Movies - TV
23 Korean Horror Movies You Need To See
By MARY BETH MCANDREWS AND BEE SCOTT
A Tale of Two Sisters
Director Kim Jee-woo delivers a ghost story that's equal parts devastating and terrifying with his 2003 film "A Tale of Two Sisters." It is the quintessential Korean horror film, full of jump scares and tragedy, but it also works its way subtly into the viewer’s head and emotions.
Thirst
Park Chan-wook’s 2009 film "Thirst" is a touching, sexy, and gory vampire tale that provides a fresh perspective on the well-worn subgenre. Song Kang-ho, who wowed the world with his performance as the poor patriarch in "Parasite," once again steals the show as a vampire in this domestic drama full of bloodthirsty creatures.
The Wailing
"The Wailing" is Korea's response to religious horror films focused on the battle between God and the Devil. The movie is about religious fear and the fear of the outsider, but it also successfully reflects — through the character played by Jun Kunimura — the historical weight of decades of anger due to Japan’s colonial power over Korea in the past.
Oldboy
Park Chan-wook's 2003 revenge thriller "Oldboy" features some classic Korean brutality, twists, turns, conspiracies, and lies, and just when you think you know where the film is heading, Park subverts your expectations. Park is an incredibly talented filmmaker who brilliantly captures the nuance and complexity of revenge.
I Saw the Devil
Kim Jee-woon's 2011 serial killer film "I Saw The Devil" is a heart-wrenching piece of brutality that depicts the futility of revenge and feels like an agonizing game of cat-and-mouse in which no one is the winner. However, while the film — like most Korean horror movies — has the potential to upset the viewer, you’ll still be grateful that you put yourself through it.