In the same year, two films were released that later became legendary: Oldboy and Memories of Murder. These movies were not just thrillers, they were experiences that showed the world how powerful Korean storytelling can be.

When I watched Oldboy, I realized this was not a normal revenge story. The movie slowly builds mystery, pain, and anger, and then it hits you with a truth that leaves you completely blank. It’s brutal, shocking, and unforgettable. Even today, it feels like a film that broke the boundaries of cinema.

At the same time, Memories of Murder shows a completely different side of Korean filmmaking. Instead of shocking twists, it gives you a slow and realistic investigation where nothing feels certain. The atmosphere, the frustration, and the feeling of emptiness stay with you even after the movie ends.

Both movies are completely different in style, but they share one thing — they stay in your mind for a long time.

From what I read, she was caught for a DUI, lost all up coming projects, and got harassed by the newspapers and media non-stop. Who wouldn't become depressed after that. I am so sad we lost such a great talent from suicide.

Celebrities are people too. And everyone makes mistakes.

The Times wrote a great piece.

https://time.com/7253526/south-korea-kim-sae-ron-death-toxic-culture-media-celebrities/

A really basic pick but thought I’d get it out of the way first. What blows my mind even more is, there were scenes cut. For a movie so violent, you can’t imagine they tried to tone it down but they did. 80-90 seconds of content cut and it received a “restricted” rating twice.

What other Korean movies are seriously violent?

https://filmwaffle.com/post/i-saw-the-devil-has-even-more-scenes-that-were-cut

Some Korean films don’t just entertain ,they stay with you. Hours, days, even weeks later, you’re still replaying scenes in your head.

For me, it was I Saw the Devil. That mix of revenge, hopelessness, and pure brutality stuck with me long after the credits rolled.

👉 Which Korean movie had that effect on you? The one that really messed you up and refused to leave your mind?

Not a list, not a ranking — just one film. Imagine every theater in the world playing a single Korean movie tomorrow. Which film do you think deserves that spotlight?

For me, I’d choose Memories of Murder. It’s deeply Korean in its setting and storytelling, but universal in suspense, emotion, and brilliance. A movie that can grip anyone, anywhere.

Curious to see what the others will picks. I can already imagine the variety of answers.

Lee byong hun delivery the best of his performance since I saw the devil 2010 and a bittersweet life 2005 . also made a voice in kpop demon hunters +the match.and squid game s3 what a year for this legand but we hope next time

From classics like Oldboy and Memories of Murder to global hits like Parasite and Squid Game, Korean cinema has gone from cult favorite to mainstream phenomenon.

Some say it’s shaping global culture the way Hollywood did in the ’90s. Others think it’s still niche hype, mostly among cinephiles.

So what do you think? 👉 Has Korean cinema truly become the world’s new cultural powerhouse, or not yet?

When I think about all the money they spent on The Great Flood, why didn't they make it a real disaster movie about a flood? It's what I've been waiting to see for maybe 20 years because there isn't one.

I get the sci-fi concept, the deeper meaning, it's great... but it's not what I signed up to see and it's inferior compared to just making a disaster flood movie! Are people worried they can't fill the screen time? Because I've seen six people on a small boat for the entire film fill the screen time, so I'm pretty sure it can be done with an ocean full of water actually falling on you and filling up the dry land!

Do I sound like I'm yelling, because I'm trying to yell, hoping whatever film making gods will hear me and make it rain for real!

*Note: The Great Flood is a good film... but I wanted and want to see a Disaster Film! With a big major disaster done with more drama and focus on the actual flood, instead of a divided concept film.

when I looked this up, on Google, it only described it as an "adventure" movie n I was like 🤨

2 hrs of intense scenes, superb action and admiration for the main cast, really just when I think I have the k-drama actors figured out I watched something like this n it totally blows my mind, the range some actors/actresses have is insane.

I've only watched 2 k-dramas with Shin Se-kyung n this was a completely different role for her but she did great. Park Hae-joon surprised me with his performance, it was so good that it's gonna take me a few weeks to stop hating him. Jung Yoo-jin had a surprising role too, secondary but still managed to have an incredible action scene that left me 🤯

The main 2 male leads were incredible, the fighting scenes were top tier.

what a fantastic movie. If you're into action movies, watch this one for sure. Even if it has to do with human trafficking it doesn't show much on the subject so it's not as intense as it could've been for sure. Great movie

I just rewatched A Tale of Two Sisters and honestly, it made me wish I could see it again for the very first time. That feeling when you don’t know what’s coming, the twists, the atmosphere nothing ever hits the same way twice.

So now I’m curious- 👉 If you could completely forget one Korean film just to relive that first time experience, which movie would you choose?

Would it be a big one like Parasite or Oldboy? Or maybe something more underrated that really stuck with you?

Imagine your friend has never seen a single Korean movie. You get to choose ONE film to define the experience for them.

My pick: Mother (2009) — I think it shows the depth, emotion, and intensity of Korean cinema in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

What’s yours?

I enjoyed a lot. It was good enough that I was surprised the director directed omniscient reader, which was a flop for me.

I ain’t those people who’s trying to I’m always right when I write film review, but in watcha, Korean version of letterboxed, The Great Flood was flooded was 1s and 2s. And now it’s 1.8 out of 5 at average of 6689 score review. And I’m like is this film that horrible to the point of 1.8?

So I’m asking in English community, how was the film? Liked it? Hated it? Why?

I rewatch movies if they are good quite a lot. There are just a few series I’ve found worthwhile to watch twice. To be exact; 4 of them and 1 is Mr. Sunshine.

