Thanks to Hallyu (the global wave of Korean culture), Korean cinema has given us some spine-chilling masterpieces capable of shaking us to our core. From compelling storylines to amazing acting skills, Korean films, especially K-horror and psychological thrillers became popular globally in no time. Asian countries got no chill when it comes to making flicks that can mess with our brains. Here are 10 disturbing Korean films you should still check out despite their warnings.
1. A Tale Of Two Sisters (2003)
A Tale of Two Sisters is a horror drama, thriller, and mystery about two sisters who return home after being hospitalized. Strange things start occurring around them and the movie ends with shocking conclusions. This movie has everything, from horror to mystery making it a must-see. But mind it, it can be suffocating, disturbing for some viewers, and a satisfying horror for others. With plenty of positive reviews and getting commercially successful, A Tale of Two Sisters is a masterpiece that you can watch on Netflix.
2. The Piper (2015)
Inspired by the folktale "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," a father along with his son arrives in a village that is infested by rats. The Piper is a dark thriller that plays with the audience's anxieties throughout the film. The main lead was played by Ryu Seung-ryong. It has intense storytelling with an unsettling atmosphere. If you are ready to get your brain cells to go into overdrive, you can watch this on Prime Video.
3. Gon-ji-am- Haunted Asylum (2018)
Gon-ji-am Haunted Asylum is based on a real-life hospital of the same name. Now that makes it creepier. A crew of a web series enters the asylum to live broadcast everything for publicity. The movie is shot in a realistic documentary style. It has some chilling moments. There are good jump scares in between. Overall, this movie can give you one restless night.
4. The Wailing (2016)
In the rural setting of a village called Gokseong, a police officer is trying to solve and investigate the mysterious murders and illnesses to protect her daughter affected by the same disease. With horror and thriller, the movie has supernatural touch. The Wailing was a box-office hit and was loved and appreciated by audiences as well as critics worldwide. The suspense is held till the end. Everything about The Wailing works making it a good weekend binge.
5. Mother (2009)
As the title says, the movie revolves around a mother. But not just any mother. The film portrays the extent a maternal figure can go to prove her child's innocence. Mother is a screenplay directed by the Oscar awardee Bong Joon-ho. The film was not just a national success but was also critically acclaimed internationally. The main character, played by Kim Hye-ja is so accurate throughout the duration. The suspense keeps viewers engrossed. This movie has the capability to leave a long-lasting impression.
6. Hansel And Gretel (2007)
Hansel and Gretel is a dark, twisted version of the classic folklore of the same name. A young brother and sister are lost in a forest. While wandering off, they find a house where an old lady lives. The film has some beautiful shots of the surroundings. But that doesn't make it a fairytale. It is a horror plus fantasy with some really unsettling environment. It can ruin your favourite childhood bedtime story. You can give it a watch on Netflix.
7. Pietà (2012)
Pietà is a thought-provoking film about how a debt collector's life changes when a mysterious woman enters his existence. It has some intense scenes. The actors Lee Jung-jin and Jo Min-soo did incredible work with their characters. A critically acclaimed masterpiece gives a strong message about human nature. It can give you an unsettling emotional roller coaster ride. You can watch it on Hulu.
8. Parasite
Directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Jang Hye-jin, Lee Jung-eun, and Park Myung-hoon we all know what a success Parasite was. It is a film that is one of the perfect examples of a good suspense thriller. It has one of the most unexpected twists and unsettling shots. The plot of the movie challenges social norms. Those who have already watched it are still in awe of the house design. Overall, it is a must-watch film that is available on Prime Video.
9. Hope (2013)
Hope is a movie that deals with an extremely sensitive and difficult subject. It is sadly based on a true story. Hope is an emotional film. The performances by the actors were outstanding, especially by the child actor, Lee Re. The director Lee Joon-ik conveyed everything in-depth. Hope is a powerful, thought-provoking cinema that questions the morality of our upbringing in society. It addresses a subject matter that should not have existed in the first place. It is a must-see for the audience.
10. Memories Of Murder (2003)
A crime thriller based on real-life unsolved murders that occurred in 1980s South Korea. Two detectives played by Song Kang-ho as Detective Park Doo-man and Kim Sang-Kyung as Detective Cho Yong-koo investigate the crimes to catch the killer. Visually, the film captures the dark crime ridden atmosphere of the town. The film is intense, gripping, and contains disturbing scenes. The on-screen chemistry of the detective duo is impeccable. It was a box-office hit. Memories of Murder is available on Netflix.
