Feel-Good & Witty: Top Korean Comedies from 2013
2013 brought a wave of hilarious, heartwarming, and unforgettable Korean comedies that left audiences in stitches. From witty satire to laugh-out-loud absurdity, these films showcased the best of Korean humor, clever storytelling, and charming performances. Whether you love family-friendly laughs, rom-coms, or dark comedy, this list has something for you.
1. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (7번방의 선물)
- Director: Lee Hwan-kyung
- Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Kal So-won, Park Shin-hye
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Plot: A mentally challenged father is wrongfully imprisoned, leaving his adorable daughter heartbroken. His fellow inmates devise an ingenious plan to sneak the girl into the prison so they can reunite. With a mix of comedy and touching moments, this film tugs at your heart while delivering laughs and emotional depth.
2. Secretly, Greatly (은밀하게 위대하게)
- Director: Jang Cheol-soo
- Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Park Ki-woong, Lee Hyun-woo
- Genre: Comedy, Action, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Plot: Three elite North Korean spies are sent to South Korea to blend in. Disguised as an idiot, a musician, and a high schooler, they live absurd double lives—until a deadly mission forces them to drop their charade. Filled with goofy antics, slapstick humor, and unexpected action, this film balances comedy with emotional weight.
3. The Face Reader (관상)
- Director: Han Jae-rim
- Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Jung-jae, Kim Hye-soo
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Historical
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Plot: A fortune teller who can read faces gets caught up in royal intrigue when his skills attract the attention of corrupt politicians and the king himself. This witty historical comedy delivers sharp humor, political satire, and a touch of suspense, making it both hilarious and thought-provoking.
4. The Spy: Undercover Operation (스파이)
- Director: Lee Seung-jun
- Cast: Sol Kyung-gu, Moon So-ri, Daniel Henney
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Spy
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
- Plot: A top South Korean spy struggles to keep his job a secret from his nosy wife, who thinks he’s just an ordinary salaryman. When his mission in Thailand gets complicated, he must juggle espionage, family drama, and slapstick chaos. This film blends high-energy action with laugh-out-loud moments.
5. Marriage Blue (결혼전야)
- Director: Hong Ji-young
- Cast: Kim Kang-woo, Kim Hyo-jin, Taecyeon
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
- Plot: A group of couples preparing for their weddings faces unexpected challenges, including cold feet, ex-lovers, and pre-marriage jitters. This lighthearted rom-com explores love, commitment, and hilarious misunderstandings, making it a perfect feel-good watch.
6. My Paparotti (파파로티)
- Director: Yoon Jong-chan
- Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Han Suk-kyu
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Plot: A high school gangster with an incredible operatic singing talent meets a strict music teacher who tries to turn him into a star. Their love-hate relationship, filled with sharp humor and heartwarming moments, makes this a unique and uplifting comedy.
7. How to Use Guys with Secret Tips (남자사용설명서)
- Director: Lee Won-suk
- Cast: Lee Si-young, Oh Jung-se
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
- Plot: A struggling assistant director discovers a mysterious VHS tape that teaches her how to manipulate men like a pro. As she rises in her career and love life, she realizes that following the “rules” isn’t always the best path. This quirky rom-com is packed with satirical humor and unexpected romance.
8. Fasten Your Seatbelt (롤러코스터)
- Director: Ha Jung-woo
- Cast: Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Sung-kyun
- Genre: Comedy
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
- Plot: A famous movie star finds himself trapped on a chaotic airplane ride, filled with eccentric passengers, wild turbulence, and over-the-top madness. This film is a laugh-out-loud, absurdist comedy that plays on celebrity culture and airline disasters in the most hilarious way.
9. The Huntresses (조선미녀삼총사)
- Director: Park Jae-hyun
- Cast: Ha Ji-won, Kang Ye-won, Son Ga-in
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Historical
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
- Plot: In Joseon-era Korea, a trio of female bounty hunters fights bad guys, steals secrets, and delivers justice in style. Filled with over-the-top action, witty banter, and girl-power moments, this film is a fun mix of historical adventure and slapstick comedy.
10. Born to Sing (전국노래자랑)
- Director: Lee Jong-pil
- Cast: Kim In-kwon, Ryu Hyun-kyung
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Language: Korean
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Plot: A middle-aged man with a lifelong dream of singing gets his chance on a national talent show. With family chaos, small-town charm, and musical hilarity, this film delivers a heartwarming underdog story filled with big laughs and emotional moments.
Final Thoughts
2013 was a fantastic year for Korean comedies, offering a mix of heartfelt drama, absurd humor, and sharp satire. Whether you’re looking for a witty rom-com, a hilarious spy caper, or a feel-good underdog story, these films guarantee big laughs and unforgettable moments.
Which 2013 Korean comedy is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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