The 14 Best Korean Movies of All Time

While romantic K-dramas are becoming quite common, the recent wave of youth-centric films has added diversity and gained popularity, enriching the cinematic landscape. The Reply series introduced a fresh perspective on the lives of young people in the 80s and 90s. Upon its release, the series captured the audience's attention and affection as it delved into the complex relationships of five families living in a small neighborhood in 1988. Reply 1988 (the third installment in the "Reply" series) captivated viewers with its heartfelt moments, offering messages of friendship, love, and family.

Reply 1988 tells the story of the youth growing up in a poor neighborhood during the 1980s, capturing their coming-of-age journey. This period also witnessed significant student and youth-led democratic protests across South Korea. The series intertwines historical events with personal stories, focusing on human connections rather than political matters.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2015

Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy, Family, School

Director: Shin Won Ho

Stars: Go Kyung Pyo, Lee Hye Ri, Ryu Joon Yeol, Park Bo Gum, Lee Dong Hwi, Sung Dong Il

IMDb Rating: 9.1/10

Goblin is an extraordinary creation by talented writer Kim Eun Sook and director Lee Eung Bok, the duo behind the 2016 hit "Descendants of the Sun." The show captivated audiences even before its script was fully revealed and quickly garnered positive feedback. After the success of 2016, Kim Eun Sook returned with another remarkable story about Kim Shin, an immortal goblin, for the small screen.

This topic, unique and unexplored in Korean dramas, provided a perfect platform for Kim Eun Sook to showcase her creative brilliance. Moreover, the talented cast played a significant role in the show's success, making it the most beloved series of 2017. The triumph of Goblin also paved the way for stars such as Kim Go Eun, Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Ah, and others to break into the global entertainment market.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy

Director: Lee Eung Bok

Stars: Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, Gong Yoo, Yoo In Na, Yook Sung Jae, Lee El

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Descendants of the Sun became a sensational television hit in 2016, captivating viewers with its star-studded cast and a thrilling, romantic plot. From the very first episodes, the drama sparked an intense buzz, with every scene making audiences go wild. Social media platforms were filled with fans eagerly anticipating the next episode's release. Featuring a romantic backdrop, stunning shots of Western landscapes, sweet on-screen kisses, and the nuanced performances of the cast, the series left nothing to be criticized.

Beyond its captivating story, the series addressed themes that few shows tackle today. It explored the lives of soldiers, the responsibility of citizens towards their country, and combined these themes with a well-crafted script and tight structure. These elements made the show resonate deeply with viewers, even the most discerning ones. Not only did the drama take South Korea by storm, but it also attracted a massive international audience. With a rating surpassing 30%, the show not only helped KBS reclaim its top spot in ratings but also broke records previously held by other long-standing hits. It's no wonder that the show has consistently triumphed at prestigious awards, and is regarded as one of the finest productions in Korean television history.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Drama, Romance

Director: Baek Sang Hoon

Stars: Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji Won

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

At the time, most Korean dramas revolved around traditional themes such as fairytale romance, illness, and family dynamics. Therefore, the introduction of the charming girl Go Eun Cha became a notable phenomenon. Coffee Prince pioneered the "girl disguised as a boy" trope, with its rich and creative storyline, coupled with the stellar performances of talented young actors, creating undeniable chemistry for the show.

After the success of the famous drama "Goong," Yoon Eun Hye stunned viewers with her bold performance as she abandoned her natural femininity to portray a girl whose appearance, mannerisms, and speech mirrored that of a real boy. Although she has a masculine and somewhat rough appearance, Eun Cha is a character full of selflessness and warmth. Yoon Eun Hye's boyish look in the series captivated the hearts of many young women and helped her gain a massive fanbase. The adorable pairing of Yoon Eun Hye and Gong Yoo, playing the rich heir, took Korean television by storm in 2007. Thanks to the success of the drama, the "girl disguised as a boy" theme became more popular, and the cast members became beloved and admired by audiences.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2007

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Director: Lee Yoon Jung

Stars: Yoon Eun Hye, Gong Yoo, Lee Sun Kyun, Chae Jung Ahn

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

The debut work by the renowned writer Kim Eun Sook and director Shin Woo Chul, "Lovers in Paris", premiered in June 2004. Almost immediately, the series captured the hearts of viewers, quickly becoming one of the most-watched Korean dramas of all time, reaching an impressive peak rating of 56.3%. This record left many other dramas envious.

