Murder mysteries, thrillers, dramas, and romance—it’s shaping up to be a good year for fans of Korean cinema. Here are the Korean movies coming out in 2023 that you need put on your must-watch list.
The Hallyu wave swept the globe sometime in the 1900s. Today, it has found a permanent spot in the television habits of several generations – young and old. This has paved the way for the most unique storylines. And while dramas get the most time in the spotlight, films have also made quite the name for themselves. Take for instance, the critically-acclaimed, wildly popular tale of class differences, Parasite – which went on to bag a dizzyingly large set of awards. Or the action horror Train To Busan, which continues to be one hailed as one of the most unique treatments of the zombie genre.
Last year, titles like 20th Century Girl and Decision To Leave dominated the headlines for their memorable viewing experience. For 2023, the selection is equally eclectic and exciting – albeit dominated by thrillers – ensuring there’s something in store for most everyone. Get your planners out, you’re going to want to pencil in these all-new Korean movies that are set to release sometime in 2023.
Korean movies releasing in 2023 that are on our radar
JUNG_E
Directed by: Sang-ho Yeon
Cast: Kim Hyun-joo, Uhm Ji-won, Ryu Kyung-Soo, Park So-yi, Kang Soo-yeon
Release date: January 20, 2023
Synopsis: In the 22nd Century (year 2194 to be precise) the planet is uninhabitable and humanity survives within man-made shelters. The culprit? Climate change. However, with things constantly in flux, a war ensues within the shelters. And victory depends on discovering a way of cloning the elite leader of the allied forces – Jung Yi (played by Kim Hyun-joo) – into a robot.
Image: CourtesyNetflix
Ballerina
Directed by: Lee Chung-hyeon
Cast: Jeon Jong Seo, Kim Ji Hoon, Park Yoo-Rim
Release date: 2023
Synopsis: Ok-Ju (played by Jung Jong-seo) is quite athletic, having mastered martial arts, sword fighting, and even gunmanship. She’s even worked as a bodyguard. Her friend Min-Hee (played by Park Yoo-rim), meanwhile, is a ballerina. When the former is asked for a favour by the latter, she risks her life and exacts revenge in the most ruthless manner.
Image: Courtesy Netflix
Unlocked
Directed by: Kim Tae Joon
Cast: Yim Si-wan, Chun Woo Hee, Kim Hee Won, Kim Ye Won, Park Ho San, Jeon Jin Oh
Release date: February 17, 2023
Synopsis: Na Mi (played by Chun Won Hee) is employed at a startup company and leads an ordinary life. That is until she loses her smartphone to a criminal named Joon Young (played by Yim Si-wan) who threatens people using information stored in their devices. Also in the picture? Detective Ji-man (played by Kim Hee Won) who – in the midst of a murder investigation – finds clues that point to his son Joon Young being the perpetrator.
Image: Courtesy Netflix
Believer 2
Directed by: Baek Jong-Yeol
Cast: Cho Jin-Woong, Cha Seung-Won, Han Hyo-Joo, Oh Seung-Hoon, Kim Dong-Young, Lee Joo-Young
Release date: 2023
Synopsis: In the search for a missing person – named Rak (played by Oh Seung Hoon) – detective Won Ho (Cho Jin Woong) chases after a teacher who happens to be the leader of an infamous drug cartel. The sequel also sees the introduction of new characters, especially Big Sword, who has insights into the said criminal organisation. Expect high-speed chases and an exciting battle at Yongsan Station, Seoul.
Image: Courtesy Netflix (Believer)
The Roundup: No Way Out
Directed by: Lee Sang-yong
Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Lee Joon Hyuk, Aoki Munetaka, Park Ji Hwan, Lee Bum Soo, Kim Min Jae
Release date: 2023
Synopsis: Detective Ma Seok Do (played by Ma Dong Seok) switches from Geumcheon Police Station to the Metropolitan Investigation Team. The mission? To nab Japanese gangsters who have terrorised tourists in Korea for several years. However, along the way he unravels murky murder cases. The third instalment to the popular movie series – this one promises to be exciting.
