Park Chan-wook’s ‘Can’t Help It’ Surpasses $10 Million in North America: A Must-See for Film Lovers!

Decision to Leave / Photo: Courtesy of CJ ENM, Moho Film

Park Chan-wook’s latest thriller “Decision to Leave” has become a box office sensation in North America, surpassing $10 million in ticket sales and setting a new record for the director’s highest-grossing film in the region.

The movie follows Hae-joon (Park Hae-il), a dedicated detective whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled in a case involving a mysterious widow, Seo-rae (Tang Wei). As Hae-joon delves deeper into the investigation, he finds himself caught between duty and desire, unraveling a web of intrigue and passion. After a limited release on December 25, 2025, “Decision to Leave” expanded to 695 theaters on January 16, quickly climbing to the 9th spot at the North American box office. By February 28, it had amassed over $10 million, easily outperforming Park’s previous North American hit, “Oldboy,” which grossed $2.4 million (approximately 3.2 billion KRW).

A spokesperson for CJ ENM’s international distribution team highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This success further demonstrates the global appeal of Korean cinema, especially considering the ongoing challenges faced by non-English language films in the North American market. We’ve seen the audience expand beyond cinephiles to include mainstream viewers, with positive word-of-mouth and social media buzz contributing to the film’s extended theatrical run.”

Critics continue to shower “Decision to Leave” with praise, as evidenced by its impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Film Threat hailed it as “a riveting experience from start to finish,” declaring that “Park Chan-wook has crafted yet another masterpiece.” The Associated Press commended Park’s “unwavering mastery” throughout the film. IGN Movies described it as “a darkly comic yet poignant thriller that solidifies another triumph in Park Chan-wook’s illustrious filmography, deftly weaving provocative imagery with timely themes.” Original Cin applauded the film’s “meticulous cinematography, compelling performances, and contrasting locations that create a world where reality and absurdity intersect,” adding that its “commentary on modern society remains razor-sharp throughout.”

With its star-studded cast, gripping narrative, stunning visuals, masterful direction, and touches of black humor, Park Chan-wook’s “Decision to Leave” has captivated audiences and critics worldwide, cementing its place as a must-see cinematic event.

[By Liz Parker, Varietyliz.parker@variety.com]
「Your go-to source for the hottest entertainment news ⓒ Variety」