Korean cinema undoubtedly has a wide range of genres. Its rich storytelling and diverse genres always captivate and entertain the audience. One of such categories is bromance. These movies explore the least discussed, male friendships, which are filed with loyalty, brotherhood and trust. These movies showcase the bond between the male friends and their life story. From heartwarming tale of lifelong friendship, to the unique blend of humor and action, these movies can take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. So, if you want to binge a heartfelt Korean movie then, here is a compilation of the best Korean bromance movies that you should not miss.
1. Swing Kids
Swing Kids was released in 2018. The story is set in a war. Korean, North Korean, and Chinese prisoners were sent to a camp on Geoje Island in South Korea. The POW camp had intense strife between the pro-communist and the anti-communist. Roh Ki Soo is a young North Korean soldier held at the Geoje POW camp. Sergeant Jackson has been ordered by his superior from the tap-dancing team, so he holds an audition and select Xiaofang, a Chinese soldier, Kang Byung Sam, who was accused for being a communist sympathizer, and Yang Pan Rae, who wanted to support her family. The movie is directed by Kang Hyun Chul, starring Doh Kyung Soo, Jared Grimes, Park Hye Soo, Oh Jung Se, and Kim Min Ho.
2. Midnight Runners
Midnight Runners was released in 2017. The movie revolves around two friends. Ki Joon and Hee Yeol were best friends at the Korean National Police University. One night, when they were drinking in Gangnam, they witnessed the kidnapping of a young girl. When they complained to the authorities, they were sidelined by a high-profile case. As the students of the police academy, they knew the importance of the initial hours of kidnapping. The story progressed as they used their skills to rescue the kidnapped girls. The movie was directed by Jason Kim, starring Park Seo Joon and Kang Ha Neul.
3. My Annoying Brother
My Annoying Brother was released in 2016. The story revolves around a sibling duo. Doo Young is a National Judo athlete, and he has an older brother named Doo Shik. Doo Shik was in jail. Doo Young got injured in an international event. Doo Shik took advantage of this situation and got paroled from the prison. Now, Doo Young has to deal with his optic injury and his estranged swindler brother. As the story progresses, Do Young adjusts with his older sibling and Doo Shik also helped him to deal with his disability. The movie is directed by Kwon Soo Kyung, starring Jo Jung Suk, Doh Kyung Soo, and Park Shin Hye.
4. Inseparable Bros
Inseparable Bros was released in 2019. The movie revolves around two not blood related brothers. Kang Se Ha and Park Dong Gu were not blood related but had a bonding like real brothers from the past 20 years. Se Ha has a genius mind but is weak in his body. On the other hand, Dong Gu is not bright but has excellent physical strength. The movie is directed by Yook Sang Hyo. Shin Ha Kyun, Lee Kwang Soo, and Esom play the leading roles in the film.
5. Extreme Job
Extreme Job was released in 2019. The movie revolves around a team of detectives. A drug squad consists of five detectives: Go Sang Gi is the chief of the detective squad, other detectives are Jang Yeon Soo, Ma Bong Pal, Kim Young Ho, and Kim Jae Hoon. Their mission was to catch a criminal organization. To make this mission successful, they have to go undercover. So, they opened a chicken restaurant and began its undercover mission. But things changed when the restaurant became famous for their dishes. The movie was written and directed by Lee Byung Hun. Ryu Seung Ryong, Lee Ha Nee, Jin Seon Kyu, Lee Dong Hwi, and Gong Myung play the leading roles in the movie.
6. Shoot My Heart
Shoot My Heart was released in 2015. The movie shows the story of two individuals and their growing friendship. Soo Myung had schizophrenia due to the guilt of his mother’s suicide. So, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for his treatment. On the other hand, Seung Min was forcibly admitted to the hospital because of his wealthy family’s inheritance fight. The story progresses as Seung Min tries to escape the hospital, and Soo Myung follows him. The movie is directed by Mun Che Yong. Lee Min Ki and Yeo Jin Goo play the leading roles in the film.
7. The Merciless
The Merciless was released in 2017. The story revolves around two inmates. Jae Ho is a prisoner who is considered as the most powerful one and he is the rule maker. He comes second in the ranking in his criminal gang outside the prison and wishes to become number one. But things change when Hyun Soo enters the prison. He does not follow any of the rules made by Jae Ho and doesn’t submit to anyone. In reality, he is an undercover cop. The film is directed by Byun Sug Hyun. Sol Kyung Gu and Yim Si Wan play the leading roles in the film.
8. New Trial
New Trial was released in 2017. The story revolves around a convicted murderer and a lawyer. A 40-year-old taxi driver was found dead at Yakcheon. Hyun Woo was the witness of the murder but, he was falsely convicted as murderer despite of his cry for innocence. After spending ten years in jail, he wanted to live a peaceful life with his mother. But the stigma attached to his name made it hard for him to live an everyday life. Then he meets a lawyer named Joon Yeong who is in debt after losing a law suit. The story progresses as Joon Yeong helps Hyun Woo to prove his innocence.
9. Seobok
Seobok is a thriller sci-fi film released in 2021. The film tells the story of a clone and an intelligence agent. Ki Heon is a former intelligence agent who has a final mission to complete. On the other hand, Seo Bok is a genetically mutilated clone. Ki Heon’s final mission is the responsibility for the safe journey of Seo Bok. The story progresses as they encounter dangerous situations on their journey. The movie is directed by Lee Yong Joo. Gong Yoo and Park Bo Gum play the leading roles in the film.
10. Champion
Champion is a comedy movie released in 2018. The movie tells the story of Mark and Jin Ki. Mark is a disgraced arm-wrestling champion who was adopted by an American family. While working as a bouncer at a club, he met Jin Ki, a Korean student. He was interested in an arm-wrestling tournament in Korea, so he flew back to Korea. There he united with his sister for the first time in 30 years. The movie is directed and written by Kin Yong Wan. Ma Dong Seok, Kwon Yool, and Han Ye Ri plays the leading roles in the film.