Image: Courtesy BA Entertainment
Kill Bok-Soon
Directed by: Byun Sung-hyun
Cast: Jeon Do-yeon, Sol Kyung-gu, Esom, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Si-a, Lee Yeon
Release date: June 2, 2023
Synopsis: A single mother who also happens to be a lethal contract killer with a 100 percent success rate – Kill Bok Soon (played by Jeon Do-yeon) works for M.K Entertainment. She’s been trained by Cha Min-kyu (played by So Kyung-gu) – a dangerous person with the power to take everything away from her. She struggles to achieve a work-life balance and just as she’s about to renew her contract, she finds herself in the midst of a situation that will require her to kill or be killed.
Image: Courtesy Netflix
The Match
Directed by: Kim Hyung-Joo
Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Yoo Ah-in, Yoo Ah-in, Kim Kang-hoon, Ko Chang-seok
Release date: July 7, 2023
Synopsis: Cho Hun-Hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun) is a Go (an abstract strategy board game) champion. He discovers a gifted, albeit untrained young man called Lee Chang-ho (Yoo Ah-in), in an amateur contest and resolves to help guide him to the professional leagues. However, when the protege turns his back on him, conflicts emerge.
Image: Courtesy Netflix
The Point Men
Directed by: Im Soon Rye
Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Hyun Bin, Kang Ki-young
Release date: January 18, 2023
Synopsis: An extremist terrorist group takes Korean tourists hostage in the Middle East. The Korean government sends in Jae Ho (played by Hwang Jung-min) – a skilled diplomat, who asks for cooperation and uses every means possible to free them from captivity. However, these efforts fail, forcing him to work with special agent Dae Sik (Hyun Bin) – an expert on the Middle East. Together they navigate tricky deaths and race against time, forging a bond in the process. This Korean movie is based on a true story.
Image: Courtesy Megabox Plus M
Silence
Directed by: Tae-gon Kim
Cast: Lee Sun Kyun, Joo Ji Hoon, Kim Hee Won
Release date: 2023
Synopsis: This new Korean movie dropping in 2023 follows a group of people who are isolated on an airport bridge in the midst of a thick fog. To add to the difficulties, the said structure is about to collapse, with threats lurking at every corner.
Image: Courtesy CJ ENM
Phantom
Directed by: Lee Hae-young
Cast: Sol Kyung-gu, Lee Hanee, Park So-dam, Park Hae-soo, Seo Hyun-woo
Release date: January 18, 2023
Synopsis: This storyline takes viewers back to the early 1900s, during the Japanese colonisation of Korea. A failed attempt to assassinate the new resident general by an underground anti-Japanese organisation brings up five suspects. This includes Junji Murayama (played by Sol Kyung-gu) a former soldier and current police officer as well as Park Cha-Kyung (played by Lee Hanee) who works in the department that records cryptograms. They’re all brought to a hotel on a seaside cliff to discover which is the infamous “phantom,” a spy who’d eluded the authorities. Trapped and desperate to be freed, those under observation need to use their wits as well as skills of investigation to clear themselves of blame.
Image: Courtesy Far East Films
Gangnam Zombie
Directed by: Lee Soo-seong
Cast: Ji Il-joo, Park Ji-yeon, Cho Kyung-hun, Choi Seong-min, Lee Joo-jeong, Tak Teu-in
Release date: January 5, 2023
Synopsis: Hyun Suk (played by Ji Il-Joo) finds himself trapped in the office when zombies swarm Gangnam in Seoul. Also in the picture? Min Jung (Park Yi Jeon) – a righteous, brave woman who always speaks up against injustice. The two attempt to break out of the building while keeping themselves (and each other) alive.
Image: Courtesy Contents Panda
Which of these Korean movies releasing in 2023 do you most look forward to watching?
Feature and hero image: Courtesy Netflix
FAQs
What is the highest rating Korean movie? ›
- #8. The Handmaiden (2016) 96% #8. ...
- #7. Burning (2018) 95% #7. ...
- #6. Hotel by the River (2018) 95% #6. ...
- #5. Mother (2009) 96% #5. ...
- #4. The Wailing (2016) 99% #4. ...
- #3. Parasite (2019) 99% #3. ...
- #2. The Age of Shadows (2016) 100% #2. ...
- #1. Poetry (2010) 100% #1.
- Oldboy (2003) R | 120 min | Action, Drama, Mystery. ...
- The Yellow Sea (2010) R | 136 min | Action, Crime, Drama. ...
- Lady Vengeance (2005) R | 115 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller. ...
- Sympathy for Mr. ...
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... ...
- Mother (2009) ...
- Memories of Murder (2003) ...
