Surge in Applications for 6,000 Won Movie Ticket Discount Crashes Cinema Websites, Apps

▲ Access to major cinema websites and apps is delayed or entirely blocked on July 25, 2025, as applications opened for 6,000 wonmovie ticket discount vouchers distributed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council. A total of 4.5 million discount vouchers began distribution at 10 a.m. that day, drawing a massive influx of users. The photo shows a cinema app displaying a virtual waiting screen. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- A rush of applicants seeking the 6,000 won movie ticket discount offered by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council led to widespread disruptions across major cinema websites and apps on Friday.

Starting in the morning, access to the official websites of leading multiplex chains including CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox, and CineCube was either significantly delayed or entirely blocked due to overwhelming traffic.

Some websites displayed notices indicating more than 100,000 users in virtual waiting rooms, with estimated wait times exceeding 14 hours.

Mobile apps experienced similar issues. Users attempting to log in were met with error messages such as "Service is currently unavailable due to a system error," rendering normal usage nearly impossible.

▲ The CGV official website and app screen are overwhelmed with users waiting to apply for the KRW 6,000 movie ticket discount voucher, causing service disruptions. (Yonhap)

The surge came after the ministry and the film council announced the release of 4.5 million 6,000 won discount vouchers for movie tickets, available from 10 a.m. Friday.

The vouchers can be claimed through the websites and mobile apps of multiplex cinemas and are valid without weekday restrictions until September 2.

They can also be used in conjunction with other promotions, such as the "Culture Day" discount on the last Wednesday of each month, when ticket prices drop to KRW won. With both discounts applied, moviegoers could enjoy a film for just 1,000 won.