Bu Nathaniel Muir
At the beginning of the 21st century, an American remake of a Japanese horror movie began an Asian horror explosion in the West. While J-horror was the primary box office beneficiary, Korean horror movies were also extremely popular. Korean horror was big on torrent sites, sold in large chain stores, and to this day remains big on streaming networks. Yet, it never had the theatrical selling power of its Japanese counterparts.
Much like most horror movies from around the world, Korean horror is based in folklore. Many center around ghosts and possession. Arguably, more so than other countries, Korean horror cinema explores human nature. Alongside the scares, themes like vengeance, class divide, and lust are examined. There is also the social commentary that has always been an important part of the genre.
So, what Korean horror movies should you check out? The answer is simultaneously simple and complicated. Some movies stand above the rest and will be recommended often. The thing with Korean horror is that the blending of genres is as notable a feature as the stylish direction. Below is a list of Korean genre films that you should make a point of watching.
The Vengeance Trilogy (2002- 2005) – The Vengeance Trilogy is a South Korean thematically-linked film trilogy directed by Park Chan-wook, comprising Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy and Lady Vengeance. Each film deals with the themes of revenge, ethics, violence and salvation. (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Lady Vengeance can be found on Tubi; Oldboy is on Paramount+)
Why start things off with one movie when you can have three? Especially when they encapsulate everything that makes Korean genre films so great. From 2002-2005, director Park Chan-wook released what may be the greatest thematic trilogy of all time. The Vengeance Trilogy is a violent and depressing series that tackles ethics, retribution, and, of course, revenge. Oldboy is responsible for the popularity of Korean movies in America and constantly shows up on best-of lists. Lady Vengeance may be even better. The series may not be straight-up horror, but it does contain many of the themes and ideas found in more traditional fare.
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003) – On returning home from a mental health facility, two sisters find that along with their stepmother, they have to find a way to deal with their late mother’s ghost who begins to haunt them. (A Tale of Two Sisters is on AMC+)
Anybody who was on the hunt for Korean horror movies back in the day will remember Tartan Asia Extreme. It seemed like every genre film from the East was released by the label. (The first time I bought Oldboy was a Tartan DVD at Best Buy.) Based on a Joseon-era folktale, A Tale of Two Sisters is a story of ghosts, a wicked stepmother, and grief. Rife with tension, it has one of the best jump scares ever put on screen. It is scary and emotional, and is a great entryway into Korean horror.
The Host (2006) – An unidentified monster appears from the Han River in Seoul, kills hundreds and also carries off Hyun-seo. When her family learns that she is being held captive, they resolve to save her. (The Host is on Max)
Creature features are one of the most popular sub-genres in horror. Even among the lofty standards that include King Kong, kaiju, and many-headed sharks, The Host stands out. At the time of its release, it was the highest-grossing South Korean film of all time. It is regarded as one of the best monster movies of all time and the best of the 21st century. It has everything that a fan could want from this type of movie: great creature design, it’s scary, funny, and is over the top in the best ways.
I Saw the Devil (2010) – When his pregnant fiancee is murdered, secret service agent Soo-hyun sets out to seek revenge. He identifies the killer and forces him to swallow a GPS-tracking capsule. (I Saw the Devil is on Tubi and The Roku Channel)
Vengeance is a big part of Korean genre films. I Saw the Devil is about how one person becomes obsessed with seeking vengeance. This is a common motive in revenge stories, but I Saw the Devil ups the ante in a tale that is as sad as it is disgusting. An incredibly brutal character study that has one of the most powerful endings ever. Definitely not for the squeamish or for anyone who needs a happy ending.
The Wailing (2016) – When an outsider visits a village, its inhabitants experience a mysterious epidemic. A police officer then tries to solve the mystery behind the outbreak to save his sick daughter. (The Wailing is on Prime Video)
Aside from its intimidating runtime, The Wailing contains many familiar horror tropes. A policeman begins investigating a village where a mysterious disease has broken out. While there, his daughter becomes one of the infected. Na Hong-jin creates a perfect atmosphere that builds paranoia while combining many different genres. A textbook example of “edge of your seat” storytelling, the plot will keep you guessing until the very end.
Train to Busan (2016) – Seok-woo and his daughter are on a train to Busan on the latter’s birthday to see his wife. However, the journey turns into a nightmare when they are trapped amidst a zombie outbreak in South Korea. (Train to Busan is on Netflix)
Zombie movies can be a genre all to themselves. Along with being incredibly popular, there are a variety of different types. There are fast zombies, slow zombies, smart zombies, scary zombies, funny zombies, zom-coms, zom-roms, zombie animals, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Train to Busan falls into the action/horror category and provides a hell of a ride. The frenetic pacing and fully realized characters make for an engaging watch. On the ever-growing list of zombie movies, this one will remain near the top for a long time.
Burning (2018) – Lee Jong-Su, a young author, meets and falls for his childhood friend Shin Hae-mi. Later, she introduces him to Ben, a mysterious man who has a strange hobby, leading to chilling circumstances. (Burning is on Tubi)
Burning can make a strong argument for being the best Korean movie of all time. The plot centers on two childhood friends who become reacquainted and the peculiar man they meet soon after. Beautifully shot, filled with a sense of discomfort, and boasting three powerful performances, the film draws audiences into the lives of its characters and the mystery that follows. An absolute masterpiece.
Parasite (2019) – The struggling Kim family sees an opportunity when the son starts working for the wealthy Park family. Soon, all of them find a way to work within the same household and start living a parasitic life. (Parasite is on Netflix)
The second film on this list from Bong Joon Ho made Oscars history for a good reason. Parasite takes on social inequality head-on in a tale that is tense, smart, and funny. The acting is phenomenal, and the movie will resonate emotionally with anyone who sees it. Parasite uses classic storytelling to build to a third act that goes through a tonal change that never loses its sense of humor, poignant commentary, or sheer moment-to-moment tension. Long after the final credits have rolled, it will remain to feed off your questions and fears.
Project Wolf Hunting (2022) – A group of police officers fights against dangerous criminals being transferred on a cargo ship bound for Busan, South Korea. (Project Wolf Hunting is on Prime Video)
Sometimes, you come across something that hits on a strictly visceral level. A movie that is so weird, so over the top, and so bloody that you do not know what to think. You just sit down and strap yourself in. Project Wolf Hunting is one such movie. Imagine Con Air on a boat with an unkillable monster and a high body count. Throat slashings, dismemberments, and just good old-fashioned clubbing are just part of what this has to offer. The perfect midnight movie.
NightTide Magazine 
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