- The Wailing (2016)
Extreme Job (2019) One of the top Korean comedy movies with perfect comic timing by lead actors and a heart-warming twist in the tale, this action flick doesn't disappoint.
Does Korea make good movies? ›They arguably produce the highest quality films in the world. What makes their films so unique is their originality, complexity and ability to span a multitude of genres.
What is the number 1 in Korean? ›Korean Numbers: Native
From 1 – 10, it's: 1: 하나 (hana, but is usually shortened to 한 or han) 2: 둘 (dul) 3: 셋 (set)
Probably the most popular Korean drama on Netflix to date is a love story between a North Korean soldier and an heiress from South Korea called Crash Landing on You.
Who is the most popular Korean movie actor? ›- Lee Min Ho. Lee Min Ho is also a highly well-known South Korean actor who has starred in T.V. ...
- Lee Jong Suk. Lee Jong Suk was born on September 14, 1989, in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. ...
- Kim Woo Bin. ...
- Kim Soo Hyun. ...
- Ji Chang Wook. ...
- Park Seo Joon. ...
- Lee Joon Gi. ...
- Song Joong Ki.
- Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam district. fara.nura. ...
- Apgujeong-dong in Gangnam district. chan._._.kim. ...
- Hannam-dong in Yongsan district. ...
- Seongbuk-dong in Seongbuk district. ...
- Banpo-dong in Seocho district.
Question: Who are the most popular K-drama actors? Answer: Among the most popular K-drama actors are Song Hye-kyo, Song Joong-ki and Lee Min-ho. Each of them are better known for their television appearances than big screen performances.
What is Korea's top 10 Netflix today? ›...
Top 10 By Country.
| # | TV in South Korea | Weeks in Top 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crash Course in Romance: Season 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Awaken: Season 1 | 2 |
| 3 | The Glory: Season 1 | 5 |
| 4 | Physical: 100: Season 1 | 1 |
What is the most famous Kdrama of all time? ›
- 1. “ What's Wrong With Secretary Kim” (2018) 447,693 ratings / ★9.7. ...
- 2. “ True Beauty” (2020~2021) ...
- 3. “ While You Were Sleeping” (2017) ...
- 4. “ W” (2016) ...
- 5. “ Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” (2017) ...
- 6. “ Doom at Your Service” (2021) ...
- 7. “ Heirs” (2013) ...
- 8. “ My ID is Gangnam Beauty” (2018)
- 1 /20. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022) ...
- 2 /20. Happiness (2021) ...
- 3 /20. Come and Hug Me (2018) ...
- 4 /20. Goblin/Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016-2017) ...
- 5 /20. When The Camellia Blooms (2019) ...
- 6 /20. Love in The Moonlight (2016) ...
- 7 /20. Business Proposal/ The Office Blind Date (2022) ...
- 8 /20. True Beauty (220-2021)
Hallyuwood, a compound word combining the word Hallyu (Korean Wave) with wood from Hollywood, is the informal term popularly used to describe the Korean-language entertainment and film industry in South Korea.
Which Korean drama won Oscar? ›At the 92nd Academy Awards, Parasite won all four awards (out of six nominations), becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture.
Why is 9 a lucky number in Korea? ›Apparently it's the number nine. It all started at the time of Korea's liberation from Japanese occupation, when there were eight shamans representing the eight provinces of Korea. Out of these, the strongest shaman was thought to be the one from Pyongan-do.
How do you say 10 in Korea? ›The same rule applies to (native) Korean numbers: 하나, 둘, 셋, 넷, 다섯, 여섯, 일곱, 여덟, 아홉, and 열. These are the Korean numbers 1 – 10, so what's 11? 열 is 10 and 하나 is one. When you add these together, you get 11, which is “열 하나” in Korean.
What is a lucky number in Korean? ›But did you know that there are also Lucky numbers in Korea? Similar to many Asian cultures, specific numbers are said to be associated with luck and prosperity. In Korea, numbers like 8, 9, and 3 are often considered lucky.
What is the top 5 Korean drama? ›Answer: 'Business Proposal,' 'Forecasting Love And Weather,' ' Ghost Doctor,' 'Twenty Five, TwentyOne,' 'Juvenile Justice,' 'Grid,' and 'All Of Us Are Dead' are some of the best K-dramas that you must watch in 2022. Question: Which are the best Korean TV shows to watch in 2022?
