What happens when three gangsters are reluctant to be the next leader of their group? The new 2025 Korean film, “Boss” (보스), flips the typical mob story upside down. It turns the mafia world into a hilarious mess. From the production team of “Handsome Guys,” this Korean action-comedy was released just in time for Chuseok 2025 and has already hit one million viewers in five days. With witty lines, heartfelt moments, and a perfect Chuseok release, “Boss” proves that comedy can rule the box office. Ready to find out why everyone’s talking about it? Keep reading.
“Boss” (보스) Korean Film 2025
Director Ra Hee-chan, best known for “Going by the Book” returns to features after 14 years with a bang. Produced by Hive Media Corp, the studio behind “12.12: The Day,” and distributed by Mindmark, “Boss” brings slick humor to the big screen.
Released during Chuseok, “Boss” quickly became a family favorite. Critics praised its “warm human comedy in gangster clothes,” and audiences loved the chemistry among its leads. The movie became “the strongest Korean opening since Covid-19.
The blend of comedy and empathy gave it a rare appeal; parents, teens, and film buffs all found something to enjoy. Its humor crosses generations, and its message about reluctant leadership hits close to home.
Let’s find out more about this movie!
The Story: When Everyone Dodges the Throne
The plot follows three gangsters trapped in an absurd leadership crisis. Their boss has stepped down, and someone must take his place. The problem? No one wants the job.
When the gang election is coming, everyone desperately tries to lose.
Soon-tae (played by Jo Woo-jin) dreams of running a Chinese restaurant franchise, not a crime ring. Kang-pyo (Jung Kyung-ho) would rather dance tango than deal with gang wars. Pan-ho (Park Ji-hwan) is the only one desperate for power, but his greed makes him the least trusted.
Amid this chaos, an undercover cop, Tae-gyu (Lee Kyu-hyung), infiltrates their ranks. As loyalties blur and ambitions twist, the gang’s “election” turns into a hilarious free-for-all of betrayal, slapstick, and accidental wisdom.
The story’s strength lies in its irony. It flips the typical gangster tale on its head, turning greed and ambition into sources of comedy and empathy.
The Cast: Chemistry that Carries the Chaos
One of the reasons audiences can’t stop talking about “Boss” is its absolutely stunning cast.
Jo Woo-jin brings his signature blend of authority and humor to Soon-tae. In addition, the “Mantis” star also infuses his quiet calm charm, transforming serious scenes into both relatable and wonderfully absurd moments.
Jung Kyung-ho, famous for “Crash Course in Romance,” portrays a tango-loving Kang-pyo. The actor trained for months to perfect his tango scenes, creating one of the film’s funniest running gags.
The “Murky Stream” star, Park Ji-hwan, plays Pan Ho, who turns ambition and desperation into comedy gold.
And Lee Kyu-hyung, known best for his role in “Prison Playbook,” balances chaos and conscience as the undercover cop, Tae Gyu, creating a pitch-perfect contrast.
In supporting roles, there are:
- Oh Dal-soo as In-sul
- Hwang Woo-seul-hye as Ji-yeong, Soon-tae’s wife
- Jung Yoo-jin as Yeon-im
- Ko Chang-seok as Manager Chu
- Lee Han-wi as Jang Chun-sik
- Joo Jin-moo as Bae Seok-dong
- Gil Hae-yeon as Mrs. Hong
- Lee Sung-min as Boss Im Dae-soo.
All cast members bring humor and natural chemistry to every scene, creating a believable yet eccentric world that feels authentically lived in.
Behind the Scenes: Ra Hee-chan’s Comic Comeback
Director Ra Hee-chan returns to the big screen after a 14-year hiatus, and he does so with confidence. His experience directing “Going by the Book” shows in every frame, especially in how chaos feels organized, even when everything’s going wrong.
The script’s pacing keeps the laughs coming without losing its heart. Each character’s dream, whether it’s food, dance, or power, resonates with ordinary people. That’s what makes “Boss” stand out. It’s not just about jokes; it’s about people chasing meaning in the most ridiculous ways.
Ra’s direction highlights both the visual gags and the emotional undercurrent, turning every brawl and blunder into something oddly uplifting.
Box Office and Early Buzz
“Boss” premiered during the 2025 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) before hitting theaters nationwide on October 3, 2025. The film quickly became the talk of the festival.
Audiences praised its “fresh humor and old-school heart,” while critics noted its smart balance of slapstick and sincerity.
The movie’s debut couldn’t have gone better. Released on 1,167 screens, it opened strong with 238,895 moviegoers on its first day, immediately claiming the No. 1 spot at the Korean box office.
As of October 6, it had earned US $6.77 million from 985,394 admissions, making it one of Korea’s most successful comedy openings of the year. Within just five days by October 7, 2025, it had already drawn over one million viewers (1,088,947).
With over one million viewers in five days, “Boss” has firmly secured one of 2025’s biggest Korean box-office hits, following “My Daughter Is a Zombie,” which garnered less than four days of viewership.
Viewers praised not only the comedy but also the emotional depth hiding under the laughs. Many called it a “feel-good gangster movie with a twist of heart.” This is a fresh take in Korean cinema, especially in the action-comedy genre.
Reasons to Watch
“Boss” is a must-watch gangster movie with a surprisingly human touch. The story tells about dreams, passions, choices, and courage. It explores that moment when success feels heavier than failure. Many will relate to the simple feeling of wanting less, not more.
Director Ra Hee-chan crafts a world that is both chaotic and deeply human. He uses sharp dialogue and expressive physical comedy. You’ll laugh. You’ll cringe. You might even see a little of yourself in these unwilling leaders.
The humor flows naturally because it’s real. Behind the absurd moments lie familiar fears: failure, rejection, or the pressure of taking charge.
“Boss” is driven by strong direction and witty writing. The cast’s perfect chemistry brings it all together. The film proves a simple truth how comedy can soften even the hardest parts of life.
Are You Ready to Root for the Wrong Boss?
The Korean film “Boss” delivers more than just a good laugh. It reminds you that stepping back can be the bravest move of all. Funny, fast-paced, and deeply“huma”, this film shows that leadership is about heart, not about ego.
You will laugh at its chaos. You will root for its misfits. And you will leave thinking, “Maybe not wanting/refusing the crown isn’t such a bad thing after all.”
So, bring your friends or family. Grab some popcorn. And watch who accidentally becomes the next boss in the funniest Korean film of 2025.
In the meantime, watch the exciting trailer for the movie below.
Join us on Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, WhatsApp Channel and Discord server for discussions. And follow Kpoppost’s Google News for more Korean entertainment news and updates.
