10 Classic Korean Films To Introduce To Your Non K-Entertainment Friends

Korean movies are a great way to share your passion for Korean entertainment with friends who aren’t as familiar with it as you are. Most of the stories and scripts, you will find, can draw you into their world despite being in a different language. If you’re looking for some recommendations of Korean films to introduce to your friends and family who aren’t familiar with K-entertainment, here’s a look at just 10 classic movies that have stood the test of time and have been spotlighted around the world. There is a bit of every genre, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Old Boy

“Old Boy” starring Choi Min Sik and Yoo Ji Tae was and continues to be a worldwide sensation. It follows the story of Oh Dae Su (Choi Min Sik), a businessman in Seoul who somehow gets kidnapped and taken into a prison-like room for 15 years. It’s a psychological thriller and has got so many twists and turns that it’s sure to keep you on your toes. Along with the genius directing of Park Chan Wook, even if your friends and family have never watched a Korean movie or a drama, they will become fans after watching this flick.

Here is the trailer:

A Moment To Remember

Probably one of the most romantic Korean movies of all time, “A Moment To Remember” stars the charismatic Jung Woo Sung and beautiful Son Ye Jin as a couple who fall madly and deeply in love with each other. In a twist of tragic events, Su Jin (Son Ye Jin) finds out that she has an early form of Alzheimer’s. The two must find a way to stay together and not give up despite the challenges that they face.

It’s the perfect movie to introduce to your friends who are huge romantics. Although it’s a tearjerker, it’s a movie that’s beautifully sentimental and really shows how love can transcend all.

Watch the trailer:

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

“Tae Guk Gi” is considered to be one of the best Korean war films of all time. It follows the story of two brothers, Lee Jin Tae, played by Jang Dong Gun, and Lee Jin Suk, played by Won Bin. The two get drafted into the war and are forced to fight. It’s an emotional story of Jin Tae promising his family that he will do everything he can to protect his younger brother Jin Suk and bring him home safe. It’s an emotional war story and as the main premise is based on brotherhood and family, it’s one that anyone can relate to and feel connected with.

Watch the trailer here:

A Werewolf Boy

“A Werewolf Boy” stars Song Joong Ki as a werewolf and Park Bo Young as the innocent girl he falls in love with. This unconventional love story about a girl and her werewolf is beautifully written and the cinematography will leave you speechless. The effortless acting and the innocent, endearing romance between the two can captivate any audience. It’s got both comedy, romance, and it will tug at anyone’s heartstrings.

Catch “A Werewolf Boy” on Viki now:

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My Sassy Girl

This hit Korean rom-com was such a huge hit across the world that they even made an American version of it. Starring Jun Ji Hyun as the sassy girl and Cha Tae Hyun, this sweet romantic story is a journey that anyone will enjoy being on. It’s especially funny to see the hilarious antics that Jun Ji Hyun puts her boyfriend (Cha Tae Hyun) through and how much he’s willing to do for her. People will enjoy the chemistry that the two main leads have and the unconventional portrayal of love between the two.

Check out the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz1TSKxbkcY

The Way Home

“The Way Home” stars a very young Yoo Seung Ho as 7-year-old Sang Woo, who is sent to stay with his grandmother in the countryside. What ensues is a city boy living in the country and hating it with all his heart. Even more so, he can’t stand his old grandmother who he can’t seem to relate to. This heartwarming story follows the transformation of Sang Woo and his love for his grandmother and her home. It’s a story that a lot of people will find they connect with and will have a heart for. You also won’t be disappointed by the acting chops of Yoo Seung Ho as a kid actor!

Here is the heartwarming trailer:

The Man From Nowhere

“The Man From Nowhere” stars Won Bin as Cha Tae Sik, a lonely man whose family was brutally killed. He spends his days alone running a pawn shop in a poor neighborhood. He ends up befriending a little girl named Jung So Mi, played by Kim Sae Ron, who is bright and full of energy. They develop a strong bond that is put to the test when she gets kidnapped, and Tae Sik takes it upon himself to try and rescue her. Anyone who loves a good action adventure flick with a worthwhile hero will enjoy it.

Check out the trailer:

Train to Busan

If you’re a lover of zombie-themed movies and storylines, “Train to Busan” is the perfect movie to watch. The story involves Gong Yoo as Seok Woo, a father who is trying to bring his daughter to her mother in Busan. While they are on the train, they realize that there is a huge zombie epidemic taking over South Korea. It’s an intense thriller that is sure to keep anyone on the edge of their seats!

Catch the thrilling trailer:

The Beauty Inside

This beautiful romantic love story stars Han Hyo Joo as Yi Soo, who falls in love with a man who wakes up every day in a different body. The film journeys through their love story as they are faced with some obstacles and have to work through them in order to stay together. The best part of this movie is that there is a star-studded cast of actors and actresses who make an appearance as Woo Jin (the man whose body changes every day). It’s an interesting premise that will capture the attention of any viewer!

Here is the trailer:

Joint Security Area

This classic film stars veteran actors Lee Byung Hun, Song Kang Ho, Shin Ha Kyun, Kim Tae Woo, and Lee Young Ae. It’s a film that depicts a friendship and close bond that is formed between South Korean soldiers and North Korean soldiers at the border. This unconventional friendship not only gives some insight into the political state of Korea, but it also gives the message of hope that anyone would love. This film was a huge success all across Asia as it beat box office records. Famous American director Quentin Tarantino has even mentioned that it’s one of his favorite films of all time.

Watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI8sx8qngRw

Hey Soompiers, which of these movies did you love and would recommend to your friends or family? Let me know in the comments below!

binahearts is a Soompi writer who can be most often seen singing her heart out at karaoke, walking her dog, or indulging in dessert. Her ultimate biases include Song Joong Ki, BIGBANG and BTOB. Make sure you follow binahearts on Instagram as she journeys through her latest Korean crazes! 

All-time favorite dramas: “Secret Garden” and “Star In My Heart”
Currently watching: “Radio Romance”
Looking forward to: “Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food” and Won Bin’s return to the small screen