Comedy movies are experiencing a major comeback in South Korean theaters, marking a significant shift in audience preferences as viewers increasingly turn to humor for entertainment. The genre has dominated the local box office throughout 2024, with films like "My Daughter Is a Zombie" becoming the year's biggest hit and "The First Ride" recently breaking the winning streak of popular Japanese anime films.

"The First Ride" has maintained its position at the top of the domestic box office for six consecutive days, successfully overtaking "Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc," the Japanese anime that had been leading global box office charts. Released on October 29, the film tells the story of five longtime friends - Tae-jung (played by Kang Ha-neul), Do-jin (Kim Young-kwang), Yeon-min (Cha Eun-woo), Geum-bok (Kang Young-seok), and Ok-sim (Han Sun-hwa) - as they embark on their first overseas vacation together.

The comedy has gained significant momentum through positive word-of-mouth recommendations, earning widespread praise for the cast's natural chemistry and the film's heartfelt storyline. The reunion of director Nam Dae-joong and actor Kang Ha-neul, who previously collaborated on the 2023 hit "Love Reset," has also generated considerable anticipation among moviegoers. According to Showbox, the film's distributor, "As a comedy that people can enjoy together, it offers a strong reason for audiences to return to theaters."

Box office data from the Korean Film Council's information system shows that "The First Ride" attracted 23,991 moviegoers on Tuesday alone, maintaining its number one position at the local box office. The film's cumulative admissions have now reached 417,973 viewers since its release.

Earlier this summer, "My Daughter Is a Zombie" became a true cultural phenomenon, surpassing 5 million admissions and marking the first domestic film to achieve that milestone in 11 months since Ryu Seung-wan's "Veteran 2." Based on a popular webtoon, the film tells the unique story of a father who undergoes secret training to protect his daughter, who happens to be the last remaining zombie in the world. The movie earned critical acclaim for its originality by successfully blending zombie apocalypse elements with human drama and humor.

Following the success of "My Daughter Is a Zombie," another comedy titled "Boss" continued this trend by topping the box office throughout the 10-day Chuseok holiday period in early October, achieving an impressive seat occupancy rate of 40.4 percent. This action comedy depicts a fierce but humorous power struggle among gang members competing to become the next boss. After premiering at the Busan International Film Festival before its official release, "Boss" surpassed 1.7 million admissions and managed to break even within just a few weeks.

Industry experts attribute this comedy resurgence to broader social sentiment and historical patterns of audience behavior. Throughout history, during periods of economic uncertainty or collective stress - from the Great Depression in 1930s America to the 1997 Asian financial crisis - audiences have consistently sought comfort and escape through laughter and lighthearted entertainment.

Cultural critic Kim Hern-sik explained this phenomenon, stating, "Viewers are showing fatigue toward heavy, serious genres like thrillers and crime dramas. Many now turn to lighthearted and refreshing stories, not just in theaters but on streaming platforms as well." He further emphasized that "Films like 'My Daughter Is a Zombie' and 'Boss' stand out for their originality, proving that audiences are eager for well-made comedies that offer both humor and heart."