Explosions & Martial Arts: Top Korean Action Films of 2017


2017 was a standout year for Korean action cinema, delivering a mix of intense hand-to-hand combat, gripping crime stories, and explosive gunfights. From high-octane thrillers to gritty gangster dramas, these films showcase the best of Korean action filmmaking. Here are the top must-watch Korean action movies of 2017.

1. The Outlaws (범죄도시)

  • Director: Kang Yoon-sung

  • Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Yoon Kye-sang

  • Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

  • Plot: A fearless detective battles a ruthless Chinese-Korean gang that is taking over the streets of Seoul. With his brute strength and street smarts, he leads a dangerous mission to bring down the crime syndicate.

  • Why Watch?

    • Ma Dong-seok’s power-packed performance.
    • Bone-crushing fight scenes and intense chases.
    • Inspired by real-life gang wars.

2. The Villainess (악녀)

  • Director: Jung Byung-gil

  • Cast: Kim Ok-bin, Shin Ha-kyun

  • Genre: Action, Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

  • Plot: A deadly female assassin is trained by a secret organization but soon finds herself caught in a web of lies and betrayal. As her past resurfaces, she embarks on a bloody path of revenge.

  • Why Watch?

    • Jaw-dropping first-person action sequences.
    • Stylish, fast-paced choreography.
    • Kim Ok-bin’s fierce and emotional performance.

3. Midnight Runners (청년경찰)

  • Director: Kim Joo-hwan

  • Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kang Ha-neul

  • Genre: Action, Comedy

  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

  • Plot: Two police academy students witness a kidnapping and decide to take matters into their own hands. With no backup, they embark on a wild and dangerous rescue mission.

  • Why Watch?

    • Perfect mix of action, humor, and bromance.
    • Fast-paced chase sequences and combat scenes.
    • Park Seo-joon and Kang Ha-neul’s dynamic chemistry.

4. Fabricated City (조작된 도시)

  • Director: Park Kwang-hyun

  • Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Ahn Jae-hong

  • Genre: Action, Thriller

  • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

  • Plot: A pro-gamer is framed for murder and must use his skills and intelligence to clear his name. With a team of hackers and misfits, he takes on a powerful conspiracy.

  • Why Watch?

    • Exciting fight sequences and cyber-thriller elements.
    • Ji Chang-wook’s intense action performance.
    • A gripping underdog revenge story.

5. Real (리얼)

  • Director: Lee Sa-rang

  • Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Sung Dong-il

  • Genre: Action, Crime, Mystery

  • IMDb Rating: 5.4/10

  • Plot: A mysterious man fights to control a high-stakes underground casino, facing off against powerful enemies in a twisted game of deception and violence.

  • Why Watch?

    • Stylish neo-noir action sequences.
    • Kim Soo-hyun’s bold and dark performance.
    • A visually stunning, mind-bending crime thriller.

6. The Battleship Island (군함도)

  • Director: Ryoo Seung-wan

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

  • Genre: Action, War, Drama

  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

  • Plot: During World War II, Korean laborers are forced into brutal slavery on Japan’s Hashima Island. Their desperate escape plan turns into a brutal war for survival.

  • Why Watch?

    • Epic large-scale battle scenes.
    • A gripping historical action film.
    • Emotional performances and intense drama.

7. The King (더 킹)

  • Director: Han Jae-rim

  • Cast: Jo In-sung, Jung Woo-sung

  • Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

  • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

  • Plot: A young prosecutor climbs the ranks by aligning with powerful crime bosses, but as greed and corruption take over, he must decide where his loyalties lie.

  • Why Watch?

    • High-stakes political and legal drama.
    • Jo In-sung’s charismatic performance.
    • A stylish take on Korea’s dark underworld.

8. A Special Lady (미옥)

  • Director: Lee An-gyu

  • Cast: Kim Hye-soo, Lee Sun-kyun

  • Genre: Action, Crime

  • IMDb Rating: 5.6/10

  • Plot: A powerful woman in Korea’s criminal underworld fights to protect her empire while battling betrayals and rival gangs.

  • Why Watch?

    • A rare female-led gangster film.
    • Intense action sequences.
    • Dark and gritty storytelling.

Final Thoughts

2017 was a spectacular year for Korean action movies, offering everything from martial arts battles to gritty crime thrillers and explosive war films. Whether you love high-speed chases, brutal fight scenes, or intense shootouts, these films deliver an unforgettable action experience.

Which of these movies is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!


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