Exit is a 2019 South Korean disaster comedy film directed by Lee Sang-geun. The film stars Jo Jung-suk as Yong-nam, a former rock climber, and Im Yoon-ah as Eui-ju, his old crush. The plot centers around Yong-nam, who, while trying to reconnect with Eui-ju during a family gathering, finds himself in the midst of a catastrophic event when a mysterious white gas begins to engulf Seoul. As chaos ensues, Yong-nam must rely on his climbing skills to navigate through the disaster and find a way to escape with Eui-ju.
Upon its release on July 31, 2019, Exit quickly became a box office sensation in South Korea. The film grossed over $69.5 million worldwide and attracted more than 9 million admissions within weeks of its premiere. It was particularly notable for its strong opening day performance, recording 409,026 admissions and becoming the fastest Korean film to reach 1 million admissions, achieving this milestone just two days after its release. Its commercial success made it the third highest-grossing domestic film in South Korea for that year.
Critically, Exit received generally positive reviews. It holds an approval rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its entertaining blend of humor and action. The film was recognized for its ability to balance comedic elements with thrilling sequences, although some reviewers noted that the storyline followed predictable tropes typical of disaster films. Despite these criticisms, audiences found it engaging and enjoyable.
Exit also garnered several accolades at various film festivals and award ceremonies. It received nominations for Best Picture and Best New Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and won the Most Popular Actress award for Im Yoon-ah at the Buil Film Awards. Additionally, it was recognized at international festivals such as the Far East Film Festival, where it won the White Mulberry Award for Best First Film.
Overall, Exit stands out as a unique entry in the disaster genre, combining thrilling action with comedic moments that resonate with audiences of all ages. Its successful blend of entertainment and drama has solidified its place in contemporary South Korean cinema.