers an outstanding performance," further raising the expectations of domestic audiences.
Rising to the top of the overall ticket sales rate at an unprecedented speed, 'Can't Help It' proves to be the most talked-about film of 2025, captivating the fall cinema with its original story and the perfect ensemble of actors.
With the meeting of trusted actors, dramatic developments, beautiful mise-en-scène, solid direction, and the addition of black comedy, Park Chan-wook's new film 'Can't Help It' is set to be released on September 24.
[Geum Bit-na, MK Sports Reporter]
