10 Lesser Known Korean Movies You Must Watch
MOVIES
Global blockbusters like "Parasite" and "Train to Busan" are typically the first things that most people think of when they think of Korean cinema. However, there is a wealth of hidden treasures beneath the surface that are just waiting for serious moviegoers to find them. These lesser-known Korean films provide an intriguing look into the rich culture, varied genres, and distinctive storytelling of the nation. Get ready for an immersive cinematic experience that will leave you enthralled and wanting more, featuring everything from heartbreaking dramas to spine-tingling thrillers. These are ten Korean films that you should definitely see even if you haven't heard of them.
Here is a List of 10 Lesser-Known Korean Dramas you must Watch
10. Castaway on the Moon (2009)
In this unusual Film, Jung Jae-young plays Kim Seung-keun, a man who becomes stuck on a small, deserted island in the Han River following a botched suicide attempt. He meets Kim Jung-yeon (played by Jung Ryeo-won), a solitary woman who lives in an apartment with an island view and is obsessed to the online community Cyworld, as he gets used to his new existence. Their surprising bond combines comedy, drama, and romance in a way that is incredibly engaging as it examines issues of loneliness, human connection, and the resiliency of the human spirit.
09. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
In the endearing drama, Ryu Seung-ryong plays Yong-gu, a mentally challenged father who is unfairly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. He makes friends with his fellow inmates while inside, and they support him in a heartwarming and comical attempt to get back in touch with his small daughter, Ye-sung (Kal So-won). The film is a poignant tale of love, innocence, and the ties that last despite the most trying situations because it skillfully strikes a balance between comedy, drama, and passion.
08. The Man from Nowhere (2010)
In the gripping action thriller, Won Bin plays Tae-shik, a recluse pawnshop owner with a troubled background. Tae-shik must emerge from hiding and utilize his deadly abilities to save his sole companion, a young girl named So-mi (played by Kim Sae-ron), who has been abducted by a vicious drug and organ trafficking organization. The film is a compelling story of revenge and redemption because it blends intense action with emotional depth.
07. TAE GUK GI (2004)
In the compelling military drama, Jang Dong-gun portrays Jin-tae, while Won Bin plays Jin-seok, who both had terrible hardships during the Korean War. The hardships of battle and the sacrifices they must make for one another test their friendship as they are unwittingly thrown into the vicious conflict. Themes of survival, loyalty, and the terrible effects of war on brothers and family are all explored in this epic story. The film is a powerful, moving, and unforgettable experience.
06. LADY VENGENCE (2005)
Lee Geum-ja (played by Lee Young-ae) gets released from jail after serving 13 years for a crime she didn't commit in this compelling drama. Determined to exact revenge, she painstakingly prepares to eliminate the true offender. This film, which is the last in Park Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy, combines dramatic drama with eye-catching imagery and a chilling plot that examines themes of justice, atonement, and the darker sides of human nature.
05. THE VILLAINESS (2017)
In this heart-pounding action movie, Kim Ok-vin plays Sook-hee, a highly skilled assassin out for vengeance. A covert government organization offers her a second chance at life after she has been betrayed and taken prisoner. But Sook-hee has to face her foes and her own demons as her troubled past comes back to haunt her. Fans of intense thrillers should not miss this film because of its captivating story and amazing action scenes.
04. MIDNIGHT RUNNER (2017)
The exciting buddy action-comedy centers on two police cadets, Ki-joon (Park Seo-joon) and Hee-yeol (Kang Ha-neul), who decide to take matters into their own hands after witnessing a kidnapping. They discover a risky scheme involving human trafficking as they investigate the matter further. The movie is full of heart-pounding action, humor, and a powerful message, making it both enjoyable and powerful to see.
03. EXTREME JOB (2019)
A group of unlucky drug investigators go undercover in a chicken restaurant to bust a drug ring in this action-comedy Extreme Job (2019). But their homemade chicken recipe suddenly makes the restaurant famous, setting off a chain of hilarious and crazy events. This amusing movie is a must-see for fans of lighthearted thrillers since it combines humor, action, and a hint of culinary enjoyment.
02. THE GREAT BATTLE (2018)
This epic South Korean historical war film tells the story of the Siege of Ansi, where General Yang Man-chun (played by Jo In-sung) and his 5,000 soldiers courageously defend their fortress against an army of 500,000 invaders. The film showcases stunning battle sequences, strong performances, and an inspiring tale of valor, strategy, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
01. JOINT SECURITY AREA (2000)
Directed by Park Chan-wook, this film, which is set in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), centers on a shooting death that involves both North and South Korean soldiers. Unexpected facts and hidden agendas are revealed when an impartial investigation team digs deeper into the case, exposing a convoluted web of tragedy and deceit. The film, which stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, and Lee Young-ae, is an insightful examination of the precarious relationship between the two Koreas.
