Top 20 Korean Movies: A Cinematic Treat in 2023
Korean cinema, a global phenomenon, has mesmerized audiences with its unique narratives. In 2023, the industry continues to thrive, offering diverse cinematic experiences. From thrilling dystopias to heartwarming rom-coms, here’s a peek at the top 20 Korean movies you can’t miss.
1. Jung_E: A Dystopian Thrill Ride
Yeon Sang-ho, known for Train to Busan and Hellbound, crafts “Jung_E,” a gripping dystopian thriller set in a desolate 22nd-century Earth. Humanity’s survival hinges on cloning legendary mercenary JUNG_E into an immortal robot. Watch on Netflix.
2. Unlocked: Tech Nightmare Unleashed
“Unlocked,” a thrilling adaptation, takes you through a tech-obsessed woman’s worst nightmare. Na-mi’s life spirals when her smartphone, equipped with spyware, falls into the wrong hands. Experience the tension on Netflix.
3. Kill Bok-soon: Unraveling a Double Life
Jeon Do-yeon stars in this action-packed thriller as Bok-soon, a mother and legendary professional killer. Caught between raising a daughter and a deadly assignment, Bok-soon faces a kill-or-be-killed confrontation. Catch the action on Netflix.
4. The Point Men: High-Stakes Rescue
Hyun Bin leads in this action flick based on true events. “The Point Men” follows the race to rescue Korean tourists taken hostage in Afghanistan. Witness the drama on Viki.
5. The Devil’s Deal: Politics and Gangs Clash
Set in 1992 Busan, “The Devil’s Deal” explores the collision between politicians and gangsters. Cho Jin-woong navigates a treacherous political landscape in a tainted election. Available on Viki.
6. Return to Seoul: Discovering Roots
“Return to Seoul” is a dramatic journey as Freddie returns to South Korea, seeking her biological parents. An impulsive trip turns into an unexpected quest. Don’t miss this acclaimed film in theaters soon.
7. Soulmate: Friendship and Love Unveiled
Follow Mi-so and Ha-eun’s journey, two seemingly opposite friends navigating 14 years of meeting, parting, friendship, and love. “Soulmate,” adapted from a Chinese film, explores relationship complexities. Catch it on Prime Video.
8. Past Lives: Reuniting Childhood Friends
Korean-Canadian playwright Celine Song’s debut, “Past Lives,” reunites childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung in New York City. Explore their paths on Prime Video.
9. The Roundup: No Way Out
In the third Crime City series installment, “The Roundup: No Way Out,” “beast cop” Ma Seok-do faces Joo Seong-cheol, a conglomerate heir collaborating with a Japanese mob boss. Premiering June 2 in theaters.
10. Dream: Sports Comedy with Heart
“Dream” centers on inexperienced players led by Park Seo-joon vying for success in the Homeless World Cup. Explore leadership, teamwork, and their journey on Netflix.
11. Road to Boston: Marathon of Hope
This emotional sports biopic recounts Korean athletes’ 1947 Boston Marathon journey. Liberated from Japanese colonial rule, they aim for international acclaim. Premiering September 29 in theaters.
12. Ballerina: Revenge in Motion
Reuniting stars Jeon Jong-seo and Kim Ji-hoon, “Ballerina” is a revenge-based action thriller. Ok-ju seeks vengeance for her ballerina friend in this gripping tale on Netflix.
13. Yellow Door: ’90s Lo-Fi Film Club
Explore Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho’s early career in the documentary “Yellow Door.” Director Lee Hyuk-rae quests for Bong’s unreleased film on Netflix.
14. Believer 2: Crime Action Sequel
The sequel brings back Jo Jin-woong and Cha Seung-won in a crime action extravaganza. Join police detective Won-ho and Brian in their pursuit on November 17 on Netflix.
15. Concrete Utopia: Disaster Unfolds
Starring Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-joon, and Park Bo-young, “Concrete Utopia” is an intense disaster film submitted for the Academy Awards. Survivors collaborate, revealing humanity’s true strength on December 15 in theaters.
16. The Match: Battle of Go Masters
Based on a true story, “The Match” portrays the rivalry between Cho Hun-Hyun and his protégé Lee Chang-ho. Explore their careers in this biopic premiering soon on Netflix.
17. Ditto: Love Across Time
A sweet college rom-com with a sci-fi twist, “Ditto” tells love stories across different timelines. Characters share romantic journeys during a lunar eclipse. Premiering soon on Viki.
18. Love Reset: Amnesia and Second Chances
Starring Kang Ha-neul and Jung So-min, “Love Reset” is a rom-com where a young couple, on the brink of divorce, loses their memories. Rediscover love with complications premiering soon on Viki.
19. Phantom: Espionage in Historical Korea
“Phantom” stars Park So-dam and Park Hae-soo in a historical spy thriller during Japanese colonization. Trapped suspects must escape while suspecting each other. Premiering soon in the U.S.
20. Smugglers: Crime and Comedy in the ’70s
Set in the ’70s, “Smugglers” revolves around female oyster divers in a black-market smuggling scheme. Chun-ja collaborates with a crime kingpin to navigate smuggling. Premiering soon.
In 2023, Korean cinema promises a diverse range of stories, genres, and emotions. Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, romance, or comedy, these films offer a cinematic journey worth experiencing. Grab your popcorn and get ready for a year filled with Korean movie magic!
