‘Once’ Became a $28.8 Million Hit… Returns to Theaters Exclusively Nov. 18 in Tribute to Glen Hansard

The healing power of music rings out on the big screen once again

'Once', the film that broke new ground in musical cinema, returns to theaters through CGV on Nov. 18. Distributors 'Wide Release' and 'J&C Media Group' announced the re-release on the 21st, promising a deeply moving experience for moviegoers this fall.

'Once' quietly tells the story of a man who has lost hope in love and a woman who has given up her dream of becoming a singer. They meet by chance on the unfamiliar streets of Dublin, Ireland, at night and connect through music. Their journey, as they use music to comfort one another through their wounds and move toward a new beginning, resonated deeply with audiences around the world.

The film is a standout work showcasing the assured direction of John Carney, who established himself as a master of music films with the back-to-back successes of 'Begin Again' (2014) and 'Sing Street' (2016). Its sweet acoustic melodies and realistic, emotionally rich romance are in perfect harmony. At the time of its release, the film earned more than $20 million (about 28.8 billion won) worldwide, a remarkable box-office result. When it opened in South Korea in 2007, it also sparked a sensation, drawing more than 200,000 moviegoers—a rare feat for an independent art-house film.

The film's main theme, 'Falling Slowly,' has been counted among the all-time favorite songs of countless listeners ever since its release. The song left a lasting mark on film music history when it won Best Original Song at the 80th Academy Awards in 2008.

Meanwhile, fact-checking has confirmed that rumors circulating recently in some quarters that lead actor Glen Hansard died in a traffic accident are false. After the film's success, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová formed the project group The Swell Season and continued to perform actively. Their musical partnership remains strong, with the duo recently wrapping up a successful North American tour. The re-release offers a rare chance to experience their heartfelt music once again through the rich sound of a movie theater.