‘Pretty Crazy’ Might Be the Strangest Korean Rom-Com of 2025

There’s nothing normal about Pretty Crazy. That’s the point. This Korean movie throws a ghost, a demon, a bakery, and an unemployed guy into one story. Somehow, it works. It’s weird, it’s loud, and it’s pretty hard to look away.

Im Yoon-ah plays Seon-ji. Yoon-ah, who is one of the recognized Girls Generation girl group members as well as a successful actress who appeared in Big Mouth, The K2 & King The Land. She seems like a regular woman. She runs a bakery and lives alone. But there’s a catch. Every night, she turns into a demon.

Not just a creepy version of herself. A full, wild, loud demon. She doesn’t remember what happened at dawn, and she definitely doesn’t know who’s cleaning up the mess.

Pretty Crazy firmly plants itself in the increasingly popular ‘absurdist K-romcom’ niche (think Oh My Ghost meets The Uncanny Counter, but quirkier). Its true USP isn’t just the demon premise, but how it weaponizes genuine discomfort for laughs and unexpected tenderness. It challenges the typical rom-com structure by making the central obstacle literal internal chaos

That’s where Gil-goo comes in. He’s played by Ahn Bo-hyun. Ahn Bo-hyun, who previously worked in Itaewon Class, Yuri’s Cells & Flex x Cop K-Dramas. He’s broke & also jobless. Gil-Goo stumbles into a strange part-time job one night: watch Seon-ji. Protect her. And survive. Yes, really.

The story kicks off when he agrees to the gig. While the setup is hilariously bizarre, the core dynamic explores profound themes. Gil-goo represents unwavering, almost illogical acceptance. Seon-ji embodies hidden vulnerability masked by daytime normalcy (and nighttime monstrosity). Their relationship becomes a metaphor for loving someone’s whole, messy self–even the parts they can’t control or remember.

Absurdist K-Romcom Gets a Dark Twist: Meet Seon-ji and Gil-goo

His only job is to sit in the room, make sure the demon doesn’t go outside, and give it water when it’s thirsty. Sounds simple. But this isn’t a chill roommate. This is a creature that growls, talks in weird voices, and might scratch his face off.

Still, Gil-goo stays. He’s not the smartest guy. But he’s sweet. Loyal. The kind of person who’d hold two straws just to make it easier for a demon to drink. It’s dumb. But it’s also kind of sweet. This is not a traditional love story. The romance is slow. Awkward. Most of it happens in loud chaos. But something grows. Seon-ji doesn’t know what she becomes at night. Gil-goo hides the truth to protect her. That’s the tension. That’s the hook.

The actors play it well. Im Yoon-ah isn’t just pretty or charming here. She’s loud, messy, and scary. Then soft, warm, and sweet again by morning. Ahn Bo-hyun’s character might seem like a joke at first. But he brings heart. He’s not strong or brave. He’s just present. That’s what makes it interesting.

What Makes This Movie Work?

The first thing that stands out is the tone. Pretty Crazy mixes comedy with horror. But it’s not full horror. And it’s not a full romance either. It’s strange. But not in a fake or forced way.

Director Lee Sang-geun knows this world is absurd. He doesn’t try to make it believable. Instead, he leans into the chaos. Gil-goo’s job is never explained fully. Seon-ji’s demon problem? Also not explained. The film just throws you in. It trusts you to follow.

And maybe that’s what makes it feel different. This is not a polished love story with perfect timing. It’s messy. The stakes are weird. The rules are unclear. But the feelings? Those land hard. There’s also something refreshing about how low-stakes the plot is. No world-ending danger. No big villain. It’s about one man, one woman, and one very cursed part-time job.

Not Your Average Rom-Com: Horror, Humor, and Heart Collide

Another fun part is the “size chemistry”. Gil-goo is tall and large. Seon-ji is small and sharp. Their scenes together have a visual mismatch that works. It’s silly. But it adds flavor. Even standing next to each other feels like a punchline.

What also helps is the way the cast interacts off-screen. This film arrives amidst a wave of high-concept, lower-budget K-romcoms finding success on streaming platforms (Midnight Runners, Twenty-Five Twenty-One showed the appetite for unique blends). Pretty Crazy specifically targets viewers fatigued by formulaic tropes, offering a refreshingly chaotic alternative. Its success hinges on embracing its niche rather than chasing mass appeal.

Content Note: While more comedic than horrific, expect significant loud chaos, physical comedy bordering on slapstick violence, and the inherent tension of the demon premise. Not recommended for viewers seeking pure horror or serene romance. According to interviews, the two leads got along well while filming. That comfort shows. Even when they’re arguing or screaming, there’s an ease between them. It doesn’t feel stiff or fake.

The Verdict: Embracing the Chaotic Charm Is Pretty Crazy, universally appealing?

Absolutely not. Its deliberate lack of explanation and commitment to tonal whiplash will frustrate some. However, its genius lies precisely in this commitment. By refusing to sanitize the chaos or over-explain the lore, it creates a uniquely immersive, unpredictable experience.

The central romance works because it grows amidst the absurdity, feeling earned precisely due to the shared trauma of Gil-goo’s nightly ordeal and Seon-ji’s inherent vulnerability. Director Lee Sang-geun’s bold choice to prioritize raw character moments and comedic tension over world-building rules pays off for viewers willing to surrender to the ride.

You’ll laugh. You’ll cringe. And you’ll probably never look at part-time jobs the same again.

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