What are the most expensive Kdramas? ›Sunshine, Kingdom, Snowdrop, The King: Eternal Monarch, Sweet Home, Vagabond, Legend of the Blue Sea and Crash Landing On You are some of the most expensive Korean dramas of all time.
Who is the cutest actor in Korea? ›- GOT7's Jinyoung.
- Ahn Bo Hyun.
- Son Suk Ku.
- Ahn Hyo Seop.
- Nam Joo Hyuk.
- Kim Young Dae.
- Park Hyung Sik.
- Rowoon.
Who is the most paid actor in Korea? ›
Question: Who are the highest paid Korean actors? Answer: Kim Soo-hyun, Song Hye-kyo, Song Joong-ki, Lee Jung-jae, Hyun Bin, Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Young-ae, Go Hyun-jung, and Lee Min-ho are the highest-paid Korean actors in television. Question: Who are the most popular K-drama actors?
Who is the highest Korean paid actress? ›KUALA LUMPUR: Song Hye-Kyo is South Korea's highest paid actress, commanding 200 million won (RM689,902) per drama episode, while Kim Soo-Hyun is the highest paid actor with 300 million won (RM1,034,852) per episode.
Where do rich Koreans live? ›The most expensive area in Seoul, South Korea as of October 2022 was Gangnam-gu with an average apartment selling price of around 2.28 billion South Korean won. The Gangnam area, which includes Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Songpa-gu, is one of the richest neighborhoods in South Korea. What is Gangnam Style?
How much money do you need to live in Korea for a month? ›On a national level, a family of four can expect to spend an average of 2,300,000 KRW per month (2,000 USD) in living expenses (excluding rent). A single expat can expect to pay 652,000 KRW (560 USD) per month (excluding rent).
Can you meet celebrities in Seoul? ›SM Town SUM Cafe
Likewise, you may also get to spot Korean celebrities who are there to have a cuppa while waiting for their idol friends to meet them. Simply head to 20-8 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea to visit the SM TOWN SUM Cafe and spot Korean celebrities!
actorleeminho. Lee Min-ho is conceivably the most popular South Korean actor today. He is also a model and a singer. He is also considered one of the most handsome Asian celebrities, which has gathered him a massive local and international following.
What American shows are popular in Korea? ›Can I Watch Netflix in South Korea? If you are an American watching Netflix while living in South Korea, you won't see your American Netflix library. Instead, you'll see all Korean content. To unblock Netflix from another country, you'll have to connect to a VPN.
What is the top 10 best Korean drama? ›- Squid Game – 1 season (2021 – present) ...
- My Name – 1 season (2021) ...
- Mr. Sunshine – 1 season (2018) ...
- Crash Landing On You – 1 season (2019 – 2020) ...
- Our Blues – 1 season (2022) ...
- Signal – 1 season (2016) ...
- Kingdom – 2 seasons (2020 – present)
Answer: 'Business Proposal,' 'Forecasting Love And Weather,' ' Ghost Doctor,' 'Twenty Five, Twenty One,' 'Juvenile Justice,' 'Grid,' and 'All Of Us Are Dead' are some of the best K-dramas that you must watch in 2022.
What is the most watched Korean drama in Netflix? ›
Crash Landing On You
It is a must-watch in the K-drama world. It is one of the highest-rated and most-watched K-dramas on Netflix.
1. Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Our choice for the #1 top Korean drama of 2022 goes to Extraordinary Attorney Woo. We picked the show not only because it's entertaining, but also because it's sparked more societal reckoning than any other K-drama on this list.
Which is the cutest Korean drama? ›'Heirs' In a traditional yet beautiful rich-boy-poor-girl love story, Heirs follows Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho), who falls in love with his maid's (Kim Mi Kyung) daughter, Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye). When they first meet in America, he thinks she's just another random girl, but something about her enchants him.
Which Kdrama has the most kissing scene? ›- 8 Best K-drama Kisses Of All Time. ...
- What's Wrong With Secretary Kim. ...
- Her Private Life. ...
- Melting Me Softly. ...
- It's Okay To Not Be Okay. ...
- Suspicious Partner. ...
- Nevertheless. ...
- Introverted Boss.
My ID is Gangnam Beauty
Cha Eun Woo plays Do Kyeong Seok, a cold-looking scholar who develops a deep fondness for his troubled classmate, Kang Mi Rae, played by Im Soo Hyang. It is quite similar to True Beauty in the way it tackles the concepts of physical beauty and societal pressures women have to go through.
