The Top Korean Films You Need To Check Out

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Korean culture has rapidly gained popularity in the West over the past decade thanks to its influence across multiple industries. So let’s have a look at why it has become so prominent, from beauty products, cuisine, K-Pop and cinema. 

Korean beauty products have taken the world beauty industry by torn due to their use of innovative ingredients, formulations and multi step approach to skincare routines. 

Skincare enthusiasts are drawn to the idea of healthy, glowing skin (the “glass skin” trend) and K-Beauty brands like innisfree, Laneige, and Etude offer products with natural ingredients such as snail mucin, green tea, ginseng and hyaluronic acid. 

By shifting the focus from the use of make-up to emphasising skincare, along with affordable prices and fun, colourful packaging, their products have become hugely popular. K-Beauty’s detailed multi step skincare routines have a holistic approach, mirroring the consumer’s need for self care, casting a sharp contrast to the usual ‘quick fix’ approach of times past. 

Korean food has captivated the Western palate with its bold flavours, vibrant dishes, and unique culinary traditions. Dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and Korean BBQ have become mainstream and widely available. Korean cuisine emphasises a balance of flavours—spicy, sour, salty, and sweet—which appeals to the most adventurous of food lovers. 

The rise of food shows, cooking videos, and social media platforms like YouTube have further popularised Korean food culture. Restaurants, food trucks, and even fast-casual chains have introduced fusion dishes like Korean fried chicken and kimchi tacos, merging Korean flavours with local favourites. The communal dining aspect of Korean cuisine, especially with BBQ, has also resonated as a fun, social eating experience.

K-pop has become a global cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of fans around the world. Groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, and TWICE have shattered international records and amassed massive followings, thanks to their catchy music, elaborate choreography, and highly polished performances. K-pop's sophisticated production, blending genres like pop, hip-hop, EDM, and ballads, appeals to diverse musical tastes. Social media has played a crucial role in the rise of K-pop, with idols actively engaging with fans (called "stans") on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

This accessibility to artists and the globalised fan community foster a deep connection, while K-pop's visually stunning music videos and high-fashion styling help make it even more captivating.

Korean cinema has gained immense recognition in the West, especially with films like "Parasite" making history by winning Best Picture at the Oscars in 2020. 

What sets Korean cinema apart is its fearless approach to storytelling. Korean filmmakers are known for blending genres—thrillers mixed with black comedy, horror with social commentary—giving their films a unique and unpredictable edge. 

Directors like Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook, and Kim Jee-woon have become internationally acclaimed for their ability to challenge societal norms, explore class struggles, and delve into dark, thought-provoking themes. 

The intricate plots, complex characters, and emotional depth found in films like "Oldboy," "Memories of Murder," and "The Handmaiden" have captivated Western audiences who appreciate fresh, innovative filmmaking.

With this in mind, I have compiled some of our favourite Korean movies that I think you might like.

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Review: A darkly comedic thriller that explores class disparity in South Korea, "Parasite" seamlessly blends genres, from family drama to horror, offering biting social commentary on wealth inequality. The film's sharp direction, gripping narrative, and stellar performances culminate in a shocking and unforgettable finale. It made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Director: Park Chan-wook

Review: This violent, intense revenge thriller is a masterclass in psychological storytelling. "Oldboy" follows a man mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years who seeks revenge upon release. Park Chan-wook's direction is stylish and brutal, with iconic action sequences like the one-take hallway fight. Its shocking twist solidified it as a cult classic globally.

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Review: Based on a true story, this crime drama follows two detectives as they attempt to solve a series of unsolved murders in a rural town. "Memories of Murder" is both an atmospheric thriller and a critique of police incompetence. Bong Joon-ho’s direction masterfully blends dark humour with suspense, creating a haunting portrayal of societal flaws.

Director: Yeon Sang-ho

Review: A zombie apocalypse film that stands out for its emotional depth, "Train to Busan" follows passengers trapped on a train during a viral outbreak. Packed with thrilling action and heartfelt moments, this film’s portrayal of human desperation and sacrifice makes it much more than just a typical zombie movie.

Director: Park Chan-wook

Review: A visually stunning and erotically charged psychological thriller, "The Handmaiden" is based on Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith but set in colonial Korea. The plot, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected twists, is divided into multiple perspectives, making it a rich and layered experience.

Director: Lee Chang-dong

Review: A slow-burning psychological drama, "Burning" explores themes of class tension, alienation, and obsession. With enigmatic characters and an ambiguous narrative, this film keeps viewers engaged with its unsettling mood and mystery. The standout performances, particularly by Yoo Ah-in and Steven Yeun, add to its haunting atmosphere.

Director: Kim Jee-Woon

Review: This revenge thriller is as brutal as it is captivating. When a secret agent's fiancée is murdered by a serial killer, he embarks on a relentless pursuit of vengeance. "I Saw the Devil" explores the moral consequences of revenge, with unflinching violence and dark psychological undertones.

Director: Kim Jee-Woon

Review: A psychological horror film with an intricate, mysterious narrative, "A Tale of Two Sisters" blends folklore and family trauma into a chilling ghost story. The film's eerie atmosphere, haunting visuals, and strong performances make it a standout in the horror genre, both in Korea and worldwide.

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Review: This gripping drama follows a mother who takes matters into her own hands to prove her son’s innocence when he's accused of murder. "Mother" blends suspense, drama, and dark humour while showcasing an extraordinary performance by Kim Hye-ja as the fiercely determined mother. It's a brilliant examination of maternal love and moral ambiguity.

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Review: A unique mix of creature features and family drama, "The Host" centres on a family's fight against a monstrous creature that emerges from the Han River. Beneath the thrilling action sequences and impressive special effects lies a sharp critique of government incompetence and environmental neglect, making it a memorable entry in the monster movie genre.

Director: Choi Dong-hoon

Review: "Tazza: The High Rollers" is a stylish, fast-paced crime drama centred around gambling in the world of hwatu (a traditional Korean card game). The film follows Goni, a man who loses his savings to con artists and decides to learn the art of professional gambling to seek revenge. The movie is filled with tense, high-stakes gambling scenes, sharp dialogue, and plot twists, along with stellar performances, particularly from Cho Seung-woo as Goni. It balances humour, suspense, and drama, making it an entertaining and engaging film about greed, deception, and risk in the underground gambling world.