‘Happyend’ Team Keeps Their Promise: Japanese Stars Shout ‘Aishiteru!’ to Korean Fans at Megabox COEX

A Promise Fulfilled: ‘Happyend’ Cast Returns to Korea

Did you know that the Japanese film ‘Happyend’ made a unique promise to its Korean fans? The cast vowed to visit Korea again if the film surpassed 100,000 viewers in the country. On June 27, 2025, at Megabox COEX in Seoul, director Neo Sora and stars Kurihara Hayato, Hidaka Yukito, and Hayashi Yuta stood before a packed audience, shouting ‘Aishiteru!’—I love you—to thank Korean fans for their overwhelming support. This heartfelt gesture was more than just a publicity stunt; it was a genuine moment of cross-cultural appreciation, showing how deeply international fandoms can influence a film’s journey.

The Story Behind ‘Happyend’: Dystopia, Youth, and AI Surveillance

Set in a near-future Tokyo, ‘Happyend’ explores the anxieties of Japanese youth as an AI surveillance system is installed in their high school after a prank gone wrong. The film, directed by Neo Sora, weaves together themes of friendship, rebellion, and the looming threat of disaster. Korean audiences resonated with its portrayal of authoritarianism and the struggles of adolescence, sparking passionate discussions online. Many bloggers and reviewers highlighted how the film’s speculative setting feels eerily relevant to today’s digital society, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and youth culture.

Korean Box Office Success: Over 120,000 Viewers and Counting

By June 27, 2025, ‘Happyend’ had recorded 120,577 admissions in Korea, far exceeding expectations for an indie Japanese film. The movie’s rapid rise was tracked daily by the cast themselves, with Kurihara Hayato and Hidaka Yukito admitting they checked the numbers every night at home, marveling at how quickly the audience grew. The film’s success is a testament to the power of word-of-mouth, social media buzz, and the unique connection between Korean viewers and Japanese pop culture. In a year when few foreign films made a splash, ‘Happyend’ stood out as a true sleeper hit.

Fan Reactions: Why Korean Audiences Fell in Love with ‘Happyend’

Korean fans didn’t just watch ‘Happyend’—they embraced it. Naver and Tistory blogs overflowed with reviews praising the film’s emotional depth, relatable characters, and its hauntingly realistic depiction of a surveillance society. Many posts described how the film’s music, composed by Lia Ouyang Rusli, amplified the sense of unease and hope. Fans also shared stories of attending the Megabox COEX event, posting photos and recounting their excitement at meeting the cast in person. The phrase ‘Aishiteru’ trended on Korean social media, symbolizing the heartfelt bond between the Japanese creators and their Korean audience.

Behind the Scenes: Neo Sora’s Vision and the Festival Journey

Director Neo Sora, who has roots in both Japan and the US, brought a global perspective to ‘Happyend’. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and swept awards across Asia before making its way to Korean theaters. In interviews, Sora emphasized the importance of collective action and youth solidarity in the face of oppressive systems—a message that resonated strongly with Korean viewers. The director’s openness about his creative process and his willingness to engage with fans at events like the Megabox COEX talk further deepened the film’s impact.

Cultural Context: Why ‘Happyend’ Struck a Chord in Korea

The success of ‘Happyend’ in Korea can’t be separated from the broader context of Korean-Japanese cultural exchange. Despite historical tensions, Korean fans have long been enthusiastic supporters of Japanese pop culture, from anime to music to film. The film’s themes of surveillance, identity, and resistance echo contemporary issues in both countries, making it especially relevant for young audiences. The cast’s willingness to keep their promise and return to Korea was seen as a sign of respect and gratitude, further endearing them to their fans.

The Megabox COEX Event: A Night to Remember

The June 27th Megabox COEX event was more than just a movie screening—it was a celebration of international fandom. Fans lined up for hours to catch a glimpse of Kurihara Hayato and Hidaka Yukito, who greeted the audience with warmth and humility. Director Neo Sora shared behind-the-scenes stories and answered questions, while the cast reflected on their journey from Tokyo to Seoul. The event ended with a chorus of ‘Aishiteru!’ echoing through the theater, leaving everyone with a sense of shared joy and accomplishment.

Blog Buzz: How Online Communities Fueled ‘Happyend’s’ Popularity

If you browse Naver and Tistory, you’ll find hundreds of blog posts dissecting every aspect of ‘Happyend’. Bloggers shared personal reflections on the film’s message, compared it to other youth dramas, and debated its ending. Some posts analyzed the use of AI and surveillance in the story, while others focused on the chemistry between the lead actors. The online community played a crucial role in spreading the word, organizing group viewings, and encouraging others to support the film. This grassroots enthusiasm helped propel ‘Happyend’ to its box office milestone.

A Lasting Impact: What ‘Happyend’ Means for Korean-Japanese Fandom

‘Happyend’s’ journey in Korea is a reminder of the power of cinema to bridge cultures and create lasting connections. The film’s success has inspired new conversations about youth, technology, and resistance—not just in Korea and Japan, but across the global fan community. For many, the memory of the cast shouting ‘Aishiteru!’ at Megabox COEX will remain a symbol of hope, solidarity, and the magic that happens when art transcends borders.