Korean cinema has risen to prominence for the way it entertains and explores various issues, its direction, and its way of presenting stories. Here are some of the most popular award-winning Korean movies that you must watch if you still haven’t.
- Alice Mary
- Editorial
- Updated - 2024-11-28, 02:00 IST
Korean cinema has gained international acclaim in recent years, thanks to its unique storytelling, exceptional performances, and choice of diverse themes. From thrillers to suspense, South Korea’s film industry has produced numerous award-winning films that have captivated audiences worldwide with their storytelling, plot, and stellar cast.
So if you're a newcomer or a person who loves to explore new movies, here are some popular and critically acclaimed Korean movies that are worth bingeing:
5 Best Award-Winning Korean Movies
1. ‘Parasite’
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, ‘Parasite’ made history as the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. This darkly comedic thriller talks about social class divisions in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The story revolves around two families - the wealthy Park family and the struggling Kim family: whose lives become intertwined in unexpected and unsettling ways. The movie’s sharp social commentary, combined with stellar performances and expert direction, makes it a must-see for anyone who loves movies. The movie stars Song Kang-ho, Cho Yeo-jeong, Lee Sun-kyun, Choi Woo-shik, Jang Hye-jin, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun, and Park Myung-hoon in the main roles. ‘Parasite’ won the Academy Award (Oscars) for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.
2. ‘Oldboy’
Park Chan-wook’s ‘Oldboy’ is a mind-bending action thriller that’s famous for its shocking twists and intense emotional depth. According to IMDb, the story revolves around, “After being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must track down his captor in five days.” The movie’s action sequences, gripping narrative, and epic final twist cement its place as one of the greatest Korean films ever made. It won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. It also won Best Film, Best Director, Best Movie, and Best Actor award at the Korean Film Awards.
3. ‘Cobweb’
‘Cobweb’ is a black comedy movie that stars Song Kang-ho, Im Soo-jung, Jeon Yeo-been, Oh Jung-se, and Krystal Jung in the main roles. The story takes place in Seoul in 1970 and follows Kim, a film director who is unhappy with how his project named ‘Cobweb’. He feels frustrated with the ending and is determined to find a way to make it better. As per Prime Video synopsis, “Director Kim is obsessed with the desire to reshoot the ending of his completed film Cobweb but chaos and turmoil grip the set with interference from Censorship authorities. Will he be able to fulfill his artistic expressions and complete his masterpiece?” It won the Best Director and Best Supporting Actress at the Chunsa Film Art Awards. It also won the Best New Actress and Best Music at the Buil Film Awards.
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4. ‘Train to Busan’
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, ‘Train to Busan’ is a horror-zombie apocalypse movie that has won fans worldwide for its combination of action sequences and performances. The movie features a star-studded cast including Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok, Choi Woo-shik, Kim Su-an, Kim Eui-sung, and Ahn So-hee, in the main roles. The story centers on a father and daughter who are trapped on a train during a zombie outbreak. The movie was praised for its cinematography, compelling characters, and social commentary on human selfishness and sacrifice. It won the Audience Choice Award for Most Popular Film at the Blue Dragon Film Award and the Special Audience Award for Best Film at the Chunsa Film Awards.
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5. Concrete Utopia
Based on the second part of the webtoon ‘Pleasant Outcast’ by Kim Soongnyung, award-winning movie stars Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-joon, and Park Bo-young in the main roles. The story of the movie is about, “A massive earthquake has reduced the world to rubble. While no one knows for sure how far the ruins extend, or what caused the earthquake, there is only one apartment building left standing in the heart of Seoul, the Hwang Gung Apartments. As time passes and the cold weather sets in, strangers begin to arrive at the Hwang Gung Apartments to take shelter from the extreme cold”, as per Prime Video synopsis. It won Best Director and Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress at the Grand Bell Awards.
Each of these Korean movies showcases the versatility of Korean filmmakers, making them a must-watch for anyone seeking to expand their cinematic experience.
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Image credit: IMDb
