If you are new to Korean cinema and don't know where to start, there is actually a very simple way to find great movies: follow the actors.
Korean movies are known for their strong stories, memorable characters, and powerful performances. Among the many talented actors in Korean cinema, Ha Jung-woo, Yoo Hae-jin, and Choi Min-sik are three names worth paying attention to. Their filmographies cover an impressive range of genres, from crime thrillers and action movies to historical dramas, comedies, and psychological films. More importantly, they have the kind of screen presence that can completely change the atmosphere of a movie.
Ha Jung-woo is a great actor to start with if you enjoy intense and unpredictable movies. He has played a wide variety of characters, but he is particularly memorable in thrillers and crime films.The Chaser is an excellent place to begin. His performance is dark, unsettling, and impossible to forget. You can then move on to The Yellow Sea, The Terror, LIVE, The Berlin File, and Tunnel. If you want to see a different side of him, The Handmaiden is another fascinating choice. He has also appeared in major productions such as Assassination and the Along with the Gods series. Following his movies is a great way to explore how one actor can move between completely different genres and characters.
Yoo Hae-jin is another actor whose filmography is especially fun to explore. He often plays supporting or character roles, but he has an extraordinary ability to make his characters stand out. He can be funny, warm, awkward, serious, or deeply emotional, sometimes within the same movie. Veteran is a great introduction to his style, while Luck-Key shows his talent for comedy. He also gives memorable performances in A Taxi Driver, 1987: When the Day Comes, The Pirates, and Mal·Mo·E: The Secret Mission. One of the best things about watching Yoo Hae-jin is that even when he is not the main character, you often end up waiting for his next scene.
And then there is Choi Min-sik, an actor who needs very little introduction. If you have seen Oldboy, you already know how powerful his performances can be. His acting is intense, physical, and incredibly immersive. But Oldboy is only the beginning. I Saw the Devil takes him into much darker territory, while Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time and New World are excellent choices if you enjoy Korean crime movies. For something completely different, try The Admiral: Roaring Currents, in which he portrays the legendary Korean naval commander Admiral Yi Sun-sin. More recently, Exhuma offered another memorable performance and became one of the major Korean hits of its time.
What makes these three actors particularly interesting is the variety of their filmographies. You don't have to be a fan of one specific genre to enjoy their movies. If you like crime thrillers, there are plenty of choices. If you prefer comedy, Yoo Hae-jin has several films for you. If historical dramas or action movies are more your style, all three actors have something worth watching.
So, instead of searching endlessly for a list of “best Korean movies,” try a different approach. Pick one of these actors and follow their filmography. Watch one movie, see who else appears in it, and then follow another actor from there. It is an easy and surprisingly addictive way to discover Korean cinema.
If you are looking for a place to start, try The Chaser for Ha Jung-woo, Veteran for Yoo Hae-jin, and Oldboy for Choi Min-sik. Three actors, three very different styles, and dozens of movies waiting to be discovered.
Once you start following their filmographies, you may find that discovering Korean movies becomes much easier — and much more fun.
