Dystopias & AI: Korea’s Best Sci-Fi Films of 2017


2017 saw Korean sci-fi cinema exploring themes of artificial intelligence, dystopian futures, and advanced technology, blending action, mystery, and thought-provoking narratives. Here are the top Korean sci-fi films of the year that took audiences on mind-bending journeys.

1. Fabricated City (조작된 도시)

  • Director: Park Kwang-hyun

  • Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Shim Eun-kyung, Oh Jung-se

  • Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

  • Plot: A skilled gamer is framed for murder and must use his digital skills in the real world to uncover the truth behind a sinister conspiracy.

  • Why Watch?

    • High-energy action sequences and a gripping plot.
    • A dystopian-style government cover-up story.
    • Ji Chang-wook’s intense performance as an ordinary man turned hero.

2. The Battleship Island (군함도)

  • Director: Ryoo Seung-wan

  • Cast: Hwang Jung-min, So Ji-sub, Song Joong-ki

  • Genre: Sci-Fi, War, Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

  • Plot: Set during Japan’s colonial rule, Korean laborers are forced to work on a remote island, where they must fight for survival and freedom.

  • Why Watch?

    • A dystopian setting inspired by historical events.
    • Intense action sequences and emotional storytelling.
    • A stellar cast delivering powerhouse performances.

3. Lucid Dream (루시드 드림)

  • Director: Kim Joon-sung

  • Cast: Go Soo, Sol Kyung-gu, Kang Hye-jung

  • Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

  • Plot: A desperate father uses lucid dreaming technology to search for his kidnapped son, blurring the lines between dream and reality.

  • Why Watch?

    • A Korean take on Inception-style storytelling.
    • Mind-bending dream sequences and a gripping mystery.
    • Themes of AI-driven dream manipulation.

4. A Day (하루)

  • Director: Cho Sun-ho

  • Cast: Kim Myung-min, Byun Yo-han

  • Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Time Loop Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

  • Plot: A doctor finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same tragic accident over and over as he tries to find a way to stop it.

  • Why Watch?

    • A unique blend of time travel and thriller elements.
    • Emotional storytelling combined with intense suspense.
    • A gripping race against time with unpredictable twists.

5. The King’s Case Note (임금님의 사건수첩)

  • Director: Moon Hyun-sung

  • Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Ahn Jae-hong

  • Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Historical Comedy

  • IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

  • Plot: A king and his royal historian investigate mysterious incidents involving advanced technology in the Joseon era.

  • Why Watch?

    • A unique fusion of historical drama and sci-fi.
    • Sherlock Holmes-style detective storytelling.
    • Witty humor balanced with a gripping mystery.

Final Thoughts

From time loops to AI conspiracies, these 2017 Korean sci-fi films took audiences on thrilling and thought-provoking rides. Whether you enjoy high-octane action, deep psychological twists, or dystopian survival stories, there’s something here for every sci-fi fan.

Which movie intrigued you the most? Let us know in the comments!


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