2025 Hot Independent Film 'The Final Semester' Surpasses 20,000 Audience Members!

The award-winning Korean film 〈The Final Semester〉 has surpassed 20,000 audience members, continuing its long run even three months after its release. 〈The Final Semester〉 is a bittersweet coming-of-age drama that warmly captures the beginnings of nineteen-year-old social newcomers who carry small hopes in an unstable future and workplace.

The film 〈The Final Semester〉, which premiered on September 3, has solidified its position as this year's independent film by surpassing a cumulative audience of 20,000. According to the Integrated Computer Network of Movie Tickets as of the 26th, 〈The Final Semester〉 recorded a cumulative audience of 20,000, maintaining its fiery momentum even three months after its release. This ongoing response has been significantly supported by the film's social newcomer support project, the 'Cheering Screening.' Writer Cho Seon-hee (founding editor of Cine21), the Dream Together Foundation, Seoul Law Firm 'Deoksu', the education offices of Seoul, Incheon, Ulsan, Gwangju, and Jeju, director Bujiyoung of 〈Cart〉, and director Yeon Sang-ho of 〈Face〉 have all contributed to adding meaning. On the 26th (Wednesday) at 1 PM, a group viewing was held for all students at Seoul Robotics High School.

The film 〈The Final Semester〉 began its journey at the 29th Busan International Film Festival and went on to win both Best Picture and Best Screenplay at the 45th Korean Film Critics Association Awards, recently achieving the Jury's Special Award at the 26th Busan Film Critics Association Awards, bringing its total to 13 awards. Additionally, it has been listed alongside 〈The Master of the World〉, 〈One Battle After Another〉, and 〈Conclave〉 in the '2025 Personal Film List' conducted annually by the Korean Film Archive, keeping it in the spotlight. Furthermore, the 'Cheering Banner Challenge' has seen banners supporting all social newcomers hung in various locations during the college entrance exam season, creating a buzz online. As the film 〈The Final Semester〉 continues its endless journey, anticipation builds for what steps it will take next.