Ma Dong Seok’s “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” Disappoints at Box Office as Fans Slam Lackluster Effort and Execution

Ma Dong Seok’s latest film, Holy Night: Demon Hunters, hit theaters on April 30, 2025, aiming to thrill audiences during South Korea’s holiday season. The occult action movie promised a fresh take, with Ma starring as a demon hunter battling an evil cult. However, the film has stumbled at the box office, drawing sharp criticism from fans and critics. Early excitement has faded, and the movie’s future looks uncertain. Here’s a detailed look at its performance and the reasons behind its struggles.

The film follows a team called “Holy Night,” led by Ma’s character, Ba Woo, alongside Sharon (Seohyun) and Kim Kun (David Lee). They fight a devil-worshipping cult causing chaos in Seoul. Ma, who also produced and co-wrote the script, hoped to turn the story into a larger franchise, including webtoons and games. Filming wrapped in September 2021, but the movie sat unreleased for nearly four years. This delay raised questions about its quality even before its debut.

Box office numbers tell a grim story. According to the Korean Film Council, the film drew 85,679 viewers on May 5, 2025, during the peak holiday period, placing it fourth overall. Its total audience stands at 585,023, far below the 2 million needed to break even. On its opening day, it claimed the top spot with 121,321 admissions, earning US$680,433. But the “Ma Dong Seok effect” quickly wore off, with rankings dropping to second, then third, and finally fourth by May 1.

Viewer reactions have been brutal. Before release, the film scored a 98% “pre-egg” rating at CGV, reflecting high expectations. After screenings, its “golden egg” rating fell to 71%, signaling widespread disappointment. Fans voiced their frustrations online, criticizing the film’s lack of depth and effort.

“Is this a horror film or just a noisy mess for kids?”
“More like Unholy Night.”
“My husband fell asleep. I did too. Let’s just meet again in ‘Silent Night.’”
“Feels like I paid to watch a YouTube skit.”
“Even Ma Dong Seok needs a reboot — this is creative laziness at its peak.”
“Worst script, worst acting, worst directing.”
“It was painful to watch. Please don’t make a sequel.”

Advance ticket sales have also tanked. By May 6, 2025, the reservation rate was a mere 8.2%, ranking sixth among films. With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning set to release on May 17, theaters are likely to pull screens from Holy Night. Experts predict it won’t reach 1 million viewers, a major blow for a star like Ma.

Ma Dong Seok is a household name in South Korea, thanks to his The Outlaws series, which has drawn over 40 million viewers across four films. Each installment surpassed 10 million admissions, with The Roundup (2022) alone grossing over US$95 million. His role in Train to Busan (2016) and Hollywood’s Eternals (2021) boosted his global fame. Fans expected Holy Night to match this success, especially after his break following The Outlaws 4.

The film’s premise had potential. It marked Ma’s first venture into the occult genre, blending his signature action with supernatural elements. The story centers on Ba Woo, a powerhouse with superhuman strength, and Sharon, an exorcist played by Seohyun of Girls’ Generation. Jung Ji So, as the possessed Eun Seo, earned praise for her intense performance. A teaser released on January 6, 2025, featured a haunting “Silent Night” melody, building excitement. Yet, the final product fell short.

Critics point to a weak script and outdated humor. The story follows a familiar pattern: a villain appears, and Ma’s character defeats them with brute force. The CGI is described as low-quality, and most characters lack depth. Some scenes rely on Ma’s usual comedic style, but the puns feel forced and out of place in the serious tone. The film’s long delay also hurt its relevance, as newer occult hits like Exhuma (2024), which drew 10 million viewers, set a higher bar.

Despite heavy promotion, the film couldn’t sustain its early buzz. It opened on 933 screens, outpacing Hitman 2 on release day. Posts on X reflected initial hype, with users like @MoviePlusx sharing new posters and @niccha000 noting 100,000 pre-sale tickets. But post-release sentiment soured. One X post highlighted the film’s 120,000 opening-day viewers but warned of its steep drop-off.

The cast’s chemistry was a bright spot. Seohyun, in her first exorcist role, impressed with her intense scenes. Jung Ji So stood out in a gripping exorcism sequence, battling Sharon to expel a demon. Ma himself praised the sound design, which amplified his punches’ impact. Still, these highlights couldn’t save the film from its broader flaws.

Ma’s fans are disappointed but not surprised. After the massive success of The Outlaws series, some feel he’s relying on a tired formula. The predictable plot and lack of innovation in Holy Night suggest a dip in creativity. One review called it “creative laziness,” urging Ma to rethink his approach. His humor, a staple in past films, feels mismatched here, clashing with the occult theme.

The film’s failure has sparked wider concerns. South Korea’s theater attendance is declining, and even big names struggle to draw crowds. Ma himself expressed hope that Holy Night would at least break even, aware of the industry’s challenges. He advised fans to temper expectations, a rare moment of humility for the star. His passion for cinema remains clear, but this project missed the mark.

Ma is already moving on. He’s working on The Outlaws 5, set for release in 2026, and planning The Outlaws 8. He’s also writing scripts and exploring Hollywood projects, including Pig Village. Despite this setback, his track record keeps him a major player. However, fans want more than punches—they’re calling for fresh stories and deeper characters.

The film’s international prospects are unclear. Capelight Pictures will distribute it in the U.S., but no release date is set. Given its domestic struggles, overseas success seems unlikely. For now, Holy Night serves as a cautionary tale for Ma and other stars banking on name recognition alone.

Also Read: Ma Dong Seok, Seohyun, and David Lee Team Up to Battle Demons and Save Jung Zi So in Holy Night: Demon Hunters

Jung Ji So remains a standout, with critics noting her emotional depth. Her performance offers a glimmer of what the film could have been. As Ma plans his next moves, he may need to take cues from her effort to regain his audience’s trust. Holy Night: Demon Hunters had big ambitions but fell short, leaving fans hoping for a stronger comeback.

Credits: Lotte Entertainment

---