Korean comedy '645' claims Vietnam spot

Directed by Park Gyu-tae and starring Go Kyung-pyo and Lee Yi-kyung, '645' originally premiered in South Korea on August 24, 2022. It tells a straightforward story of a South Korean soldier who finds a winning lottery ticket near the DMZ, only to discover it belongs to a North Korean counterpart, leading to a humorous joint effort to claim the prize. The film later debuted in Vietnam on August 1, 2025, in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where it has gained significant traction.

Key to Its Local Success

The movie's appeal lies in its light-hearted take on themes like luck and unlikely alliances, providing escapist fun for Vietnamese viewers amid post-pandemic recovery. It resonates through accessible comedy that bridges cultural gaps, as evidenced by a 25% rise in Korean film viewership in Southeast Asia over five years, according to a Variety report.

Box Office Standing

In Vietnam, '645' has outperformed entries like 'Parasite', achieving the second-highest ranking for Korean films based on admission data tracked by Box Office Mojo, a credible global box office source. This contrasts with its underwhelming run in Korea, where it didn't crack the top domestic earners per Korean Film Council records. Additionally, Chart Data notes a 40% year-over-year increase in Korean content streams in Vietnam, supporting the film's regional impact.