Disney has announced details on a wave of brand new South Korean Disney+ Original series, which will be coming out in 2022. The new series include Big Mouse”, “The Zone: Endure Live”, “Moving” and “Casino”.
What are Korean gangsters called? ›Kkangpae (Korean: 깡패) is a romanization of the Korean for a 'gangster', 'thug', 'punk' or 'hoodlum', usually referring to members of unorganized street gangs.
What is the 1 best movie in the world? ›- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Film. Science fiction. ...
- The Godfather (1972) Film. Thrillers. ...
- Citizen Kane (1941) Film. ...
- Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975) Film. ...
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Film. ...
- La Dolce Vita (1960) Film. ...
- Seven Samurai (1954) Film. ...
- In the Mood for Love (2000) Film.
What is Nollywood? With an annual output of nearly 2,500 films, Nigeria's Nollywood is the world's second-largest film industry, right behind India's Bollywood.
What movie has won 3 Oscars? ›Titanic received awards for: Best Picture, Best Director, Cinematography, Art Direction, Costume, Visual Effects, Sound, Sound Effects Editing, Film Editing, Original Dramatic Score, Original Song and losing out on Best Actress, Supporting Actress and Makeup.
Which movie won all 5 Oscars? ›
In the past 90 years, only three films, It Happened One Night (1934), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991) have won all five Oscars from the forty-three films that secured nominations in all five prestige Academy Award categories.
Which actor has won 3 Oscars? ›Six have won exactly three acting Academy Awards: Daniel Day-Lewis (three Best Actor awards), Frances McDormand (three Best Actress awards), Meryl Streep (two Best Actress awards and one Best Supporting Actress award), Jack Nicholson (two Best Actor awards and one Best Supporting Actor award), Ingrid Bergman (two Best ...
Is there a 100% rated movie? ›To date, Leave No Trace holds the site's record, with a rating of 100% and 251 positive reviews.
Is there a movie rating higher than R? ›MPAA has five rating categories
The new ratings system began with four categories: G (general audiences), M (mature audiences, changed in 1969 to PG, parental guidance suggested), R (restricted, no children under 17 allowed without parents or adult guardians), and X (no one under 17 admitted).
Bong Joon Ho directed South Korea's first film to be nominated for and win the award, Parasite (2019).
What movie has the most F words? ›- Alpha Dog (2006) - 367 f-words. ...
- Straight Outta Compton (2015) - 392 f-words. ...
- Casino (1995) - 422 f-words. ...
- Nil by Mouth (1997) - 428 f-words. ...
- Summer of Sam (1999) - 435 f-words. ...
- Uncut Gems (2019) - 560 f-words. ...
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - 569 f-words.
| Film | Year | No. of reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Bolero | 1984 | 23 |
| Jaws: The Revenge | 1987 | 41 |
| Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol | 1987 | 19 |
| Problem Child | 1990 | 30 |
The R-rating doesn't ban children under 17 from a movie, it restricts them to watching it with a parent or guardian (and includes a recommendation that parents and guardians learn more before allowing their child to see the movie).
What is worse rated M or R? ›Rated M: Suggested for mature audiences - Parental discretion advised. Rated R: Restricted – Persons under 16 not admitted, unless accompanied by parent or adult guardian.
Is Rated R worse than TV-MA? ›Although the TV-MA rating suggests a program is technically made for 17-year-olds (18 in some cases), programs with this rating can sometimes be more graphic and severe than what R-rated movies would typically allow, thanks to the existence of premium cable networks and certain online streaming services.
What are D rated movies? ›
- The Content Labels.
- D – suggestive dialogue (usually means talks about sex)
- L – coarse or crude language.
- S – sexual situations.
- V – violence.
- FV – fantasy violence (children's programming only)
1. Squid Game – 1 season (2021 – present) The show that launched Korean shows on Netflix into new living rooms worldwide, Squid Game is a brutal yet thrilling drama series with heart. It set records when it came out in 2021, reaching number one in Netflix's top 10 in 94 different countries, including the US and UK.
What is the most watched K dramas on Netflix? ›- Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
- Crash Landing on You.
- Itaewon Class.
- Business Proposal.
- Squid Game.
- All of Us Are Dead.
- It's Okay to Not Be Okay.
- The King: Eternal Monarch.