A Year of Masterpieces: The Best Korean Movies of 2022


Korean cinema continued its dominance in 2022, delivering films that blended action, drama, suspense, and social commentary. From gripping thrillers to emotional dramas, here are the best Korean movies of the year that left a lasting impact.

1. Decision to Leave (헤어질 결심)

  • Director: Park Chan-wook
  • Cast: Tang Wei, Park Hae-il
  • Genre: Mystery, Romance, Noir
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
  • Plot: Hae-jun, a dedicated detective, investigates the suspicious death of a man who fell from a mountain. The prime suspect is the man’s enigmatic widow, Seo-rae. As Hae-jun grows obsessed with her, his judgment blurs, leading to an intoxicating game of deception and longing. Decision to Leave is a slow-burning, visually stunning film that keeps viewers on edge with its subtle intensity and deep emotions.

2. Hunt (헌트)

  • Director: Lee Jung-jae
  • Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woo-sung
  • Genre: Action, Spy Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
  • Plot: Set in the 1980s, Hunt follows two elite intelligence agents tasked with uncovering a North Korean mole within their agency. As paranoia rises, both men must navigate deception, betrayals, and high-stakes action. Directed by Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae, Hunt is an intense political thriller packed with stylish cinematography and gripping action sequences.

3. Broker (브로커)

  • Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
  • Cast: Song Kang-ho, Gang Dong-won, Bae Doona, IU
  • Genre: Drama, Road Movie
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
  • Plot: A group of people, including a baby broker and a detective, become entangled in an unexpected journey when a mother abandons her child at a baby box. As they travel together, they form unlikely bonds and redefine the meaning of family. Broker is a heartwarming yet melancholic film, featuring powerful performances and thought-provoking themes about human connection.

4. The Night Owl (올빼미)

  • Director: Ahn Tae-jin
  • Cast: Ryu Jun-yeol, Yoo Hae-jin
  • Genre: Historical Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
  • Plot: A blind acupuncturist working in the royal palace becomes the sole witness to a murder. As he navigates political conspiracies, he must decide whether to reveal the truth at the risk of his own life. The Night Owl masterfully blends history with suspense, offering a unique take on palace intrigue.

5. The Witch: Part 2 – The Other One (마녀 2부: 다른 하나)

  • Director: Park Hoon-jung
  • Cast: Shin Si-ah, Park Eun-bin, Seo Eun-soo
  • Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
  • Plot: After escaping a secret laboratory, a mysterious girl with supernatural abilities becomes the target of powerful forces. As she uncovers the truth about her origins, she faces deadly enemies. The Witch: Part 2 expands on the original film’s universe, delivering intense action sequences and deepening its sci-fi lore.

6. 20th Century Girl (20세기 소녀)

  • Director: Bang Woo-ri
  • Cast: Kim Yoo-jung, Byeon Woo-seok
  • Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
  • Plot: Set in 1999, a teenage girl spies on a boy for her best friend, only to find herself falling for him. Years later, she revisits those memories, uncovering bittersweet truths. 20th Century Girl is a nostalgic, heartfelt romance filled with emotions and a beautifully crafted 90s atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

2022 showcased the diversity of Korean cinema, from Park Chan-wook’s mesmerizing noir Decision to Leave to action-packed thrillers like Hunt and deeply emotional dramas like Broker. Whether you're looking for intrigue, action, or heartwarming stories, these films represent the best of Korean filmmaking in 2022.


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