5 Best Korean Movies on Netflix This Week
South Korea is making a strong impact on the entertainment industry. K-pop and K-dramas have surged in popularity on streaming platforms, while Korean films have won prestigious international awards.
Notable successes include “Train to Busan,” “The Handmaiden,” and “Parasite,” showcasing Korea’s prowess in filmmaking. With a flair for psychological thrillers and zombie films, Korean creators continuously deliver hits across all genres.
If you’re searching for a captivating movie on Netflix, explore the diverse selection of excellent Korean films available on the platform.
1. Title: Love and Leashes
Release Year: 2022
Director: Park Hyun-jin
Runtime: 1 hr 58 min
Love and Leashes, directed by Park Hyun-jin, is an unconventional rom-com that explores BDSM, a topic not typically associated with the genre. Released in 2022, the film follows Ji-woo (Seohyun) as she enters the world of BDSM through her colleague Ji-hoo (Lee Jun-young). Despite its unusual premise, the movie has received acclaim for its refreshing and authentic portrayal of kink, while maintaining a surprisingly sweet and wholesome tone. Love and Leashes aims to destigmatize BDSM and provides informative insights. Setting itself apart from “50 Shades of Grey,” the film features Ji-woo as the dominant partner in their contractual relationship. The palpable chemistry between Lee and Seohyun adds to the appeal of this heartwarming office romance with a unique twist.
2. Title: Kill Boksoon
Release Year: 2023
Director: Sung-hyun Byun
Runtime: 2 hr 17 min
Kill Boksoon, a South Korean action film, would fit right into the John Wick universe with its secret organization of assassins. Jeon Do-yeon (The Housemaid) shines as the fierce titular character, Gil Bok-soon, a.k.a. Kill Boksoon, who excels in combat skills. As a devoted single mother, she fears losing her beloved child, and her apprehensions become reality when her own organization turns against her. In a gripping tale of kill or be killed, the movie showcases top-notch fight choreography, camera work, and stylized action. Kill Boksoon offers a thrilling and heartfelt watch, delivering a perfect blend of action and emotion.
3. Title: 20th Century Girl
Release Year: 2022
Director: Woo-ri Bang
Runtime: 1 hr 59 min
Woo-ri Bang’s 20th Century Girl is a delightful, visually stunning film set in 1999, just before the new millennium. The story revolves around Na Bo-Ra (Kim Yoo-jeong), a sweet and imaginative teenager. When her best friend asks her to watch over a popular boy in their class, Bo-Ra finds herself unexpectedly drawn into a charming romance. Through its portrayal of outdated technology from the late 1990s, the movie playfully explores modern tropes with a nostalgic touch, evoking memories of simpler times and the thrill of first love. 20th Century Girl captures the essence of a whimsical era and invites audiences to relish in its enchanting tale.
4. Title: High Society
Release Year: 2018
Director: Byun Hyuk
Runtime: 1 hr 59 min
High Society revolves around Jang Tae-joon (Park Hae-il) and Oh Soo-yeon (Soo Ae), a couple determined to infiltrate society’s elite. Jang, a respected economics professor, gains popularity as a hero for saving a man’s life on TV and decides to venture into politics. Meanwhile, his wife Oh, immersed in the art world, seeks to replace her female manager by engaging in an affair with a powerful photographer. This tense and glamorous series will captivate viewers, especially those who enjoy shows like Succession and Elite, as it delves into the intrigue and ambition driving the protagonists’ pursuit of a coveted place in high society.
5. Title: Sweet & Sour
Release Year: 2021
Director: Kae-Byeok Lee
Runtime: 1 hr 41 min
Sweet & Sour, an endearing Korean rom-com, captures the universal joys and trials of dating. Featuring the charming trio of Jang Ki-Yong, Krystal Jung, and Chae Soo-bin, the film cleverly blends classic romantic comedy tropes with a contemporary Korean backdrop. Its relatable storyline transcends cultural barriers, making it accessible to a global audience. Join this adorable couple as they navigate the obstacles of a long-distance relationship, including the allure of flirtatious co-workers. Sweet & Sour lives up to its name, offering a delightful and heartwarming celebration of love that will leave audiences with a smile on their faces.