With movies like Parasite, and Past Lives gaining global attention, it is time that more of the South Korean cinematic wonders grace our screens. 2023 showcased an array of compelling South Korean films, deserving of global acclaim. From intense dramas to action stories and dystopian tales, heartwarming romances, and poignant coming-of-age narratives, these movies offer a diverse cinematic experience. Embracing gripping plots and emotional depth, these Korean releases captivate audiences worldwide. As the year unfolds, make sure to include these cinematic gems in your watchlist, promising an enriching blend of storytelling styles that South Korean cinema continues to master.
From Past Lives to Concrete Utopia, 15 best Korean movies of 2023 for every film buff
1. COBWEB
Selected for the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Cobweb is one for cinema enthusiasts. There is no limit to one’s crafty imagination but sometimes the result isn’t always favourable. Starring Song Kang Ho and directed by Kim Jee Woon, Cobweb details the trials of director Kim Ki Yeol in the 1970s who aims to make a cinematic masterpiece. A classic movie within a movie, Cobweb will appease your artistic senses with its black comedy and period humour.
The director Yeon Sang Ho, who gave us Hellbound and Train To Busan, returned with a stunning offering with Jung_E. The movie takes the viewers to the 22nd century when the Earth is no longer habitable. Robots and cyborgs have taken over human functions. One of the elite human soldiers, Jung Yi’s brain is cloned into an AI machine named Jung_E, to bring back Jung Yi’s intelligence and help fight a civil war. The movie stars Kang Soo Yeon, Kim Sang Soo and Ryu Kyung Soo in the lead roles.
2023 has been a year for Park Seo Joon. Concrete Utopia finds the South Korean heartthrob in a new avatar. The film tells the story of citizens who try to save their lives after a horrendous earthquake hits the city. He stars as Min Seong, an assistant to Young Tak along with actress Park Bo Young who plays Myeong Hwa. In the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake, Hwang Gung Apartments stands alone in Seoul. Outsiders seek refuge from the bitter cold, overwhelming residents. Fearing for survival, the inhabitants implement drastic measures to protect their dwindling resources and secure the last standing building in the heart of the ruined city. Directed by Um Tae Hwa, the film also stars Lee Byung Hun, Kim Sun Young, and Park Ji Hu.
Past Lives is undoubtedly one of the most talked about American-Korean movies of 2023. It earned accolades across film festivals and rightfully so. Yoo Teo and Greta Lee received newfound fame after Past Lives. From director Celine Song, the movie tells the story of two individuals who reconnect after decades. Childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung reunite in New York after two decades apart. Separated by emigration from South Korea, they grapple with destiny, love, and life’s choices during a poignant week. In this heartrending modern romance, their connection is tested as they navigate the complexities of their shared past and present.
Following the success of Believer, the makers returned with a sequel Believer 2. The investigation of Rak and the drug business continues as the determined detective pursues the truth about Asia’s largest drug syndicate and its enigmatic leader, with a personal score to settle. Cho Jin Woong, Cha Seung Won, Han Hyo Joo, Oh Seung Hoon, Kim Dong Young, and Lee Joo Young headline a gripping crime thriller directed by Baik.
Movies with women assassin characters are hard to come by but an action movie starring a 50-year-old actress is a rare feat. altogether. The ones that do, are a complete treat to the eyes. Kill Boksoon, starring 2007 Cannes Best Actress winner Jeon Do Yeon, is that movie that you watch when you want to see a strong female lead with a plotline that does complete justice to the character. Directed by Byun Sung Hyun, the sleek action thriller revolves around a single mom who grapples with the challenge of being both a renowned hired killer and a devoted parent.
Women out to right the wrongs is always a delight to see in films. Revenge is a dish best served cold and Ok Ju in Ballerina knows how to do just that. The young woman sets out on a revenge journey after her ballerina best friend’s death. Armed with swordsmanship, guns, and self-defence skills, she pursues sweet revenge against a male antagonist. Determined to fulfil her friend’s final wish, she confronts the killer in a thrilling tale of justice, blending action, grief, and a powerful female protagonist. Like a smooth ballet dance, Ok Ju meets justice to those who wronged her best friend. Directed by Lee Chung Yeon, the action-packed thriller stars Jun Jong Seo, Kim Ji Hoon, and Park Yu Rim.
A proper political thriller through and through, The Devil’s Deal is a gripping tale of power, politics and expert manipulation in 90s South Korea. Hae Woong, an assembly candidate, gets ousted for challenging local bigwig Soon Tae. Facing loan sharks after defaulting on a campaign loan, he opts for a gritty solution to survive the turmoil. It stars Cho Jin Woong, Lee Sung Min and Kim Mu Yeol in pivotal roles and is directed by Lee Won Tae.
