Top 10 Must-Watch Korean Political Movies

Lawless Lawyer is a 2018 South Korean crime and legal drama starring Lee Jun Ki and Seo Ye Ji. In this series, Lee Jun Ki plays Bong Sang Pil, a lawyer who will do anything to protect his clients, seeking revenge against powerful figures and fighting for justice for the oppressed. Driven by the tragic death of his mother, Bong Sang Pil uses both legal loopholes and physical force to challenge those in power. With a gripping storyline, powerful performances, and surprising twists, Lawless Lawyer is a must-watch for fans of legal dramas. It will keep viewers hooked from start to finish.

DETAILS:

Director: Kim Jin-min

Starring: Lee Jun Ki, Seo Ye Ji

Episodes: 16

Release Year: 2018

IMDB Rating: 7.6

1987: When the Day Comes is a highly acclaimed South Korean film that delves into one of the country's most painful historical periods.

The movie is based on the true events surrounding the shocking death of a 21-year-old student, Park Jong Chul, after a police interrogation. Initially, the authorities attempted to quickly cover up the incident by cremating his body in secret. However, the media soon caught wind of the story, and under intense pressure, the Minister of Police, Park Cheo Won (Kim Yun Seok), was forced to hold a press conference, claiming the student died of a heart attack due to fear. This unconvincing explanation sparked widespread outrage, leading a group of determined individuals to uncover the truth. Their efforts eventually fueled the nationwide democratic movement in June 1987, the climax of previous democratic uprisings.

DETAILS:

Director: Joon-Hwan Jang

Starring: Kim Yoon-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Hae-Jin Yoo

Runtime: 2h 09m

Release Year: 2017

IMDB Rating: 7.8

In Stranger, Hwang Shi Mok is an exemplary prosecutor with a heightened sensitivity to certain sounds. After undergoing brain surgery in his youth, he almost lost his ability to feel empathy. While investigating a mysterious murder, he crosses paths with Lieutenant Han Yeo Jin, who assists him in solving the case. As they begin to uncover the truth behind the killings, they also discover a hidden conspiracy involving powerful figures from the government prosecutor's office and a private corporation who are actively obstructing their efforts to reveal the truth.

The series Stranger has received widespread acclaim from both domestic and international audiences. It was named one of the Top 10 International TV Shows of 2017 by the New York Times and won numerous awards, including the prestigious Daesang for Best Drama at the 54th Baeksang Arts Awards.

New Trial is inspired by a true case that occurred in South Korea in 2000, which was featured in the famous documentary series ‘I Want to Know That’. A young man, Cho Hyun Woo, becomes wrongfully convicted after witnessing the death of a taxi driver late at night at an empty intersection. He spends ten years of his youth in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Although time passes, the weight of the wrongful conviction continues to burden him and his elderly mother. When a talented but financially struggling lawyer, Lee Joon Young, learns of his case, he decides to take it on, promising to give Hyun Woo a chance for a retrial to clear his name.

New Trial portrays the challenging and painful journey of uncovering the truth, showcasing the small, fragile lives of individuals up against the overwhelming power of the government and the law. Through this, the film reveals the profound and invaluable human connections that empathy can foster between people.

DETAILS:

Director: Tae-Yun Kim

Starring: Jung-Eun Lee, Ju-Seon Eo, Kang Ha-Neul

Runtime: 1h 59m

Release Year: 2017

IMDB Rating: 6.8

The K2 is a high-octane Korean action drama that follows the turbulent life of Kim Je Ha (played by Ji Chang Wook), a former special forces operative wrongfully accused of treason and murder. On the run, he crosses paths with Choi Yoo Jin (played by Song Yoon Ah), the wife of a presidential candidate. As Kim Je Ha is relentlessly pursued, he becomes the unexpected savior of Yoo Jin and is recruited as her bodyguard under the alias K2. Yoo Jin’s plan is to use her stepdaughter, Go Anna (played by Yoona), as a pawn to secure her husband's position as president. K2 is tasked with assassinating Go Anna.

As the trio becomes entangled in dangerous political schemes, the plot thickens with intense action and high-stakes drama. Ji Chang Wook excels in his role as the mysterious and skilled bodyguard, delivering breathtaking chase and fight scenes that elevate him to an A-list action star. Yoona's portrayal of Go Anna is equally compelling, capturing her fear as she is constantly threatened by her stepmother, who sees her as an obstacle to her ambitions. The chemistry between the two leads enhances the tension and drama. With a fast-paced storyline and thrilling twists, The K2 also gives a vivid portrayal of the cutthroat world of South Korean politics, rife with power struggles and backstabbing.

DETAILS:

Director: Kwang Jung-hwan

Starring: Ji Chang-Wook, Song Yun-ah, Im Yoon-ah

Episodes: 16

Release Year: 2016

IMDB Rating: 7.8

Veteran is a thrilling action-packed film that defied expectations at the summer box office. The film combines simple yet compelling storytelling with suspenseful chases and surprising humor, making it a standout hit in Korean cinema.

