AceShowbiz - Humint is emerging as a major success on Netflix, captivating audiences worldwide with its gripping espionage narrative. Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, the film delves into the tense dynamic between South Korea and North Korea through the eyes of rival agents clashing in Russia.

The movie features Zo In-sung and Park Jeong-min in lead roles, with Shin Se-kyung playing a crucial part in the unfolding conflict between their characters. It serves as the concluding chapter of Ryoo’s loosely connected trilogy centered on geopolitical intrigue. The director’s previous two films, The Berlin File (2013) and Escape from Mogadishu (2021), were both box-office hits, earning nearly $50 million and around $30 million respectively in South Korea.

Humint premiered on Netflix in late March 2026 following a theatrical release in South Korea, where it grossed approximately $16 million. The film quickly gained traction internationally, climbing to the top of Netflix’s global movie charts according to FlixPatrol. It notably displaced Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, starring Cillian Murphy, from the number one position.

The spy thriller also outperformed popular titles such as Alan Ritchson’s sci-fi action film War Machine and Kevin Costner’s crime drama Let Him Go on the streaming platform. While Humint does not yet have an official Rotten Tomatoes score, all available reviews are positive. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.6 out of 10, reflecting solid audience approval.

The storyline’s backdrop leverages the ongoing geopolitical tension between the Koreas, a subject that has long inspired genres ranging from romance to science fiction. However, espionage remains the genre that most effectively brings out the complexities of this fraught relationship, and Humint exemplifies this with intense storytelling and action.

Director Ryoo Seung-wan honed his craft working under legendary filmmaker Park Chan-wook and has since built a reputation for films that explore global political conflicts with thrilling narratives and strong performances. His trilogy, culminating with Humint, offers a multifaceted look at espionage and international intrigue from a Korean perspective.

The recent success of Humint is part of a broader surge in Korean content on streaming platforms, particularly Netflix. The platform has also hosted major Korean cultural events recently, including the comeback concert of global sensation BTS and a follow-up documentary, underscoring the growing global appetite for Korean entertainment.

For fans of spy thrillers and international drama, Humint is a must-watch film that combines geopolitical stakes with compelling character dynamics. Its rising popularity on Netflix charts signals strong global interest in Korean cinema’s unique contributions to the genre.

Viewers can watch Humint now exclusively on Netflix. Stay tuned to Collider for continued coverage and updates on Korean film and streaming hits.