Netflix has significantly enriched its catalogue with a variety of Korean dramas and movies, becoming a treasure trove for enthusiasts of the genre. Here is a list of must-watch Korean films currently streaming on Netflix.
Korean cinema has seen a surge in global popularity since the pandemic in 2020, with many fans around the world tuning into these captivating stories for the first time. Netflix has been at the forefront, offering a diverse array of Korean films, from romantic comedies to intense thrillers and science fiction dramas. Here’s a guide to some of the top Korean films on Netflix:
1. Badland Hunters (2024)
Directed by Heo Myung Haeng in his first feature film, "Badland Hunters" stars Ma Deong Seok and Lee Hee Joon. The plot revolves around Nam San, a survivor in a post-apocalyptic Seoul, as he battles deranged zombies and rescues a girl from a nefarious scientist.
2. Okja (2017)
This touching film by Academy Award winner Bong Joon Ho explores the profound bond between a genetically engineered 'super pig' and a young girl, Mija. The narrative is a poignant critique of the food industry and a celebration of compassion and friendship.
3. My Name is Loh Kiwan (2024)
In Kim Hee Jin's adaptation of "I Met Loh Kiwan," a North Korean defector struggles to forge a new life abroad following his mother’s death. Amidst harsh conditions, he finds companionship with a struggling former athlete, tackling life’s challenges together.
4. Unlocked (2023)
A chilling debut from director Kim Tae Joon, "Unlocked" features a tale of privacy invasion where a woman's life is turned upside down by a stalker who gains access to her lost smartphone. The film delves into the dangers of digital privacy breaches.
5. Jung_e
In this sci-fi thriller, cloning technology is used for warfare, centered on a researcher trying to utilize her mother’s brain clone in combat robots. It raises deep questions about identity and consciousness.
6. Love and Leashes (2022)
This film offers a fresh and respectful take on BDSM relationships. Directed by Park Hyun Jin, it explores the dynamics between co-workers who venture into a consensual BDSM relationship, leading to unexpected romantic developments.
7. Sweet & Sour (2021)
Based on Kurumi Inui's novel, this romantic dramedy navigates the complexities of modern relationships through the lives of a couple dealing with long-distance challenges and personal growth.
8. Lucid Dream (2017)
For fans of psychological thrillers, "Lucid Dream," directed by Kim Joon Sung, follows a journalist using lucid dreaming to track down his kidnapped son. This intriguing narrative blends dreams with reality in a suspenseful chase.
9. Kill Boksoon (2023)
Jeon Do Yeon stars as a skilled assassin, balancing her demanding job with her role as a single mother. The film combines action-packed sequences with personal drama, illustrating her struggle to protect her family from her own employer.
10. High Society (2018)
A critique of the elitist layers of Korean society, "High Society" portrays a couple’s ambitious attempt to infiltrate the upper echelons of social status, highlighting the sacrifices they make in pursuit of prestige.
This lineup offers a variety of genres and stories, showcasing the depth and creativity of Korean cinema on Netflix. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Korean films, these selections promise compelling viewing experiences.