Soulmate is a coming-of-age story of two friends from their teenage to their adulthood. Directed by Young Keun Min, the movie is a remake of a 2016 Chinese movie of the same name. Starring Kim Da Mi, Jeon Seo Nee and Byeon Woo Seok, it is a story of two friends, aged 11, who embark on a journey of friendship and love that spans 14 years. Through shared joys and heartaches, their bond deepens. From childhood innocence to adult complexities, they navigate life together, discovering the beauty of growing up side by side, weaving a tale of enduring friendship and romance.
Officially selected for the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, Smugglers, starring Kim Hye Soo, tells the story of a few hanyeo, who are immersed in the world of smuggling after they find they can earn a good sum in a short amount of time. Set in 1970s Guncheon, Haenyeos Chun Ja and Jin Sook, with Jin Sook’s brother and Jangdori, collected seafood for a living. Factories near the beach threatened their livelihood. Forced into smuggling to survive, the once-peaceful village spiralled into chaos. Jin Sook’s family struggled as the smuggling business grew, shattering the tranquillity of their small seaside community. Directed by Ryoo Seung Wan, the film also stars Um Jung Ah and Jo In Sung in the period crime drama.
Selected for Cannes 2023 premiere, Song Joong Ki and Hong Xa Bin headline a gripping Korean crime thriller directed by debut filmmaker Kim Chang Hoon. The film promises intense action and suspense as it explores the gritty world of crime. Yeon Gyu (Hong Xa Bin) dreams of escaping his violent hometown for a peaceful life with his mother. When he seeks help, town thug Chi Geon (Song Joong Ki) offers assistance, pulling Yeon Gyu into his world. Struggling for escape, Yeon Gyu teeters on the edge. Can he break free from the town’s grip in the end? The duo deliver standout performances in this raw and compelling cinematic experience.
Road to Boston stars Im Si Wan in the lead role, who has been known for his diverse avatars in movies and dramas. Directed by Kang Je Gyu, the sports drama chalks the journey of a South Korean sports team in the 1947 Olympics, two years after Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule. A 24-year-old marathon runner Suh Yun Bok (Im SiWan) gears up for the 51st Boston Marathon. Guided by Head Coach Son Kee Jung (Ha Jung Woo), an Olympic gold medalist under Japanese colonial rule, they aim for victory. Son Kee Jung dreams of seeing Suh Yun Bok triumph with the Korean flag, countering his past under the Japanese flag in the 1936 Olympics. Overcoming numerous challenges, the team arrives in Boston just a week before the race, ready to make history and showcase Korean pride on the international stage.
Lexically, a ‘childe’ means someone of a noble birth. Kim Seon Ho stars as a comical yet ruthless hitman in The Childe. It follows a young man, born to a Korean father and a Filipino mother, aspiring to become a boxer. His journey takes him to the Philippines, where he seeks to find his estranged father. Along the way, he becomes entangled with dangerous individuals, leading to unexpected challenges and adventures. There is violence, there is noise and there is Kim’s stellar performance. Club these together and you are in for a delightful viewing experience. Directed by Park Hoon Jung, the movie also stars Kang Tae Ju, Kang Woo Kim and Go Ara.
If you think of South Korean buddy cop movies, you can’t forget Ma Dong Seok’s The Roundup franchise. The Roundup: No Way Out, also known as The Outlaws 3, brings back Ma Dong Seok (Don Lee) and his team. Detective Ma Suk-Do (Ma Dong-Seok) teams up with Detective Kim Man Jae (Kim Min Jae) in a new crime unit led by Jang Tae Soo (Lee Beom Soo). Together, they face off against Joo Sung Cheol (Lee Joon Hyuk), the influential heir of a chaebol family. The investigation takes a dangerous turn as the Japanese yakuza becomes entangled in the case. As the detectives navigate a complex web of crime, power, and corruption, they must unravel the secrets hidden within the shadows to bring justice to light. The stakes are high in this thrilling crime drama, where alliances are tested, and the truth remains elusive. Directed by Lee Sang Yong, the film went on to become South Korea’s highest-grossing film in the domestic box office for the year.
Kim Sung Su directed the film, featuring South Korea’s critically acclaimed stars Hwang Jung Min, Jung Woo Sung, Lee Sung Min, Park Hae Joon, and Kim Sung Kyun, the movie soared to become South Korea’s second-highest-grossing film in the domestic box office for the year. After President Park’s assassination, martial law grips the nation. Defense Security Commander Chun Doo Gwang stages a coup with a group of loyal officers. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin, staunchly against military interference in politics, resists Chun Doo-gwang’s rebellion. A fierce struggle ensues as Lee fights to prevent further political upheaval. The clash between these two military figures becomes a pivotal moment in the nation’s fate, with Lee standing firm on his belief in the separation of the military and politics.
Also Read: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo starrer Past Lives to premiere on Lionsgate Play in India on October 13
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