Although the cast was not as traditionally stunning as other productions, "Lovers in Paris" made a lasting impact due to its portrayal of the glamorous Parisian cityscape in every episode. The captivating script and brilliant performances by the cast were key to the drama’s success. This success led "Lovers in Paris" to influence fashion and music trends among Asian youth. Additionally, it catapulted the careers of actors Park Shin Yang and Kim Jung Eun, who garnered numerous prestigious acting awards.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2004

Genre: Romance, Drama

Director: Shin Woo Chul

Stars: Lee Dong Gun, Kim Jung Eun, Park Shin Yang

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Released in 2009, this drama is based on the well-known Japanese novel "Boys Over Flowers" by Yoko Kamio. The show quickly garnered immense global popularity, becoming a drama sensation at the time. The plot revolves around the love and friendship between a poor student, Geum Dan Ji, and four wealthy, charismatic young men at a prestigious high school. While the storyline was not groundbreaking and the cast was relatively unknown, this version is a remake of Taiwan’s beloved "Boys Over Flowers".

Before airing, the drama received several negative reviews, with many questioning if it could match the success of the Taiwanese version. However, the humorous and romantic dynamic between the curly-haired boy and the innocent girl kept audiences glued to their screens. "Boys Over Flowers" launched the careers of stars like Lee Min Ho, Go Hye Sun, Kim Bum, and Kim So Eun. The show averaged a 28.5% rating, with the highest episode reaching 35.5%. Despite numerous remakes, no version has been able to surpass the success of the original "Boys Over Flowers".

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2009

Genre: Romance

Director: Jeon Ki Sang

Stars: Lee Min Ho, Kim Bum, Goo Hye Sun, Lee Min Jung, Kim Hyun Joong

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

"The Heirs" is a quintessential example of the "rich boy, poor girl" trope, yet it managed to captivate audiences by delving deeply into the psychological complexity of its characters and infusing romance to avoid predictability. The story follows the love and friendship between Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye) and the wealthy heir, played by Lee Min Ho, as they navigate numerous obstacles caused by their class differences after a surprising encounter.

With its genuine, relatable plot and the stellar performances from the cast, the drama achieved remarkable success, maintaining steady double-digit ratings, averaging around 16%, and receiving numerous prestigious awards. "The Heirs" marked a significant milestone in Lee Min Ho's career following his success in "Boys Over Flowers", and helped Park Shin Hye solidify her acting talent. Additionally, the series introduced younger actors like Kim Woo Bin, Kim Ji Won, and gained international recognition across many Asian countries and beyond.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2013

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Psychological, School Drama

Directors: Kang Shin Hyo, Boo Sung Chul

Stars: Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin, Kim Ji Won, Kang Min Hyuk, Choi Jin Hyuk

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

When talking about the most iconic South Korean dramas, "Goong" is a must-mention. First aired in 2006 and produced by MBC, the series quickly became a sensation in the television community. The massive attention it received was thanks to its fresh storyline and the stellar performances of the cast. The story follows the endearing journey of 17-year-old Chae Kyung, who unexpectedly becomes the Crown Princess – one of three powerful women in South Korea – and has to marry Crown Prince Shin, a powerful heir.

Humorous situations combined with touching moments about family, friendship, and love were key factors in making "Goong" a fan favorite. Notably, the drama catapulted the careers of Yoon Eun Hye and Joo Ji Hoon to new heights. After the success of the series, Yoon Eun Hye solidified her public image as an actress after a period of struggle in her singing career.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2006

Genre: Comedy, Psychological, Romance, School, Family

Director: Hwang In Roi

Stars: Kim Jung Hoon, Song Ji Hyo, Yoon Eun Hye, Joo Ji Hoon

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

First aired in 2005, even 14 years later, the love story between the plump Sam Soon (Kim Sun Ah) and her Prince Charming Hyun Jin Heon (Hyun Bin) remains an unforgettable memory for those from the 80s and 90s. Sam Soon is a slightly chubby girl with an extraordinary talent for baking. On Christmas Day, a time filled with joy for most people, it turns into a sorrowful moment for Sam Soon as she loses her job and is dumped by her boyfriend. With determination and strength, she secures a job at the famous restaurant Bon Appetit, where she meets Ji Heon, a wealthy man and the owner of the restaurant where Sam Soon works. Although they initially clash, a love contract eventually brings them together.

With its realistic, humorous, and charmingly romantic storyline, "My Name is Kim Sam Soon" succeeded in captivating audiences. After the filming wrapped up, both Hyun Bin and Kim Sun Ah became top stars in the South Korean entertainment industry.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2005

Genre: Comedy, Psychological, Romance

Director: Kim Yoon Cheol

Stars: Hyun Bin, Kim Sun Ah, Jung Ryu Won, Daniel Henney

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Breaking away from the old and tired tropes such as "soul swapping", fairy tale romances, or marriage contracts, in 2013, Korean screenwriters elevated their craft with innovative ideas like superpowers, extraterrestrials, and "You Who Came From the Stars" became the most prominent work in this genre. The drama won an impressive 11 awards and earned 5 nominations at the SBS Drama Awards.

