Once We Were Us (2025)
A Korean romance about two young dreamers who fall in love in 2008 Seoul, lose each other to life, and reunite years later with a lifetime of questions.
Once We Were Us - Movie Information
- Original Title: 만약에 우리
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Kim Do-young
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: English, Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 31, 2025 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 먼 훗날 우리 (KR), 之后的我们 (CN)
- Production Companies: Covenant Pictures
- Production Countries: South Korea
Once We Were Us - Plot
Seoul, 2008. On a bus heading to their hometown, fate brings Eun-ho and Jeong-won together, sparking an unlikely friendship. While battling a bustling and weary city life, they find themselves sharing lofty dreams and a love that comes to feel extraordinary. But, eventually, the harsh realities of life lead them to part ways. Over a decade after the separation, the two unexpectedly reunite on a flight back to Korea, where they reflect on their lost time.
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Once We Were Us - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kim Do-young
Main Cast
- Koo Kyo-hwan
- Mun Ka-young
- Shin Jung-keun
- Lee Sang-yeob
- Kim Seo-won
- Lim Jae-hyeok
- Kim So-yul
- Kang Mal-geum
- Ji Su-yeon
- Lee Jae-in
Writers
- Yeum Moon-kyoung
- Kim Ha-na
Producers
- Justin Choi
- Lee Young-han
- Song Yong-un
Once We Were Us - FAQs
Is Once We Were Us based on a true story?
No, Once We Were Us is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional romance drama. However, it is a Korean remake of the 2018 Chinese film 'Us and Them,' which itself drew on themes of youth, ambition, and bittersweet love familiar to many viewers.
Where can you watch Once We Were Us?
Once We Were Us is available to stream on select platforms depending on your region. For the most up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and theatrical availability where you live, check JustWatch, which aggregates all current viewing options in one place.
Who are the lead actors in Once We Were Us?
The film stars Koo Kyo-hwan as Eun-ho and Mun Ka-young as Jeong-won, the two central characters whose romance spans over a decade. The supporting cast includes Lee Sang-yeob, Shin Jung-keun, Kim Seo-won, Lim Jae-hyeok, Kim So-yul, and Kang Mal-geum.
What is Once We Were Us about?
Set in Seoul in 2008, the film follows Eun-ho and Jeong-won, two young people who meet by chance on a bus ride home and fall in love while chasing their dreams in a demanding city. After life forces them apart, they unexpectedly cross paths again on a flight back to Korea more than a decade later.
Is Once We Were Us a remake of another film?
Yes. Once We Were Us is a Korean remake of the acclaimed 2018 Chinese romantic drama 'Us and Them,' directed by René Liu. The original film was a major box office success in China, and the Korean adaptation relocates the story while preserving its emotional core about young love and reunion.
When was Once We Were Us released?
Once We Were Us was released in South Korea on December 31, 2025, with a South Korean age rating of 15. An international release date of January 23, 2026 has also been noted for select markets.
How long is Once We Were Us?
Once We Were Us has a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes (115 minutes). The film uses this time to move between two distinct timelines — the couple's youth in 2008 Seoul and their unexpected reunion over a decade later.
Who directed Once We Were Us?
Once We Were Us was directed by Kim Do-young. The screenplay was written by Yeum Moon-kyoung and Kim Ha-na. The film was produced under Covenant Pictures, with producers Justin Choi, Lee Young-han, and Song Yong-un overseeing the production.
More About Once We Were Us
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