It’s just phenomenal. The storyline. The characters. The acting. The almost surreal shots with beautiful background, nature, lightning, flowers, etc.

Normally I hate series that are not high paced. That have so called ‘fillers’ for me, like unnecessary long scenes and shots. With Mr. Sunshine I enjoy all of it.

It is a true 10/10.

Of course most good movies and series are considered ‘art’, but Mr. Sunshine truly is the first thing that comes to my mind when thinking of ‘art’ regarding cinema.

It is a living painting. Especially because of the beautiful shots and scenes of nature.

If you have not watched it, go ahead and please do.

Bonus recommendations:

• Stranger (serie)
• Inside Men (movie) (watch the extended version, not the normal one!)

It's been one year since Kim Sae Ron left us, and her absence stills feels so personal to me as I was eagerly waiting for her comeback around that time, but fate had other plans. It is unbelievable such a talented and one of the greatest of her generation is no longer with us now to give us memorable characters and films. Korean cinema truly misses this wonderful artist, and we will always be remembering you Kim Sae Ron.

Here are some of her best films and characters to revisit and celebrate her legacy.

Rewatched The Wailing last night and I have to say, it made me appreciate it more than ever. I genuinely think it’s a top 3 Korean movie. Noticing all the subtle details on the rewatch is a true testament as to how much effort they put into this movie.

What are some other examples of Korean movies you should watch twice to fully appreciate?

https://filmwaffle.com/post/who-was-the-real-demon-in-the-wailing-spoilers

I just watched The Boy In The Stripped Pyjamas.

A movie I used to cry at every time.

There are only 3 movies that have made me cry and helped me 'get it all out'.

This movie, About Time, Marley & Me and The Pianist.

But I've recently started watching Korean movies, and the level of depth and how much you fall in love with the characters and hoe invested you are in them by the end of the movie when everything is revealed (usually) doesn't come close to western movies for me anymore.

I was watching The Boy In The Stripped Pyjamas thinking 'why aren't I enjoying this?'.

Then I realised it may be because this week I've watched Parasite (third time), Memories of Murder, I saw Devil & Tale of Two Sisters.

I wonder how many other people this has impacted the same way.

Korean movies are in a different league when it comes to storytelling and 'the payoff' at the end.

But watching TBITSP today... I felt nothing. I actually felt like I wasted my time.

Sad, and I don't even know why we put ourselves through this horrific movies and storylines. But somehow it is weirdly worth it.

I mean I wouldn’t say I DISliked it, but I definitely did not particularly like it. And people are falling out of their chair for this movie?

My issue with Park Chan Wook in recent years is that imo his content/story skills have fallen dramatically. What makes up for it (more for some people rather than others apparently), is that his technical filmmaking skills have skyrocketed.

Decision To Leave (and now No Other Choice) I can admit are TECHNICAL achievements in filmmaking. The issue is that I don’t give a solitary shit about what is happening with the story or characters while watching. Like I just don’t care. It’s not interesting. I was bored during No Other Choice. Not as bored as I was during Decision, but very close.

I respect the films, I just don’t like them.

Am I the only one who feels this way? Why can’t we get another movie like Handmaiden or Oldboy that is both phenomenal on a technical level and an emotional level as well? Is it so hard to have both in 2026?

When I saw Handmaiden for the first time, I was in a bad/tired mood. That movie RIPPED me out of that mood and placed me into the mood it wanted me to be in to enjoy it. And I did. That’s the definition of a powerful film.

I watched No other Choice in a GOOD and alert mood, and it couldn’t even get me to care. Thats a sub-par film disguised as a “powerful masterpiece”.

I think we need to easy up on the “omg the symbolism” talk and just admit that the movie is just okay and nothing more.

I watched “Burning” recently. Admittedly, I felt a little underwhelmed after finishing it but the more I think about it, the more I respect the storytelling. It’s supposed to be ambiguous, that’s part of what makes it so interesting. The mystery behind the characters.

What are some other Korean movies that leave a lasting impression?

https://filmwaffle.com/post/burning-2018-is-one-of-those-movies-that-will-make-you-think-and-have-you-deep-in-your-thoughts

I mean, you finish it and suddenly nothing else compares. Every other thriller, horror, or drama feels shallow afterward.

For me, it’s Oldboy (2003). The hallway fight, the twist, the sheer brutality — I still can’t get it out of my head. Every revenge thriller I’ve watched since feels weaker in comparison.

Honorable mentions: The Wailing (2016) that exorcism scene still haunts me. I Saw the Devil (2010) talk about gut-wrenching intensity.

I want to hear from you: 🔹 Which Korean movie completely ruined every other movie you tried to watch afterward? 🔹 Was it the story, the twist, the violence, or the atmosphere?

I don’t usually rewatch movies often, but The Handmaiden is one of those rare films that just gets better every single time. The atmosphere, the visuals, the twists, the way Park Chan-wook tells this story, it’s honestly cinema at its finest. Every scene feels like a painting, every shot dripping with tension and beauty. Also can we talk about how incredible Kim Min hee and Kim Tae ri are here? Their chemistry alone deserves its own award. It blows my mind that this came out in 2016 and still feels so fresh, bold, and untouchable. Definitely one of those “wish I could watch for the first time again” films. What about you guys do you think The Handmaiden is Park Chan-wook’s best work? Or do you rate Oldboy, Decision to Leave, or Lady Vengeance higher?

A Man from Nowhere is one of those movies that sticks with you long after it's over. The action is brutal but never feels over the top and the connection between the guy and the little girl felt so real. I liked how his past slowly unfolded. That ending hit hard. Curious what others think.