“Once you overcome the 1-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films,” the director of Parasite Bong Joon-ho had said while accepting the Golden Globe. And, it is true. Whether you are a seasoned K-content consumer or a newcomer eager to explore, once you overcome the language mental block, there’s a lot to explore in the South Korean entertainment industry. From heart-wrenching dramas to action-packed thrillers, this listicle is your passport to a diverse range of Korean movies on Netflix.
1. Forgotten (2017)
The story revolves around Jin-seok (Kang Ha-neul), who gets entangled in a baffling situation when his older brother Yoo-seok (Kim Mu-yeol), mysteriously disappears for 19 days. As Yoo-seok returns, Jin-seok notices unnerving changes in his brother’s behaviour, making him question the very essence of reality. He escapes home after learning that he is living among imposters pretending to be his family. During a police investigation, he learns that he is 41 years old and the year is 2017, contrary to his belief (him being 21 and the year being 1997). Jin-seok is shocked to find modern-day technology and struggles to adjust to the new life. The plot skillfully weaves elements of memory, trauma, and deception, creating an intense and thrilling narrative that will leave you on tenterhooks. This hidden gem is a must-watch for those seeking a mind-bending experience that keeps you guessing until the very end.
2. Kill Boksoon (2023)
Highly skilled contract killer Gil Bok-soon (Jeon Do-yeon) is famous for her 100% success rate and is nicknamed Kill Boksoon. Bok-son, a single mother, leads a dual life to keep her daughter away from her shady world of assassins. However, Bok-soon finds herself in a bloody game of survival when her contract comes up for renewal. She is assigned to a case which she is reluctant to complete. The hunter Bok-soon becomes the hunted when her tribe turns against her. Faced with a choice between life and death, Bok-soon embarks on a relentless and violent journey to protect herself and those she holds dear. The shift from her soft role in the romantic comedy K-drama Crash Course in Romance in the same year to the action-packed Bok-soon makes the movie more intriguing.
3. Dream (2023)
Starring Hallyu star Park Seo-joon and K-pop idol IU (Lee Ji-eun), this sports comedy finally graced the screens last year after a prolonged delay due to Covid. The plot follows Yoon Hong-dae (Seo-joon), a soccer player under disciplinary probation, tasked with coaching a team of homeless people for the Homeless World Cup. Aspiring director Lee So-min (IU) seizes the opportunity to document their journey. Initially at odds, Hong-dae and So-min find an unexpected connection as they spend more time on the field. Beyond the laughs, the movie unfolds as a heartwarming story of sportsmanship and enduring bonds.
4. Time to Hunt (2020)
Set in a dystopian near-future, this action thriller follows a group of friends who, in desperate circumstances, decide to carry out a heist at a gambling house. While the heist is successful, their plans take an unexpected turn when they attract the attention of an assassin known as Han (Park Hae-soo). He is hired by the owners of the gambling house as during the heist, the friends also took with them a computer hard disc, which contains their illegal dealings with criminals. The friends find themselves hunted, turning their lives into a tense game of survival, with each twist and turn amping up the suspense. This riveting heist thriller stands out for its intense plot, stylish cinematography, and stellar cast that includes Lee Je-hoon, Ahn Jae-hong, and Choi Woo-shik.
5. Okja (2017)
Though the majority of the movie is in English, the movie still is a South Korean product made in collaboration with a US production house and helmed and written by Parasite filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. The movie chronicles the life of a young South Korean girl, Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun), and her bond with a massive genetically engineered pig named Okja (voiced by Lee Jung-eun). The pig is part of a project led by the fictional Mirando Corporation, which wants to create a new, sustainable source of food. When Okja is taken away by the corporation, Mija embarks on a global journey to rescue her beloved friend. The movie skillfully balances heartwarming moments with sharp social commentary, creating a unique cinematic experience that resonates on multiple levels. The international cast includes Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, and Lily Collins along with South Korean actors like Choi Woo-shik, Lee Bong-ryun, and others.
6. Sweet & Sour (2021)
This Netflix original gained attention for its fresh take on relationships and exploration of the complexities of modern romance. Jang-hyuk (Jang Ki-yong) is in a long-term relationship with Da-eun (Chae Soo-bin). Their love is put to the test when Jang-hyuk takes a new job that requires a long commute, leading to the challenges of maintaining a relationship amidst the demands of work and distance. Their life is complicated when Jang-hyuk develops feelings for his work nemesis-turned-buddy, Han Bo-yeong (Krystal Jung). The twist in the end offers a different spin on traditional happy-ending romances (it’s not a sad ending, but just different).
7. High Society (2018)
Jang Tae-joon (Park Hae-il) and Oh Soo-yeon (Soo Ae), a husband-wife duo, are desperate to enter the society’s elite. Tae-joon, a professor at Seoul National University, becomes an overnight national sensation after he bravely rescues a man. He turns his newly-found fame by entering his name for the National Assembly. Supporting him is the equally greedy Soo-yeon who uses her position as the deputy director and curator of a famous art gallery. To climb up the hierarchy ladder at the gallery, Soo-yeon has a clandestine affair with a popular photographer. The tense and scintillating plot with twisted relationships keeps you entertained throughout.
