Local media hailed the film’s success, calling it the peak of the “K-pop syndrome” and highlighting South Korea’s growing influence on the global stage. The movie, which became Netflix’s most-watched film with over 500 million global views, was co-directed by Korean-Canadian Maggie Kang and blends traditional Korean culture with modern aesthetics.
Film critics praised the film’s global recognition at major award ceremonies, including the Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars, emphasizing that audiences had not only appreciated its popularity but also its artistic value. Pop culture expert Jung Duk-hyun called the film “a textbook case of elevating local culture to a global level.”
The Oscars ceremony featured a performance of Golden with 24 dancers, pansori vocals, and drumming, capturing the attention of Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg, who waved K-pop light sticks in the audience.
Despite the excitement, the film’s win was marred by controversy over the treatment of Golden’s co-writers, who were cut off during their acceptance speech. However, the celebration of the film’s achievements continues to be widespread.
The film’s success has also boosted South Korea’s tourism, with 18.9 million foreign visitors in 2025, partly due to the film’s global appeal and the interest in visiting locations featured in the movie.
Leave a Reply