The plot revolves around the intense face-off between veteran cop Seo Do-Cheol (Hwang Jung Min) and the arrogant heir of the Sun-jin conglomerate, Cho Tae-Oh (Yoo Ah In). While Cho Tae-Oh believes he is untouchable due to his wealth and influence, Seo Do-Cheol is an unyielding force determined to bring the truth to light and deliver justice. The movie escalates into a relentless battle between two forces—one corrupt and powerful, the other a relentless pursuit of justice. The film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, transitioning from moments of heart-pounding action to emotional tension, making it an unforgettable experience.

DETAILS:

Director: Seung-wan Ryoo

Starring: Jung-min Hwang, Yoo Ah-in, Hae-Jin Yoo

Runtime: 2h 03m

Release Year: 2015

IMDB Rating: 7.0

The Attorney is a 2013 South Korean film centered around the life of a lawyer. This debut feature film by director and screenwriter Yang Woo-suk won the Best Film award at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the film follows Song Woo Seok, a tax and real estate lawyer. The story begins slowly, portraying Woo Seok's life as a lawyer dismissed by his peers, who later rises into the middle class through his hard work in finding business deals. Focused on providing for his family, Song is indifferent to the political turbulence of the era, including the student-led democratic movements challenging the dictatorship of President Chun Doo Hwan. Everything changes when the son of a respected friend, Park Jin-woo (played by Im Siwan), is unjustly imprisoned on charges of treason simply for participating in a book club. Accused of promoting communist ideology, Park's arrest symbolizes the oppressive anti-communist sentiment of the time, compelling Song to confront the injustices of the regime.

DETAILS:

Director: WooSuk Yang

Starring: Kang-ho Song, Kwang Soo Cha, Kwak Do-won

Runtime: 2h 07m

Release Year: 2013

IMDB Rating: 7.7

Vagabond aired on SBS TV on September 20, 2019. The action-packed series follows two characters who uncover dark national secrets. Suzy plays Go Hae Ri, a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent. After her father, Go Kang Chul, a Marine lieutenant, passes away, Hae Ri joins the NIS to support her family. Meanwhile, Lee Seung Gi portrays Cha Gun, a stuntman who inadvertently uncovers a conspiracy after an aviation accident, pulling him into a mysterious world involving the NIS.

Vagabond is a gripping action thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The intense action sequences will captivate you, and the mystery behind the plane crash won't be revealed until the very end. With its suspenseful plot, Vagabond is a must-watch for anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging experience.

DETAILS:

Director: Yoo In-sik

Starring: Lee Seung-gi, Bae Suzy, Jung-hee Moon

Episodes: 16

Release Year: 2019

IMDB Rating: 8.2

The Fiery Priest brings together three unlikely allies to solve a murder case linked to a high-ranking Catholic priest. The trio consists of Father Kim Hae-Il (played by Kim Nam-Gil), a sharp-tongued and outspoken priest; Koo Dae-Young (Kim Sung-Kyun), a timid and reserved detective; and Park Kyung-Sun (Lee Ha-Nee), an ambitious and intelligent prosecutor. What sets this drama apart is its unique storyline that mixes elements of spirituality with mystery, while balancing the intensity with comedic moments that provide laughter throughout. The writing is a standout, creatively blending humor with suspense without feeling overly heavy.

The Fiery Priest was a highly successful miniseries that premiered in 2019, topping the charts in South Korea according to Nielsen ratings. Its widespread success made it one of the most popular TV dramas of the year.

DETAILS:

Director: Myoungwoo Lee

Starring: Nam-gil Kim, Kim Seong-gyoon, Lee Hanee

Episodes: 40

Release Year: 2019

IMDB Rating: 8.2

Chief of Staff is a thrilling political drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, filled with mind-bending strategies and high-stakes power plays. The series revolves around Jang Tae Joon (Lee Jung Jae), a brilliant and ambitious senior advisor, and Kang Sun Young (Shin Min Ah), the first female politician to represent a major political party. Together, they navigate the treacherous undercurrents of South Korean politics, battling for power in a ruthless game of manipulation and strategy. This drama is highly anticipated, as it marks a rare return of both Lee Jung Jae and Shin Min Ah to television after years of absence.

Premiering on JTBC from June 14 to July 13, 2019, the first season of Chief of Staff captivated audiences with its fast-paced, high-intensity confrontations. The second season, airing from November 11 to December 10, 2019, further elevated the suspense, creating a gripping atmosphere where every twist and turn left viewers anxiously glued to the screen, afraid of missing any crucial detail.

DETAILS:

Director: Kwak Jung-hwan

Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Shin Min-a, Dong-jun Kim

Episodes: 20

Release Year: 2019

IMDB Rating: 7.9