Adrenaline & Explosions: Top Korean Action Films of 2022


Korean action cinema reached new heights in 2022, delivering adrenaline-fueled stories packed with explosive set pieces, intense fight choreography, and gripping narratives. From high-stakes espionage to brutal survival battles, these films kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

1. 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: In the politically charged 1980s, two elite South Korean intelligence officers, Park Pyong-ho and Kim Jung-do, are assigned to expose a North Korean mole within their agency. As they race against time, each man becomes suspicious of the other, leading to a deadly game of cat and mouse. Packed with intense shootouts, gripping espionage, and stylish direction, Hunt marks Lee Jung-jae’s impressive directorial debut.

2. 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: Following the events of The Witch: Part 1 – The Subversion, a mysterious girl with extraordinary abilities escapes a top-secret laboratory. Pursued by multiple factions, including powerful assassins and secret organizations, she must unlock her full potential to survive. The Witch: Part 2 expands the sci-fi action universe with exhilarating fight sequences, brutal confrontations, and a compelling storyline.

3. Confidential Assignment 2: International (공조 2: 인터내셔날)

  • Director: Lee Seok-hoon
  • Cast: Hyun Bin, Yoo Hae-jin, Daniel Henney, Yoona
  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Buddy Cop
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
  • Plot: North Korean detective Im Cheol-ryung is once again forced to work with South Korean cop Kang Jin-tae, but this time, an FBI agent joins their operation to track down a ruthless criminal. As alliances shift and betrayals unfold, the trio engages in high-speed chases, explosive shootouts, and hilarious banter. A perfect mix of action and comedy, Confidential Assignment 2 delivers a thrilling and entertaining experience.

4. Carter (카터)

  • Director: Jung Byung-gil
  • Cast: Joo Won, Lee Sung-jae, Jeong So-ri
  • Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Survival
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
  • Plot: A man wakes up with no memory and a voice in his ear commanding him to complete a dangerous mission. With enemies everywhere and his life on the line, he must fight his way through an apocalyptic landscape to uncover the truth about his identity. Shot in a single-take style, Carter is a high-octane, relentless action film filled with insane stunts and brutal fight scenes.

5. Decibel (데시벨)

  • Director: Hwang In-ho
  • Cast: Kim Rae-won, Lee Jong-suk, Cha Eun-woo
  • Genre: Action, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
  • Plot: When a former Navy officer receives a mysterious call, he learns that a terrorist has planted sound-sensitive bombs throughout the city. With only minutes to prevent mass destruction, he must outsmart the bomber in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Decibel offers heart-pounding tension, explosive action sequences, and a gripping storyline.

6. The Roundup (범죄도시 2)

  • Director: Lee Sang-yong
  • Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Son Suk-ku, Choi Gwi-hwa
  • Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
  • Language: Korean
  • IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
  • Plot: Following the events of The Outlaws, legendary detective Ma Seok-do heads to Vietnam to extradite a fugitive. However, he soon uncovers a sinister human trafficking ring led by a ruthless killer. Armed with his fists and unstoppable determination, Ma Seok-do takes on an army of criminals in this hard-hitting, no-nonsense action thriller.

Final Thoughts

2022 was a powerhouse year for Korean action films, with movies like Hunt and The Roundup offering intense hand-to-hand combat, while Carter experimented with an innovative one-take filming style. Whether you enjoy espionage, sci-fi, or crime thrillers, these films provide high-energy entertainment and adrenaline-pumping excitement.


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