The 10 Best New Korean Movies of 2023
Over the past decade, Korean cinema has exploded onto the American scene,
captivating audiences with heart-pounding action, thought-provoking dramas,
and everything in between. From the nail-biting zombie thriller Train to Busan
to the genre-bending Parasite, Korean films have left an indelible mark on
Hollywood and beyond.
As we enter the year 2023, the K-craze shows no signs of slowing down. Netflix,
ever the purveyor of quality content, is unleashing its largest Korean lineup yet,
with a slew of highly anticipated action flicks and a riveting documentary
chronicling the early days of the visionary director, Bong Joon-ho.
But it’s not just big-budget blockbusters that are turning heads. Intimate and
introspective films like Return to Seoul and Past Lives are exploring the lives of
Korean women from all corners of the globe, delving deep into their hopes,
dreams, and struggles.
As the world continues to embrace Korean cinema and culture, one thing is certain:
the future looks bright for K-content fans everywhere.
The 10 Best New Korean Movies of 2023
1.Past Lives
Prepare to be swept away by the emotionally charged debut film from Korean-Canadian
playwright Celine Song. After taking Sundance by storm, this movie has been earning
glowing reviews and capturing the hearts of audiences everywhere.
The story follows the serendipitous reunion of childhood friends Nora
(the dynamic Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (the captivating Teo Yoo of Love to Hate You fame),
who were separated when Nora’s family emigrated from South Korea. As they wander the
bustling streets of New York City, long-lost feelings bubble to the surface, and they’re left
to ponder what could have been if they had chosen each other all those years ago.
With a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the choices that shape our lives, this film is
a true masterpiece that will leave you breathless. Get ready to be transported on a journey
of the heart that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Premiere: TBA in theaters
The 10 Best New Korean Movies of 2023
2.Believer 2
Get ready for a pulse-pounding thrill ride as the highly-anticipated sequel to the
2018 crime sensation, Believer, is set to hit screens. Boasting a talented ensemble
cast led by the inimitable Jo Jin-woong and the magnetic Cha Seung-won
Believer 2 promises to be an even wilder ride than its predecessor.
The sequel picks up where the first film left off, with tenacious police detective
Won-ho hot on the trail of Asia’s biggest drug cartel, led by the elusive Mr. Lee.
Teaming up with Brian and other gang members, Won-ho will stop at nothing
to bring down this nefarious operation and restore peace to the city.
Adding to the excitement is the addition of talented actresses Han Hyo-joo,
from Happiness and W, who brings her A-game to the role of Big Knife, a shady
character with insider knowledge on Mr. Lee’s true identity.
With a gripping storyline, explosive action, and a powerhouse cast, Believer 2 is
poised to be one of the biggest Korean films of the year. Get ready to be swept
up in a heart-racing ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Premiere: On Netflix
3.Ballerina
Get ready for a heart-pumping reunion between two of Korea’s hottest stars,
Jeon Jong-seo and Kim Ji-hoon, in an action-packed thriller that will keep you
on the edge of your seat. Ok-ju, played by the captivating Jeon Jong-seo, is a
former bodyguard who shares a close bond with her friend, the talented
ballerina Min-hee.
When Min-hee finds herself in a dangerous situation and calls on Ok-ju for help,
our fearless protagonist embarks on a harrowing mission of revenge against the
enigmatic Choi, brought to life by the dynamic Kim Ji-hoon. With high-octane
action, breathtaking stunts, and heart-stopping suspense, this film promises to
be a wild ride from start to finish.
So buckle up and get ready for a pulse-pounding journey of vengeance and justice
that will leave you breathless. With two of Korea’s brightest stars at the helm and a
gripping storyline that will keep you guessing until the very end, Ok-ju and Choi is
a must-see for action fans everywhere.
Premiere: On Netflix
The 10 Best New Korean Movies of 2023
4.The Match
Get ready to witness an epic tale of mentorship, rivalry, and the ultimate showdown
in the world of Go, as the thrilling biopic of Cho Hun-Hyun and Lee Chang-ho comes
to life on the big screen. Cho, a master of the ancient game, takes the prodigious
Chang-ho under his wing when the latter was just ten years old, igniting a fierce
competition that would span decades.
As the student becomes the rival, Chang-ho works tirelessly to surpass his mentor,
leading to a dramatic showdown that will go down in history as one of the greatest
matches ever played. Set against the backdrop of a time when the game of Go was
more popular than the World Cup, this film will transport you to a world of strategy,
skill, and unbridled passion.