Here is a List of 10 Lesser-Known Korean Dramas you must Watch
10. Castaway on the Moon (2009)
In this unusual Film, Jung Jae-young plays Kim Seung-keun, a man who becomes stuck on a small, deserted island in the Han River following a botched suicide attempt. He meets Kim Jung-yeon (played by Jung Ryeo-won), a solitary woman who lives in an apartment with an island view and is obsessed to the online community Cyworld, as he gets used to his new existence. Their surprising bond combines comedy, drama, and romance in a way that is incredibly engaging as it examines issues of loneliness, human connection, and the resiliency of the human spirit.
09. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
In the endearing drama, Ryu Seung-ryong plays Yong-gu, a mentally challenged father who is unfairly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. He makes friends with his fellow inmates while inside, and they support him in a heartwarming and comical attempt to get back in touch with his small daughter, Ye-sung (Kal So-won). The film is a poignant tale of love, innocence, and the ties that last despite the most trying situations because it skillfully strikes a balance between comedy, drama, and passion.
08. The Man from Nowhere (2010)
In the gripping action thriller, Won Bin plays Tae-shik, a recluse pawnshop owner with a troubled background. Tae-shik must emerge from hiding and utilize his deadly abilities to save his sole companion, a young girl named So-mi (played by Kim Sae-ron), who has been abducted by a vicious drug and organ trafficking organization. The film is a compelling story of revenge and redemption because it blends intense action with emotional depth.
07. TAE GUK GI (2004)
In the compelling military drama, Jang Dong-gun portrays Jin-tae, while Won Bin plays Jin-seok, who both had terrible hardships during the Korean War. The hardships of battle and the sacrifices they must make for one another test their friendship as they are unwittingly thrown into the vicious conflict. Themes of survival, loyalty, and the terrible effects of war on brothers and family are all explored in this epic story. The film is a powerful, moving, and unforgettable experience.
06. LADY VENGENCE (2005)
Lee Geum-ja (played by Lee Young-ae) gets released from jail after serving 13 years for a crime she didn't commit in this compelling drama. Determined to exact revenge, she painstakingly prepares to eliminate the true offender. This film, which is the last in Park Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy, combines dramatic drama with eye-catching imagery and a chilling plot that examines themes of justice, atonement, and the darker sides of human nature.
05. THE VILLAINESS (2017)
In this heart-pounding action movie, Kim Ok-vin plays Sook-hee, a highly skilled assassin out for vengeance. A covert government organization offers her a second chance at life after she has been betrayed and taken prisoner. But Sook-hee has to face her foes and her own demons as her troubled past comes back to haunt her. Fans of intense thrillers should not miss this film because of its captivating story and amazing action scenes.
04. MIDNIGHT RUNNER (2017)
The exciting buddy action-comedy centers on two police cadets, Ki-joon (Park Seo-joon) and Hee-yeol (Kang Ha-neul), who decide to take matters into their own hands after witnessing a kidnapping. They discover a risky scheme involving human trafficking as they investigate the matter further. The movie is full of heart-pounding action, humor, and a powerful message, making it both enjoyable and powerful to see.
03. EXTREME JOB (2019)
A group of unlucky drug investigators go undercover in a chicken restaurant to bust a drug ring in this action-comedy Extreme Job (2019). But their homemade chicken recipe suddenly makes the restaurant famous, setting off a chain of hilarious and crazy events. This amusing movie is a must-see for fans of lighthearted thrillers since it combines humor, action, and a hint of culinary enjoyment.
02. THE GREAT BATTLE (2018)
This epic South Korean historical war film tells the story of the Siege of Ansi, where General Yang Man-chun (played by Jo In-sung) and his 5,000 soldiers courageously defend their fortress against an army of 500,000 invaders. The film showcases stunning battle sequences, strong performances, and an inspiring tale of valor, strategy, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
01. JOINT SECURITY AREA (2000)
Directed by Park Chan-wook, this film, which is set in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), centers on a shooting death that involves both North and South Korean soldiers. Unexpected facts and hidden agendas are revealed when an impartial investigation team digs deeper into the case, exposing a convoluted web of tragedy and deceit. The film, which stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Byung-hun, and Lee Young-ae, is an insightful examination of the precarious relationship between the two Koreas.
