Written by Ambassador NURUL AMEERA BINTI IMI SAIRI
In recent years, Korean films have gained immense popularity worldwide. The rise in the popularity started with successful movies like “Parasite” and the unforgettable classic “Oldboy” from back in the early 2000s, which sparked a global craze for Korean movies around the world. Korean dramas and films have captured the hearts of many people around the world, and it has become more accessible thanks to platforms like Netflix and Viu, where you can find Korean dramas and movies right in your streaming package. Whether it’s the suspense of a thriller or the romance of a love story, Korean films have something special to offer every young movie enthusiast.
Korean dramas and movies have had a very unique place in my heart in the last thirteen years ago. I’ve been immersing myself in the world of Korean entertainment since 2010 and as a dedicated viewer, it’s incredible to watch how the Korean films have developed and how it has sparked interest among viewers from all around the world. Therefore, I am excited to share my top five Korean films that have brought me joy, laughter, and profound moments of reflection.
These five Korean films have earned their place as my top favourites for their exceptional storytelling. Each film offers a unique narrative that resonated with me on an emotional level, from the heart-pounding suspense to the timeless romance and to the big laughter. What I like the most about these movies is their special quality of keeping the audience thoroughly entertained, without a dull moment in sight. The combination of captivating plotlines and immersive storytelling ensures that every viewing is an enjoyable journey which makes a 2-hour long movie felt like a 10-min short video.
In essence, these films have touched my heart in ways that have made them stand out as my cherished all-time top films:
This movie doesn’t need a long intro as I’m sure everyone has watched or at least heard about it. “Train to Busan” isn’t just a horror/action film; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that had me at the edge of my seat and my heart pounding throughout the movie. The film tells the story of a father and daughter who find themselves trapped on a train filled with zombies. As the outbreak spreads, they must fight for their survival. Gong Yoo and Ma Dong-seok’s performances resonated deeply with me, making their characters feel like real people. As I watched, I felt a surge of empathy for the characters’ desperate struggle to survive. The film’s brilliant storytelling and breathtaking action sequences made it impossible not to fall in love with it.
“My Sassy Girl” is a timeless romance/melodrama that brought laughter and tears to my eyes. This classic tale boasts an engaging storyline that will keep you invested from start to finish and it revolves around a young man’s encounters with an unpredictable and eccentric woman. Jun Ji-hyun’s portrayal of the “sassy girl” makes her character endearing and unforgettable. Along with Cha Tae-hyun, both of them delivered unforgettable performances and their on-screen chemistry was nothing short of magical. The film’s intriguing storyline and witty humor is very heartwarming and it’s a film that will make you believe in love and serendipity.
“Midnight Runners” is an action/comedy film starring Park Seo-joon and Kang Ha-neul. This film finds its place among my top favorites due to its sheer fun and entertainment value. The dynamic chemistry and humorous interactions of the main actors, along with the fast-paced storyline had me thoroughly engaged. The film portrays two young police cadets witnessing a kidnapping and the story follows their efforts to solve the case and become heroes. This film seamlessly blends action and comedy, making it a fun film to watch without any boring scene that I found myself laughing out loud all the time.
“Flu” is a drama/sci-fi film starring Jang Hyuk and Soo Ae. The movie explores the outbreak of a deadly flu virus in a South Korean city and the ensuing chaos it has resulted. This film beautifully combines elements of drama and science fiction, creating a unique and emotionally charged story. As I watched the unfolding events and the impact of the flu outbreak, I was deeply moved by the characters and their struggles to navigate the deadly situation. “Flu” reminds me that even in the darkest times, acts of kindness and heroism can shine through. This film has everything from characters chemistry to amazing storyline to the perfect ending.
“Space Sweepers” is a sci-fi/space opera film featuring Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Seon-kyu, and Yoo Hae-jin. This film was set in the future setting where Earth is on the brink of destruction. A crew of space junk collector accidentally discovered a humanoid robot that unknowingly will change the course of their lives. “Space Sweepers” is visually stunning, with remarkable CGI and breathtaking space sequences. Even Though the film is very fun and full with action and amazing plot twist, it has found a special place in my heart as it actually addresses important themes such as environmentalism and the value of humanity, which are great reminders to us to serve our responsibilities in protecting the Earth.
Korean films, with their diverse genres and compelling narratives, have been my source of joy and entertainment. Each two-hour journey felt like a fleeting moment, and the memories and emotions they left behind are enduring. I am happy to share my top Korean films as above and I hope these movies can serve as a start for those of you who are not yet into Korean films or are looking for Korean movie suggestions.
Terafty 
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