With top-notch performances from a talented cast and breathtaking cinematography
that captures every moment of the gripping action, this biopic is a must-see for
anyone who loves a great underdog story. So get ready to cheer on your favorite
player and witness the thrilling conclusion to one of the greatest rivalries in the
history of Go.
Premiere: On Netflix
5.’Yellow Door: Looking for Director Bong’s Unreleased Short Film’
Get ready to experience the heart-wrenching tale of two childhood friends torn
apart by circumstance, as they reunite amidst the bustling streets of New York
City in Celine Song’s breathtaking feature-film debut. Nora and Hae Sung, brilliantly
portrayed by the talented cast, find themselves face-to-face after years of separation
caused by Nora’s family’s emigration from South Korea.
As they wander the city’s labyrinthine streets, Nora and Hae Sung grapple with the
weight of their past, wondering what could have been if fate had dealt them a
different hand. Caught between their present lives and the haunting memories of
their shared past, the pair must confront the choices that brought them to where
they are today.
With stunning cinematography that captures the vibrant energy of the city and a
nuanced script that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time,
this film is a tour-de-force that will leave you breathless. Don’t miss your chance
to witness the magic of Celine Song’s feature-film debut, as Nora and Hae Sung’s
story unfolds before your eyes in a truly unforgettable way.
Premiere: On Theatres
The 10 Best New Korean Movies of 2023
6.Ditto
Get ready for a unique and heartwarming college rom-com that transcends time
and space! “Love Across Time” takes you on a journey through two intertwining
love stories, set in two different timelines – 1999 and 2022.
In 1999, Kim Yong, a former soldier who has just returned to college, finds himself
falling in love with the enchanting Han-sol. Meanwhile, in 2022, Mo-nee is
struggling to confess her feelings to her best friend Young-ji, but can’t seem
to find the right moment. That is, until a total lunar eclipse occurs in both years,
and an old ham radio brings Yong and Mo-nee together.
As they begin to share their love stories across time, Yong and Mo-nee soon
realize that they are not so different after all. With each passing eclipse, they grow
closer and begin to uncover the mysterious connection that binds them together.
Will their love transcend time and space, or will fate keep them apart forever?
Filled with heart, humor, and a touch of science fiction, “Love Across Time” is a
romantic adventure you won’t want to miss!
Premiere: On VIKI
7.Dream
Park Seo-Joon stars in this heartwarming sports drama as Yoon Hong-Dae, a talented
soccer player whose life takes an unexpected turn when he’s hit with a disciplinary
measure. But when he’s appointed as coach of a special national soccer team, made
up entirely of homeless individuals who have never played the game before,
Hong-Dae sees an opportunity to not only rebuild his reputation, but also make a
difference in the lives of those around him. As the team trains and grows together,
they face immense challenges both on and off the field, culminating in an emotional
showdown at the Homeless World Cup. With stunning performances, thrilling sports
action, and a powerful message about the transformative power of sports, this Korean
sports drama is not to be missed.
Premiere: On Viki
The 10 Best New Korean Movies of 2023
8.The Point Men
Get ready for a heart-pumping ride with Hyun Bin, the charismatic star of Crash
Landing on You, in this high-octane action thriller based on true events. Alongside
powerhouses Hwang Jung-min and Kang Ki-young, the film follows the gripping
tale of a group of Korean tourists taken hostage by a terrorist group in Afghanistan.
As the clock ticks and tensions rise, skilled negotiator Jae-ho finds himself at a standstill,
forcing him to team up with special agent Dae-sik to execute a dangerous rescue
mission. Get ready to hold your breath and experience the thrill of this adrenaline-
fueled race against time!
Premiere: On Netflix
9.Gangnam Zombie
Gangnam, one of Seoul’s most affluent neighborhoods, is now a wasteland infested
with terrifying and blood-thirsty zombies. The outbreak of an unknown virus has
transformed the once-fashionable district into a battleground, where the remaining
survivors, including Ji Il-soo and Park Ji-yeon, fight tooth and nail for their lives. Can
they escape the horrors that lurk around every corner and make it out alive?
The 10 Best New Korean Movies of 2023
10.Return to Seoul
Get ready for an emotional journey as you witness the powerful story of Freddie
(Ji-min Park) unfold on the big screen. This highly-anticipated film has been creating
buzz since its debut at film festivals worldwide. Follow Freddie’s journey as she
embarks on a life-changing trip to South Korea, her birthplace. Raised in France,
she sets out on a mission to discover her roots and reunite with her biological parents.
Will she finally find the answers she’s been searching for all her life? Don’t miss out
on this heart-wrenching drama.
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