The love story that transcends time and space between the famous actress Jun Song Yi (Jeon Ji Hyun) and university professor Do Min Joon (Kim Soo Hyun) immediately became a sensation. At the time, Kim Soo Hyun was an emerging actor, known for his roles in "Moon Embracing the Sun" and "Dream High", with critics praising his acting abilities. However, it was his portrayal of Do Min Joon — a wise, stern, and profound teacher — that truly solidified his career. To this day, "You Who Came From the Stars" remains one of Kim Soo Hyun's most iconic works. The drama not only achieved massive success in Korea but also captured international attention.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2013

Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological, Romance

Director: Jang Tae Yoo

Stars: Park Hae Jin, Kim Soo Hyun, Gianna Jun, Jun Ji Hyun, Yoo In Na, Na Young Hee

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

The Moon Embracing The Sun is a historical romance drama that tells the captivating story of a fictional king, Lee Hwon, from the Joseon Dynasty, and Han Ga-In, the daughter of a prominent scholar. Han Ga-In is not only beautiful and intelligent but also compassionate and always showing kindness to others.

She was promised to marry Lee Hwon when she was just 13, but was betrayed and fell gravely ill. Fortunately, she was saved by a renowned sorcerer from the Tinh Túc Sảnh, but in the process, she lost her memory and wandered aimlessly. Eventually, by the twist of fate, she reunites with Lee Hwon under the guise of a witch, now named Wol.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2012

Genre: Historical, Psychological, Romance, Drama

Director: Kim Do Hoon

Stars: Kim Soo Hyun, Han Ga In, Jung Il Woo

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Kingdom is hailed as a groundbreaking zombie horror epic that captivated audiences worldwide. With the combined brilliance of writer Kim Eun Hee and director Kim Sung Hoon, this series stands out as a thrilling, action-packed masterpiece, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Kingdom created a massive sensation on the Netflix streaming platform, impressing audiences with its top-notch quality and gripping storytelling.

Set during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) in the capital city of Hanyang, the show skillfully merges two unique plotlines: a terrifying zombie outbreak and a fierce, manipulative struggle for power within the royal court. Though it only has two seasons, the series boasts an intricately woven narrative, filled with suspense, shocking twists, and unpredictable turns. With its breathtaking visuals, period-accurate costumes, and stellar performances from top Asian actors, the show has made a powerful impact, captivating global viewers through online streaming.

DETAILS:

Release Year: Season 1 (2019); Season 2 (2020)

Genre: Historical, Adventure, Horror, Fantasy, Action

Directors: Kim Sung Hoon & Park In Je (Season 2)

Stars: Ju Ji Hoon, Ryu Seung Ryong, Bae Doona

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Sky Castle set a new rating record on cable TV thanks to its engaging storyline and unexpected twists. The series is set in an upscale residential area, home to wealthy and influential families, but also explores the darker sides of their personalities. What sets the show apart is its successful portrayal of South Korean society’s pressures, including academic stress, the intense competition in exams, and the cutthroat rivalry between high-society families.

With its profound and satirical narrative, Sky Castle achieves remarkable success in reflecting various aspects of life with subtlety—something not all dramas manage to do. It would be a shame to miss out on this remarkable series.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2018

Genre: Psychological, School, Drama

Director: Jo Hyun Taek

Stars: Yum Jung Ah, Lee Tae Ran, Yoon Se Ah, Oh Na Ra, Kim Seo Hyung

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Signal is a standout crime thriller from South Korea, captivating a large audience of fans with its intense plot and high-stakes suspense. The series impresses with its relentless energy, thrilling storyline, and gripping moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Veteran actors like Kim Hye Soo and Jo Jin Woong have made significant contributions to the show’s success.

The story begins when a young boy, Hae Young (Lee Je Hoon), witnesses a classmate being led away by a mysterious woman. However, when he reports the incident to the police, no one believes him, assuming the perpetrator is a man. Fifteen years later, the case becomes a cold mystery. Meanwhile, Hae Young grows up and joins the police force, while the mother of the kidnapped girl relentlessly continues her search for her daughter. Just two days before the prosecution deadline, Hae Young accidentally discovers a strange walkie-talkie, which, despite lacking batteries, picks up signals from someone lost in the past—Lee Jae Han.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Crime, War, Psychological

Director: Kim Won Suk

Stars: Lee Je Hoon, Kim Hye Soo, Jo Jin Woong

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10