Gangsters, knives, guns, wars, and heart-pounding chases—Korean action movies often blend it all in one brilliant narrative. These films are not just about electrifying showdowns, but involve addictive plots too.
From ruthless killings to mind-bending thrills, here are the must-watch movies in the action genre, all churned out by the Korean film industry.
10. Hunt
‘Hunt‘ is a 2022 film written and directed by ‘Squid Game‘ star Lee Jung-jae, who also plays one of the main roles in the movie. The protagonists work for the National Security Agency. So, you see, field work brings a lot of action. The guys are great agents and efficient at what they do. But while trying to unmask a spy from North Korea, they uncover a truth that has been hidden for a long time.
Related: Top 10 Korean Thriller Movies Ever Made
9. Taegukgi
From war to brotherhood, ‘Taegukgi’ has all the elements to make an action movie realistic and emotional. It is a tale of the Jin brothers, who are forced to join the military as the Korean War begins. Jin Tae gives his everything, takes risks, and earns medals to protect his younger brother, Jin Seok, from getting hurt during the fighting. His sacrifices and battle bravery give us an idea about the violence and devastation of war endured by soldiers.
8. Officer Black Belt
‘Officer Black Belt’ is about Lee Jeong-do, a martial arts expert who lives an ordinary life, but one day everything changes for him. He goes from making deliveries for his father’s food business to teaming up with Kim Seon-min, a probation officer, after saving his life from an attacker. Together, they begin monitoring those with electronic ankle bracelets to prevent crimes and protect people.
7. Hwayi: A Monster Boy
‘Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ is the story of a boy who was kidnapped by a gang when he was just a baby. He didn’t grow up being abused or neglected, instead, the criminals actually took care of him and raised him to be a ferocious fighter. All his life, Hwa-yi knew that the gang leader, Seok-tae was his father. Together, they committed vicious killings. But on the cusp of adulthood, Hwa-yi learns the truth of his heritage, his dark past. The boy questions his entire sense of being and does something unimaginable.
In case you missed it: Top 25 Oscar-Winning Films Of All Time
6. Emergency Declaration
Flight accidents are always scary. We have come across many such stories regarding crashes, hijackings, and planes vanishing into the air without a trace. ‘Emergency Declaration’ is one such terrifying film. When Korean authorities learn of an impending terrorist attack, they scramble to stop the disaster. However, the suspect is already aboard the flight and it’s upon the pilot and crew members to protect innocent passengers. Things get worse as the fuel runs out. The movie will leave you breathless, hoping for a safe landing.
Related: 20 Best TV Shows And Movies Based On Plane Crash And Survival Drama
5. The Villainess
This South Korean action thriller follows Sook-hee, a cold-blooded assassin who has enough skills to kill people without breaking a sweat or leaving a trace behind. Trained in combat since she was a kid, Sook-hee returns to her native place to turn a new leaf and live a quiet life. Everything is normal at first, but the entry of two mysterious men thrusts her towards a vengeful rampage full of bloodlust and gore.
4. The Man From Nowhere
Yet another astonishing action movie starring Won Bin, ‘The Man From Nowhere’ is an extremely violent actioner that doesn’t pull any punches. Won Bin’s Cha Tae-sik is a former special agent whose life becomes a tragic affair when he loses his wife and unborn baby. There’s no recovery from such a huge loss, and Tae-sik gives in to a soulless existence. But his old spark is revived when he realizes that the little girl in the shady house next to his shop is the daughter of a drug smuggler. They bond, and he does everything to save her after she is abducted by a rival gang.
3. A Bittersweet Life
A brilliantly scripted movie with great cinematography from start to end. This Korean action flick dives into the mob culture. Lee Byung-hun is remarkable as a bigshot gangster, Kim Sun-woo, who is also very loyal to his boss. But a particular assignment involving the crime boss Kang’s cheating mistress raises a moral and ethical dilemma for Sun-woo. The situation turns deadly, and getting out of the mess could be the hardest thing the hitman has to do.
2. The Roundup
Once you start watching this movie, you will not be able to pause it. The film has action, comedy, and many thrilling sequences. Ma Seok-do is an efficient, hardworking detective who never fails to catch the bad guys. Their new mission is to apprehend a suspect who has fled to Vietnam. While trying to extradite him, Seok-do uncovers a more heinous crime. This race against time gives way to kinetic fights.
Related: Top 25 Action Movies Of All Time
1. Joint Security Area
This 2000 film deftly depicts the conflict between North and South Korea directly from the warzone. Yes, it’s bold and rare, something of a masterpiece. Two North Korean guards die at the demilitarized zone between the fragmented Koreas. The military needs to find the perpetrator of this incident. Fingers are pointed, and blame is thrown around. Neutral investigators have to step in to keep the peace. ‘Joint Security Area‘ is a class-apart action movie that boasts of being thought-provoking.
