▲ This still image of film "The Substance" is provided by film distributor Challan. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Feb. 7 (Yonhap) -- The film The Substance, starring Demi Moore, has surpassed 400,000 cumulative viewers, according to its distributor.

It marks the first time in 11 years that an R-rated foreign art film has reached this milestone in South Korea, following The Grand Budapest Hotel in 2014, Challan said on Thursday. 

Directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, The Substance follows the story of Elizabeth (played by Demi Moore), a washed-up actress in her 50s who injects a mysterious drug called “The Substance,” allowing her to inhabit the young and beautiful body of Sue (Margaret Qualley). The film is categorized as a body horror movie, graphically depicting physical transformation and mutilation.

Despite its bold premise and visually intense elements that might pose a barrier to entry, the film has steadily drawn audiences since its release in December 2023.

In mid-January, word-of-mouth buzz on online platforms helped propel the movie back up the box office rankings, climbing seven spots in a surprising resurgence. 

During the Lunar New Year holiday period (January 25–30), The Substance even surpassed family and children’s animated films to claim the No. 6 spot at the box office.

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